NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams appears open to switching parties to become a Republican, as he declined to rule out a future change in political allegiances during a pair of interviews Friday that came as he has increasing warmed to President-elect Donald Trump. The comments from Adams, the top Democrat in one of the country's most liberal cities, riled critics who have grown concerned over the mayor's increasing willingness to throw his support behind Trump and his hardline immigration policies. Adams, who faces federal corruption charges , was a registered Republican in the 1990s and early 2000s but has spent his political career as a Democrat. In a Friday morning interview with the local cable news station NY1, Adams was asked if he would consider a return to the GOP. The Democrat appeared to leave open the possibility of a switch. “The party that’s the most important for me is the American party,” he said. “I’m a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.” In another interview about a half-hour later on PIX11, Adams said he would run for reelection as a Democrat but still appeared to leave some wiggle room for his future. “So no matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for the American values," he said. "And I think America has told us, stop the squabbling, leaders, and start leading us out of the crisis that we’re facing.” Adams won office on a centrist platform and has spent significant time as mayor quarreling with the progressive wing of his party. But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump's election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect's platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration. Rather than restricting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as he once promised, Adams recently expressed a willingness to roll back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies, and he plans to meet with Trump’s top border official over concerns about what the mayor said was the “rising illegal alien crime rate in New York City.” He has also praised those in Trump’s orbit, including Elon Musk, who has claimed falsely that Democrats are illegally “importing” migrants to garner votes. “This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace and we’ve been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled,” Adams said of the country Tuesday. “And now you have a bunch of people who are not afraid of being canceled.” The shift comes as Adams is trying to fight off an indictment on federal corruption charges while governing the city and gearing up to run for a second term. Adams has pleaded not guilty in his criminal case, in which he has been accused of accepting free or discounted overseas trips and illegal campaign contributions from people looking to gain his influence, including people connected to Turkey or the Turkish government. Adams’ critics have seized on his recent comments about the Trump administration as a move toward self-preservation, accusing the mayor of cozying up to the next president in an effort to secure a pardon in his corruption case. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary,” said Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member who is challenging against Adams in the mayoral primary. “Eric Adams is in City Hall because Democratic voters sent him there. To serve his own narrow self-interests, he is clearly prepared to betray them.” Zellnor Myrie, a state senator who is also challenging Adams in the primary, said “at a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” “Instead of playing footsie with the next president, we need a mayor with the courage to stand up for our city,” Myrie wrote on X. Adams on Friday did distance himself from the Trump administration's potential plans to carry out mass deportations, saying, “You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.” Still, the mayor's recent remarks are a major departure from his stance before he took office. In June of 2021, a few weeks before winning the Democratic mayoral primary, Adams spoke to a room full of immigrant New Yorkers about the challenges facing city residents who are in the country illegally. “Too many of our neighbors live in the shadows,” he said at the time, “scarred by the abusive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era and fearing a denial of their rights.” Izaguirre reported from Albany. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Shares of Nvidia fell Monday after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Shares of Nvidia fell Monday after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Shares of Nvidia fell Monday after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. In a brief news release with few details, Chinese regulators appear to be focusing on Nvidia’s $6.9 billion acquisition of network and data transmission company Mellanox in 2019. Nvidia shares about 3% Monday. They are still up 179% so far this year. Considered a bellwether for artificial intelligence demand, Nvidia has led the AI sector to become one of the stock market’s biggest companies, as tech giants spend heavily on the company’s chips and data centers needed to train and operate their AI systems. Nvidia’s shares have surged this year along with the California company’s revenue and profit due to AI demand. According to data firm FactSet, about 16% of Nvidia’s revenue comes from China, second only to its U.S.-generated revenue. A spokesperson for the company based in Santa Clara, California, said in an emailed statement that Nvidia is “happy to answer any questions regulators may have about our business.” In its most recent earnings release, Nvidia posted revenue of $35.08 billion, up 94% from $18.12 billion a year ago. Nvidia earned $19.31 billion in the quarter, more than double the $9.24 billion it posted in last year’s third quarter. The earnings release did not break out revenue from China. The company’s market value rocketed to $3.5 trillion recently, passing Microsoft and briefly overtaking Apple as the world’s most valuable company. China’s antitrust investigation follows a report this summer by technology news site The Information that the U.S. Justice Department was investigating complaints from rivals that Nvidia was abusing its market dominance in the chip sector. The allegations reported include Nvidia threatening to punish those who buy products from both itself and its competitors at the same time. David Bieri, an international finance expert at Virginia Tech, said that China’s investigation is “not about what Nvidia is doing in China, per se” but rather a signal to the incoming Trump administration. China, Bieri said, is looking to set the tone of future relations. The Chinese government, he said, is telling the U.S. “don’t mess with us, because all of your darling corporations that your version of capitalism needs to prosper have entanglements” with China. Nvidia will have to revise its strategy in China or come up with provisions in their budgets for the type of uncertainty business with China will bring, Bieri said. “I don’t think this is something that they can shake off,” he said. “I also have a tremendous amount of faith in the brilliance of the management strategy of a corporation like Nvidia to not only pay attention to credit risk, market risk and operational risk, but also to political risk.