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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on the founder of Georgia’s ruling political party, which has steered the country away from a pro-Western stance and towards Russia, U.S. officials said Friday. The State and Treasury departments said they hit Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili with penalties “for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation,” according to a statement. The designation of Ivanishvili is the latest in a series of sanctions the U.S. has slapped on Georgian politicians, lawmakers and others this year. Those sanctions include freezes on assets and properties those targeted may have in U.S. jurisdictions or that might enter U.S. jurisdictions as well as travel bans on the targets and members of their families. “We strongly condemn Georgian Dream’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures,” the State Department said in a statement. “The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia.” Ivanishvili is a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream, Georgia’s longtime ruling party. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights, prompting the European Union to suspend Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely. In October, Georgian Dream won another term in a divisive parliamentary election that has led to more mass protests. Last month, the country’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze , announced a four-year suspension of talks on Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, fueling further public outrage.Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby
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Marina113/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Introduction Today, I will be doing an analysis of Philip Morris International ( NYSE: PM ). The broader market today, despite looking overvalued by a handful of conventional metrics, still presents many compelling investment opportunities. The main reason that I Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Fed's preferred inflation gauge highlights holiday-shortened trading week: What to know this week
Baby Alexis is finally an Australian citizen - but still not quite homeThe International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) April 2024 World Economic Outlook reveals an exciting trend: Africa is home to nine of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies. These nations are leveraging a mix of resource wealth, infrastructure projects, and policy reforms to boost their growth. According to the International Monetary Fund’s ( IMF) April 2024 World Economic Outlook, Here are 9 of the fastest-growing economies worldwide in 2024 The key factor driving Niger leads Africa’s growth is Oil Pipeline & Export, due to the completion of the 1,982-kilometer Niger-Benin pipeline. The pipeline positions Niger as a significant oil exporter, with the sector expected to contribute to the GDP. Despite facing political instability in 2023, this infrastructure project bolsters its economic prospects. With discoveries of over 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Senegal’s hydrocarbons sector is driving its growth. Projects like the GTA (Greater Tortue Ahmeyim) gas field development are pivotal. Political stability will remain crucial to fully harness this potential. Read also: Top 10 African countries by GDP per capita in 2024 Libya’s growth is underpinned by recovering oil production, which remains its economic backbone. While the hydrocarbon sector thrives, diversification and stabilization efforts are needed for long-term sustainability. Rwanda’s strategic investments in Innovation and Tourism, like technology, tourism, and sustainable development have positioned it as a model for economic resilience in Africa. Foreign investment and green initiatives continue to enhance its economic stability. Côte d’Ivoire’s economy benefits from being a leading global exporter of Agricultural Exports & Industrialization like cocoa and cashew nuts. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure and industrial production, diversifying its growth base. Read also: Five countries contribute to half of Africa’s $1.4 tn GDP Djibouti leverages its location at the crossroads of major global trade routes. Infrastructure development in ports and logistics supports its role as a regional trade hub. However, long-term success will depend on diversification into other economic sectors. Ethiopia’s robust agricultural sector, coupled with growing investments in manufacturing, drives its growth. Infrastructure projects, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are enhancing trade potential. Read also: Top 10 largest economies of 2024 Tourism remains a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy, alongside agricultural exports. Investments in infrastructure and regional trade agreements are key to sustaining this growth. The Niger-Benin pipeline significantly boosts Benin’s economic prospects, complementing its agricultural exports. Infrastructure projects are strengthening its trade potential within West Africa.
MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler will not play in the final two games of Miami's ongoing road trip while recovering from illness, the team said Friday. That means Butler will not play Saturday at Atlanta or Sunday at Houston. The earliest he could play again is Wednesday at home against New Orleans. Butler hasn't played since the first quarter of Miami's Dec. 20 game against Oklahoma City, when he twisted an ankle, left the game and then was ruled out because of illness. Miami has played three games since without Butler, two because of the illness and then Thursday's win in Orlando with him back in Miami conditioning for a return. He is not with the team on the road trip. The Heat said Thursday that they are not going to trade Butler, that announcement coming after ESPN, citing sources, said the six-time All-Star would prefer to be moved before the trade deadline on Feb. 6. Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, forcing the Philadelphia Eagles to play against Dallas without their star quarterback. The Eagles will turn to backup Kenny Pickett on Sunday because Hurts is still dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered against Washington. Hurts was injured early at Washington after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of another. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said the Eagles would lean on the medical staff on a daily basis to know where Hurts — who threw two touchdown passes and ran for a pair of scores in the first meeting against Dallas in November — was in his recovery from the head injury. The 26-year-old Hurts did not practice this week, leaving Pickett — who suffered a rib injury in relief action against the Commanders — in line for his first start as an Eagle. Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards against the Commanders, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and an interception. Pickett is from New Jersey and said when he was acquired from Pittsburgh that he had “great memories” of going to games at Lincoln Financial Field with his dad and grandfather since he was 5. The chance to run out of the home team tunnel — which he could get Sunday if he’s the starting QB — left him absolutely delighted. “It's a big opportunity,” Pickett said this week. “I've been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now, having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium.” Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers. The Eagles will bump third-stringer Tanner McKee to the backup spot. The Eagles also signed QB Ian Book this week to the practice squad. There has been recent precedent for quarterbacks to play a week after entering the league’s concussion protocol. Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence sustained a head injury while scrambling up the middle on the team’s final drive in Week 15 loss to Baltimore last season. Lawrence misfired on seven of his final eight passes after the hit, a stretch that raised concerns on the sideline about his health. Lawrence reported symptoms after the game. He entered the protocol but was cleared in time to start the next game at Tampa Bay. The Eagles (12-3) could decide to play it safe and rest Hurts with the team needing a win against Dallas or the New York Giants to clinch the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Hurts shook off a sluggish start over the first four games and has thrown 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions to turn the Eagles into Super Bowl contenders. Thanks in large part to the tush push, Hurts has 14 rushing touchdowns this season. The Eagles won the Super Bowl for the 2017 season behind backup QB Nick Foles when starter Carson Wentz went down with a late-season injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Michael H/DigitalVision via Getty Images Investment Thesis Two months after our bullish rating on ZIM Integrated Shipping ( NYSE: ZIM ), the stock outpaced the broader market with an incredible return of 32%, which then affirmed our conviction in growth sustainability. With the continued excellent financial performance of Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in ZIM over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Disney’s Quest for Lifelike Robots Takes a Giant Leap Forward Disney’s latest advancement in robotics has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts everywhere. In a recently released video, an incredibly sophisticated humanoid robot demonstrates its dancing abilities by executing complex moves like tapping, spinning, and even moonwalking. The secret behind this impressive display is the innovative Robot Motion Diffusion Model (RobotMDM) developed by Disney Research. This groundbreaking method addresses the challenge of creating lifelike movements in robots, which have traditionally struggled to combine realistic motion with adherence to physical laws. The newly unveiled technology merges kinematic motion generation with a reinforcement-learning tracker that ensures the robot’s actions remain believable and diverse. Disney Research has showcased the RobotMDM’s capabilities through tests on humanoid robots, displaying its robustness and practical applications in dynamic settings. They’ve even provided visual comparisons with other models to prove the effectiveness of this new technology. In recent years, Disney has emerged as a leader in robotic innovation, unveiling creations like free-roaming droids at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the impressive Hulk meet-and-greet technology. Other notable developments include interactive robots such as a skating Judy Hopps at SXSW and the daily performances of a Spider-Man acrobat at Avengers Campus. The introduction of the RobotMDM paves the way for even more immersive experiences at Disney parks, highlighting their commitment to blending technology and storytelling in unique ways. For more updates on Disney’s latest innovations, connect with WDW News Today on social media platforms. Disney’s Robotic Revolution: Bringing Stories to Life with Cutting-Edge Technology Disney’s relentless pursuit of innovation in robotics is setting new standards in the entertainment industry. The company’s latest breakthrough—the Robot Motion Diffusion Model (RobotMDM)—has revolutionized lifelike robot movement, capturing the imaginations of tech enthusiasts globally. How RobotMDM Enhances Robotic Movement The Robot Motion Diffusion Model is a state-of-the-art approach developed by Disney Research to solve the perpetual challenge in robotics: replicating human-like movements that adhere to physical laws. The model ingeniously integrates kinematic motion generation with a reinforcement learning tracker, ensuring that robots can