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Nvidia’s invention of graphics processor chips, or GPUs, in 1999 helped spark the growth of the PC gaming market and redefined computer graphics. Last month, it replaced Intel on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, ending the pioneering semiconductor company’s 25-year run on the index. Unlike Intel, Nvidia designs but doesn’t manufacture its own chips, relying heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., an Intel rival. ___ Associated Press Technology Writer Sarah Parvini in Los Angeles contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement
☑️ Gov. Phil Murphy said he met again with federal officials about the drones ☑️ He's aware of drone sightings near sensitive military assets and critical infrastructure ☑️ 19 Morris County mayors are demanding more answers from Murphy Gov. Phil Murphy is talking drones again. On Monday, the governor reiterated that drones flying over New Jersey in recent weeks do not pose a threat to public safety and expressed his own frustration at the lack of a clear answer about their origin from the federal government. Talking to reporters after a bill signing at the Princeton Public Library, the governor said there were 49 reported sightings Sunday night, including 20 over Hunterdon County. One turned out to be a small Piper Cub plane, he said. He described the drones as being "sophisticated" that go dark quickly after being spotted. Murphy said he doesn't blame people for being frustrated about a lack of information about the drones and why they've been flying over New Jersey since before Thanksgiving. A number of state and federal agencies have not found evidence of the drones being a threat, according to the governor. "And I say we, this includes Homeland Security, FBI, Secret Service, our State Police, authorities at all levels of government. The most important point to say is we don't see any concern for public safety," Murphy said. "Having said that, it's really frustrating that we don't have more answers as to where they're coming from and why they're doing what they're doing." ALSO READ: Retired Absegami High School teacher found dead, family says Murphy makes a plea Murphy said he had another meeting Sunday with the White House and top leadership with the federal Department of Homeland Security. "We're obviously most concerned about sensitive targets and sensitive critical infrastructure. So we've got military assets, we've got utility assets, we've got one of the President-elect's homes here. This is something we're taking deadly seriously. We've got good cooperation out of the feds, but we need more. And that's, that was my plea," Murphy said. He did not offer a timetable for the release of additional information about the drones but promised to share it quickly once he gets it. "I'm not going to hide it under a bush," Murphy said. Contrary to social media speculation, Murphy said he is not aware of any drone that has crashed. "Having our hands on equipment that's on the ground would be helpful. No question about it," Murphy said. ALSO READ: Woman stabbed to death by boyfriend, prosecutor says Peace of mind at stake Jackson and Howell police reported drone sightings over their respective communities on Sunday night. Middletown Mayor Tony Perry told New Jersey 101.5 residents reported six drones hovering over Naval Weapons Station Earle on Friday and another four on Saturday. Local law enforcement urged residents not to call 911 for drone sightings but to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov . Nineteen Morris County mayors are the latest to seek answers from Murphy about the drone sightings, and are requesting a full investigation into their "origin, purpose and compliance with regulations," and a clear communication about their findings. "The safety and peace of mind of our residents are at stake. We trust that your office will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants. We are committed to working collaboratively with your administration to resolve this issue and restore confidence in the safety and security of our communities," the mayors wrote. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden also called for more answers. “We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities,” Golden said in a statement. “The safety and security of our residents are our top priorities. We urge federal and state authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.” Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Top ten mistakes people make at office holiday parties Gallery Credit: Kylie Moore 13 cozy, very historic NJ bars and restaurants Not only are these New Jersey spots cozy for a drink and bite to eat - the properties all have roots that go back to the 1700s. Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt Who to tip this holiday season and how much? Gallery Credit: Jen UrsilloFriday night’s WWE SmackDown episode averaged 1.494 million viewers on USA Network, up 11.4 percent from the previous week. It’s the third-largest audience total for the show since October 11. SmackDown drew a 0.44 rating in the 18-49 demo, which topped the prime time cable charts for the day. That’s up 10 percent from last week, which was also the third-best rating the show has done in that category since the October 11 episode. The show went head-to-head with a conference championship college football game on Fox that averaged three million viewers and topped all of television with a 0.70 rating. There was also an NBA game on ESPN that drew a 0.31 and another college football game on ABC that did a 0.28. As compared to the same week in 2023, when SmackDown still aired on Fox, the show’s overall viewership was down 37.3 percent while its 18-49 rating was down 30.2 percent. Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership totals and 18-49 demo ratings for SmackDown, as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up two percent in overall viewers and 2.3 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.
The 5 Best Lennox Lewis Fights in His Career
(See Langley Christmas Fun for holiday events listing) . Mary Poppins, the Musical: Theatre in the Country staging the show Wednesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 27 to Dec. 14. Dinner theatre or show-only options. Tickets and info: theatreinthecountry.com. . Historical re-enactment: Bicentennial of the James McMillan expedition that ventured north from Oregon to this area for the Hudson's Bay Company will be commemorated by the Living Arts Society with re-enactments at Portage Park, 2964 204 St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. followed by talks, an art workshop, an art exhibit, music, costumes, and more at the Timms Community Centre between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Free but must reserve tickets for Timms events. Info: https://tinyurl.com/rjxhj59j. . Weed pulls: Join the Glen Valley Watersheds Society Tuesdays until April from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for blackberry removal. Dec. 17 at West Creek Wetlands. Blackberry pulls will be cancelled due to high winds, snow, or unfavourable driving conditions. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Saturday paddles: Fort Langley Canoe Club invites people to join the voyageurs Saturdays at 9 a.m. to paddle the Fraser River. No previous paddling experience necessary. Teaching provided. Paddles and life jackets (PFDs) are included in the drop-in rate. Info: Judy Fawcett, voyrep@fortlangleycanoeclub.ca. . Probus Club: Langley residents able to join Maple Ridge Probus Club, a social group for semi-retired and retired people 55-plus. Group meets third Thursday of the month except in summer. Info: Dick, 604-467-1590 or www.probusclubofmapleridge.org. . Hope Meets Action: Echoes through the Black Continuum: New display about Black history in B.C. is at Fort Langley National Historic Site until Dec. 12. Created in partnership with the B.C. Black History Awareness Society and the Royal BC Museum. . Senior Pride: Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Langley Senior Resources Society Centre, 20605 51B Ave. Open to all LGBTQ+ people who are 50 or older. Info: Barb, 604-888-7755. . Langley Quilters Guild: Day meeting is 10:30 a.m. while the evening gathering is 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except December) at the George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42 Ave. Info: langleyquiltersguild.com. . Holding Hope: Peer facilitated support group by Moms Stop the Harm started to support families and individuals whose loves ones use or have used substances. Info: momsstoptheharm.com. . BC Farm Museum: Open for the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 9131 King St. in Fort Langley. Museum features a children’s scavenger hunt, murals, interactive storytelling tech, and more than 6,000 items on display. Admission by donation. Info: bcfma.com. . Old-time dance: Dance or just enjoy the music and company at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273 St. Coffee, tea and snacks included in $10 admission. $20 annual membership. New time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Info: Angie, 778-836-0270, or Mary, 604-534-4802. Dec. 14 Ukrainian Prairie Band. Resume in 2025. . Music and Friends - A Celidh Celebration: All ages live music event is at the Aldergrove OAP Hall, 3015 273rd St., from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. $10 for those 14 and older. Tickets at the door. Tea, coffee and treats available as well as 50/50 draw. . Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society: Monthly Zoom meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Valley Bluegrass Music Society: Public invited to Friday bluegrass performances in St. Andrew’s Church, 9025 Glover Rd. $7 for members and $10 for non-members (cash only). Weekly jams happen September through June. Info: valleybluegrassmusic@gmail.com or the society Facebook page. . Aldergrove Swing Club: Open to all levels. No partner required. Friday dances are at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Free lesson at 7:30 p.m. with general dancing at 8:15. $10 admission. Info: mrthejackel@gmail.com or aldergrooveswing.com. . Valley Promenaders: No experience necessary for modern square dance sessions. Club meets Thursdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Info and reservations: wkrueger@shaw.ca or 778-878-4244. . Langley Camera Club: Group meets regularly at the Langley Lions Society West Langley Hall at 9400 208th St. Info: contact@langleycameraclub.ca. . Steersperson wanted: FORTified, a mixed 55-plus dragonboat team paddling in Fort Langley, is looking for a steersperson. Practices are at 10 a.m. on Sundays for the months of November and January through March. Spring and summer practices are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April through September. Info: Terry, 604-340-9108. . Aldergrove drop-in coffee group: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Aldergrove Community Station House, 2900 272nd St. on the first and third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walnut Grove drop-in coffee club: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Second Story Treasures thrift shop, 8948 202nd St., every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walkers and manual wheelchairs: Langley Pos-Abilities Society needs donations to help make life more accessible to people. Charity