perform a myriad of actions—from simple gestures to complex dance routines like tapping, spinning, and moonwalking—while maintaining an aura of authenticity and fluidity. Applications and Innovations at Disney Parks With the advent of RobotMDM, Disney is set to revolutionize experiences at its theme parks. The technology is already being tested on humanoid robots, demonstrating robust performance in diverse environments. This innovation promises to enhance interactions, making them more engaging and lifelike. From free-roaming droids at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the interactive Spider-Man acrobatics in the Avengers Campus, Disney’s commitment to robotics is transforming visitor experiences like never before. Pros and Cons of RobotMDM Technology Pros: – Enhanced Realism: Provides robots with more lifelike and diverse movements, enriching guest interactions. – Versatility: Applicable in various settings, from entertainment to customer service. – Innovation Leadership: Reinforces Disney’s position as a pioneer in integrating technology with storytelling. Cons: – Complexity: The sophisticated nature of the technology might lead to higher maintenance requirements. – Adaptation Period: There may be a learning curve for operators to maximize its potential. Future Predictions and Market Implications As Disney continues to refine and deploy the RobotMDM, it is expected to set a benchmark for the entertainment industry, influencing trends toward integrating more advanced robotics into consumer interactions. This innovation may stimulate other sectors to explore similar technologies, potentially leading to collaborative projects or spin-offs that benefit various industries. Trends and Insights The introduction of RobotMDM is indicative of a larger trend within the tech ecosystem: the blending of artificial intelligence with robotics to create personalized and interactive user experiences. Disney’s commitment to sustainability in technology development ensures that these innovations are eco-friendly, potentially inspiring future advancements in eco-conscious robotics. Connecting with Disney To stay updated on Disney’s continual advancements and technological breakthroughs, follow WDW News Today across their social media channels. This ensures you won’t miss out on the fascinating developments as Disney shapes the future of entertainment through technology.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder, dealing another blow to the 49ers' playoff hopes. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . He underwent an MRI on Monday that showed no structural damage and the team initially thought he could play this week. But when Purdy's shoulder didn't feel right when he made a few warmup throws at practice Thursday, those plans changed. “We thought he just needed some rest and we really weren’t concerned about him not being good this week,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday. “But when he started up Thursday, it just surprised him, surprised us how it felt. So we had to shut him down.” Shanahan said the team doesn't believe the injury is a long-term concern but he is uncertain whether Purdy will need to miss any additional time. “The MRI doesn’t look like that, so it should be all right,” Shanahan said. “But the way it responded this week, it’s really up in the air for next week. We’ll have to see on Monday.” The 49ers also will be missing star defensive end Nick Bosa, who is out after leaving last week's game in the second half with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. San Francisco struggled on defense without Bosa last week and now will go the entire game this week without two of the team's most important players. The Niners (5-5) are currently in a three-way tie for second in the NFC West, a game behind first-place Arizona, and have little margin for error if they want to get back to the playoffs after making it to the Super Bowl last season. “I know it’s disappointing,” Shanahan said. “We knew there was a chance for Nick. I think the guys were a little surprised with Brock yesterday, but we addressed all that today. We’re going to have 48 guys in uniform. I know our guys believe in themselves. I believe in them. We’re missing two good players, definitely. But we got a lot of good players out there. So by no means do we not have a chance to win.” This will be the first time Purdy has missed a start because of an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in December 2022. Brandon Allen will start in his place. Purdy has completed 66% of his passes this season for 2,613 yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions and a 95.9 passer rating that is down significantly from his league-leading mark of 113 in 2023. Allen has been mostly a backup since being drafted by Jacksonville in 2016. Allen last started a game in Week 18 of the 2021 season for Cincinnati and has thrown just three passes the last three seasons — including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Allen said he preparation hasn't changed this week with the exception of getting to work with the first-team receivers instead of running the scout team. “It’s an opportunity.” he said. “The circumstances are what they are. But I think our team all year long we’ve been kind of dealing with injuries here and there. It’s been a big next-man-up mentality. It’s definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game. Obviously, we want Brock back and healthy and all that. But for the time being, it is an opportunity for me.” Joshua Dobbs will be the backup Sunday. San Francisco also will be without starting cornerback Charvarius Ward, who returned to the team this week following the death of his 1-year-old daughter on Oct. 28 but needs more time to get back up to speed. Punt returner Jacob Cowing (concussion), linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee) and defensive lineman Kevin Givens (groin) are also out. The Packers will also be without two key defensive players with cornerback Jaire Alexander ruled out after leaving last week's game with a knee injury and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper out with an injured hamstring. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLInjured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against DallasWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks, whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government, weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect, was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration, including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order, which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club, and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.