has a waitlist of people in need. Info: 604-961-0117 or pos-abilities.org. . Learning Farm Garden Club: LEPS garden club meets at the Learning Farm at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn new gardening skills. Info: agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Langley Meals on Wheels: volunteers needed two to three hours per week. Roles include meal delivery, cafe support workers, and kitchen help. Training and support provided. Info: lmow.ca, info@lmow.ca, or 604-533-1679. . Langley Community Chorus: Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the United Churches of Langley (Murrayville). Group is looking for more tenors. Info: membership secretary, lccmembershipsec@gmail.com. . Timms Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Club: Afternoon games played Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Timms Community Centre. Free with City rec pass ($25 annually). Drop-in format. Info: city.langley.bc.ca. . Seniors Gardening Club: Langley Environmental Partners Society invites seniors to take part. Drop-in format Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Langley Learning Farm, Derek Doubleday Arboretum. Info: Amanda, agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Monday Morning Talk Show: Langley Seniors Resource Society Centre 10 a.m. speaker series is free and open to the public at 20605 51B Ave. Info: 604-530-3020. . Municipal retirees: Municipal Pension Retirees Association Langley chapter quarterly, in-person meetings are at 1:30 p.m. in the Douglas Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Cres. Public is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Info: langleympra@gmail.com. . Swing Dance Social: Monthly dances hosted by Swing Shift, a non-profit dance group, are offered at the Murrayville Hall on the first Friday of the month. First lesson free for beginners (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.). No partner necessary. Tickets: $10 in advance through eventbrite or $15 at the door. Info: Rock Step Swing Dance on Facebook, or rockstepswing@gmail.com. Next one is Dec. 6. . Aldergrove Legion: Branch 265 supports Rolling Barrage, a national effort to help veterans and first responders with PTSD. Legion does a 50/50 on the first Saturday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Branch also fundraises with meat draws Saturdays 2 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday 5 to 7 p.m. . Men’s Shed: Langley has a chapter of the international group that allows men to get together and socialize, work on projects, or help the community by using their skills. Meetings are at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at the Ricky’s restaurant, 5978 Glover Rd. Info: info@MensShedLangley.ca or MensShedLangley.ca. . Hope after Stroke: Support group for those who have returned home after a stroke meets Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: Marilyn, 604-882-4672 or hopeafterstroke.ca. . Gamblers Anonymous: Non-profit can help adults with problem gambling. Call 1-855-222-5542. . Gamblers Anonymous family groups: Gam-Anon helps people impacted by someone else’s gambling. Welcome whether gambler seeks help or not. Info: vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca or 604-626-9418. . Hub meeting: Langley Seniors in Action monthly meetings allows local seniors to gather virtually, collaborate and network. Open to seniors and those in the senior-serving organizations and businesses. Meetings are third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Info: langleyseniorsinaction.ca/hub/meetings. . Community Engagement: Langley Community Services Society program for senior immigrants who are permanent residents. Meet people from around the world, learn about topics such as Canadian culture, financial literacy, recipes, gardening and more. Free. In person at LCSS office, 5330 207th St. or online. Info and registration: Yoona Ahn, 604-534-7921 ext. 1204 or yahn@lcss.ca. . Assistance needed: Critter Care Wildlife Society looking for volunteers for various duties (animal capture, transport, painters, builders, gardeners, landscapers, general maintenance and labour. Charity urgently needs dog and cat food, fresh produce, and towels during baby season. Info: Michelle Binnet, crittercare9@shaw.ca. . Langley Newcomers and Friends: Women’s group meets on the first Tuesday of each month for outings and activities, including movie nights, brunch, lunch, socials, walks, and more. Info: langleynewcomers.webs.com. . Meditation: Free session Thursdays 7 to 8 p.m. at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum Rotary Interpretive Centre, 21177 Fraser Hwy. Folding chairs available on site or bring one. Hosted by Melissa Kramer, Low Entropy Foundation. Open to all skill levels and those wanting to learn more. Info: www.lowentropy.org/events. . Heartfulness meditation class: Free. Learn guided relaxation and meditation techniques. Info: Judith, 604-533-1172 or divinetraveller@gmail.com. . Queen Mum’s Jewels: Women’s group meets at various venues for socializing and activities, such as luncheons, brunch, movies, live theatre, games, bus tours, fashion shows, and more. Info: bgfleming@shaw.ca. . Prostate Cancer Support Group: Group meets monthly in the Arbor Room at Valley View Memorial Garden, 14644 72nd Ave. Open to any interested in prostate cancer. Info: 604-594-5257. . Myles of Smiles Open Mic: Thursday gatherings at Veggie Bob’s Kitchen Cafe in Fort Langley are 6 to 9 p.m. Info: creative-compass.com. . CARES: Local no-kill cat shelter needs people to foster kittens. Info: mjhaney@shaw.ca. . Aldergrove Art Club: Everyone welcome Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Heritage OAP hall, 3015 273rd St. to practise, socialize and help each other. Info: Faith, 604-530-2900, or Joan, 604-856-9792. . TOPS open house: Take Off Pounds Sensibly invites public to learn about the support group at 10:30 a.m. Group meets Tuesdays at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 20955 Old Yale Rd. Info: Marnie, 604-539-8602. . Open mic: Artful Dodger Pub, 2364 200th St., has open mic night Sundays starting at 5 p.m. All ages until 9 p.m. . Fort Langley Farmers Market: Open for the season as of Saturday, April 6, the market runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday at 9025 Glover Rd. until Dec. 7. . LIBRARIES (programs and events are free unless specified otherwise) . A Sleuth of Bears scavenger hunt: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has a scavenger hunt for kids throughout December. Find groups of animals throughout the library. (A group of bears is called a sleuth.) . Reindeer scavenger hunt: Kids can find deer throughout the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., until Dec. 24. Prizes for finding all of them. . Monday Crafternoon: From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, kids can get creative at a free craft session in the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon STEAM Club: Kids ages seven to 12 can learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play at a session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Ages 12 to 14 can play Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Ages 14 to 19 can play at a session noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. No experience nor supplies necessary. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tween and teen Dungeons & Dragons: Session for kids nine to 18 is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Registration appreciated. No experience nor supplies needed. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning book club: Lively discussions of book is monthly at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Session is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Books are provided. Next gathering is Tuesday, Dec. 17. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon book club: Adults can join fellow book enthusiasts at a gathering Thursday, Dec. 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Books provided. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . All ages chess: No registration required to play chess Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, but all ages and all skill levels welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Saturday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older Sundays between noon and 2 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . "Not Bored" Games Club: All ages can play games at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. No sign up is required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Sunday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older each Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Scrabble Club: No registration is required for games scrabble at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave., Sundays from 1 to 2 p.m. No experience necessary. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Book Club: Adults invited to club at Muriel Arnason library. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Monday afternoon book club: From 2 to 3 p.m., the club for adults meets at the Aldergrove library. New members welcome. Book provides. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Hooked on Reading: Murrayville library’s book club for adults will meet 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Books provided and new members welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Chat and Chill: Described as “adult show and tell” the club is for collectors of things old and new. Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Free. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Babytime: Fraser Valley Regional Library 30-minute sessions for babies and caregivers are on Tuesdays at the Dean Drysdale branch (10:30 a.m.) and Murrayville branch (10 a.m.). Thursdays at the Aldergrove branch at 10:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. at Murrayville. Friday sessions are at 9:30 at Muriel Arnason branch, and 10:30 a.m. at Brookswood. Limited space. Register in advance through the website. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Sensory playtime: Baby (birth to two) sensory playtime with textures, sounds, and colours is Thursdays 2 to 3 p.m. at the Murrayville branch. No registration required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Storytime: Prepares children to learn to read. Children and caregivers enjoy interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and more. Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Muriel Arnason branch. Wednesday sessions are at Aldergrove (10:30 a.m.), Murrayville (10:30 a.m.) and Brookswood (11 a.m.). Thursday 10 a.m. at the Dean Drysdale branch. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Pyjama Storytime: Children and caregivers can visit the Aldergrove Library Thursdays at 6 p.m. for a 30-minute session of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Kids can wear PJs and bring a stuffie. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. Next session: Nov. 19. . Builders’ Club: Monday sessions are 3:30 p.m. at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave. Tuesday sessions are at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave., at 3:30 p.m. Drop-in fun for all ages. Library provides the LEGO, Keva planks and Magformers. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Knit and crochet: Fraser Valley Regional Library groups open to all skill levels. Group meets Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Muriel Arnason branch. Tuesday session is 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Murrayville branch. Thursdays: Aldergrove branch gathering is 1 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tech help for seniors: Aldergrove library, 26770 29 Ave., has one-on-one help for seniors Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. Bring the device (cellphone, tables, ereaders, laptops) and receive up to 60 minutes free help. Register in advance at 604-856-6415, in person, or at www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Night: Stop by the Aldergrove Library from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays for board games, puzzle cubes, LEGO, Keva planks, colouring and more. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . LEGO and KEVA Club: Aldergrove Library provides the playing pieces for anyone who wants to stop by Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning Coffee Club: Adults can head to the Murrayville Library Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to relax by the fireplace, and enjoy coffee and conversation. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Coffee and conversation: Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., invites adults to enjoy a relaxing get-together Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Conversation circle: Drop-in format for ages 12 and older for gathering for those wanting to improve their English skills. Meet at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Groups are welcome to submit information about upcoming community events in Langley. Publication is at the discretion of the newspaper, and host groups are responsible for keeping their information up to date.
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Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James's social media exit has more to do with protecting Bronny than escaping his own critics. The ESPN analyst suggests the mounting evidence of Bronny's struggles - from high school through his early professional career - has finally pushed his father to step away from social media scrutiny. On Sunday, Nov. 24, Stephen A. Smith posted a video on his YouTube channel laying out his reasoning. "LeBron James electing to get off of social media. Is that because of you, LeBron James, or is it because of your son, Bronny James and his struggles?" Smith questioned, pointing to Bronny's trajectory from mediocre high school star to struggling professional. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The numbers paint a clear picture of Bronny's development. Despite being a McDonald's All-American ranked 19th in the 2023 recruiting class, his statistics have been modest at every level. At Sierra Canyon High School, where his team won three Mission League titles in four years, he averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists his senior year. These numbers raised eyebrows, with critics noting that All-Americans typically post more dominant statistics. His transition to college basketball at USC showed similar limitations, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Now as a pro splitting time between the G-League and NBA, he's averaging a mere 0.7 points while shooting 16.7%. "Truthfully speaking, it only makes sense that it's Bronny James," Smith continued. "Not to be redundant, but I think it's necessary to be that way, Bronny James doesn't belong in the NBA. Not yet. Some people say never. I don't believe that. I think the kid has a chance... but he's not ready yet." Smith acknowledged LeBron's own history with media scrutiny but suggested this situation is different. "LeBron James is one of the most scrutinized players in the NBA because when he came along is when social media shortly followed... So we understand that LeBron James has received a heightened level of scrutiny, but we also understand that he's fully capable of taking and absorbing it and stomaching it. So why step away now?" The timing of LeBron's social media exit, coupled with Bronny's ongoing struggles, suggests that Smith might be onto something. While LeBron has weathered decades of intense media scrutiny, watching his son face similar pressure might be an entirely different kind of challenge. Related: Skip Bayless Levels Harsh Criticism of LeBron James
Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation: Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun , a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a suppressor, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione. A spokesman for the lawmaker's office confirmed the relationship Monday. Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspected shooter exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report.
BERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Technology , a mental health technology innovation company, is announcing its participation in Batch 19 of the prestigious UC Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for startup acceleration. The company's HereHear AI therapist solution will be the key focus of the program, driven by the vision of revolutionizing mental health with AI-powered virtual solutions. To learn more about HereHear, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngU32WgiWf4 "HereHear is here in the US, and I am truly grateful to the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for recognizing its potential," noted Lynia Huang , Bamboo Technology's CEO. "As important as mental health has become in recent years, there is a shortage of mental health providers and access to support is low — and HereHear is paving the way for AI to bridge that gap as a first line of defense." A growing case for incorporating AI into mental healthcare With data showing that the US is in a mental health crisis, the CDC recently noted a dire need for public health initiatives that create environments centered around mental health. Specific to the workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management's Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of US employees feel burned out at work. The combination of a shortage of mental health providers in the US with the flourishing capabilities of AI builds a strong case for the technology to be deployed in the form of human-guided mental health solutions. HereHear's YangYang: A personalized 3D virtual therapist As organizations seek out ways to empower team members to take better care of their mental health, AI is increasingly emerging as a solution for on-demand, personalized support. Offering a more engaging interaction than chatbots, HereHear's 3D virtual therapist YangYang was launched in January 2024 and offers: YangYang has already been implemented in several therapy clinics and has helped 70% of users improve stress and depression levels by 25% within 3 months. Taking the form of a sheep further distinguishes her — this functions both to provide a 'cute' aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support she provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Bringing success in Taiwan to the US market Bamboo Technology's acceptance into the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program is a major accomplishment as the platform seeks to enter the US market. Batch 19 has only 117 startups out of around 2300 applications, and the program will support HereHear to develop, pilot and launch, as well as to pitch for funding. The company aims to target the app in the human resources space—as a tool for companies to offer staff for on-demand, privacy-first mental health support. Back in Taiwan , the app already has hospitals, mental health clinics, universities, publicly listed companies, and government agencies that use it, similarly spurred by a shortage of mental health workers. About Bamboo Technology Established in November 2018 , the Taipei -based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today's society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-technologys-herehear-virtual-ai-therapist-joins-berkeley-skydeck-ipp-program-302325187.html SOURCE BAMBOO TECHNOLOGY LTD.
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Mark Cuban and the NBA have always had a love-hate relationship with one another, and now the pendulum may be swinging back in favor of the latter. In an interview this week with veteran NBA writer Marc Stein , the longtime Dallas Mavericks owner Cuban called out the league for their “petty” move. Cuban revealed that the NBA no longer allows him to sit behind the Dallas bench during road games. “The NBA got really, really, really petty and said that I can’t sit behind the bench anymore,” Cuban said. The 66-year-old Cuban added that he no longer attends many Mavericks road games as a result and is set to miss the team’s entire three-game road trip leading into Thanksgiving week. You can read his full interview with Stein here . Cuban bought the Mavs in 2000 and has long been known as one of the most hands-on, ominpresent owners in the league. His many antics while sitting courtside over the years are a story as old as time itself . But Cuban is no longer the principal owner of the Mavericks as he decided late last year to sell his majority stake to the Adelson family (led by Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont, who now serves as main governor of the team). Cuban later explained that he had a couple of noteworthy reasons for doing so . Though Cuban is still minority owner of the Mavericks and retains control over the day-to-day basketball operations as part of a very interesting setup , it seems the NBA has since placed some restrictions on Cuban’s presence at Dallas’ road games. He clearly isn’t pleased about it either, and it definitely is not the first time that Cuban has clashed with the league . This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.Nvidia's stock dips after China opens probe of the AI chip company for violating anti-monopoly laws
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DOHA, Qatar , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 25, 2024 , the First JETOUR Fan's Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar , themed "Think Future". During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand "Traveler" in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR's commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the "The World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles" under the "Travel+" strategy. JETOUR T2 i-DM not only inherits the strengths of T2 series, but also achieves high energy efficiency, high performance, high safety, and high intelligence with its advanced hybrid technology, i-DM. With a maximum combined power of 280kW and torque of 610N•m, T2 i-DM boasts a NEDC pure electric range of 139km and an overall range exceeding 1,000km at just 0.8L/100km, addressing range anxiety and promoting green travel. Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology's role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced "Traveler", enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan's Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of "Traveler", experiencing "Travel+" culture through city tours and co-creation workshops. JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through "Traveler," JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the "Travel+" culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan , Vice President of JETOUR International, said, "Serving 'JETOUR users' and being 'a user-oriented JETOUR' are JETOUR's development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users." JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East , embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand's image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers' needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market. The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR's new journey towards "the World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles." JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587989/img_v3_02hu_497dda43_186c_4c5a_b491_9d28e4eaa03g.jpgAfter drubbing, San Jose Sharks look for response in South Florida