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PM asks NA, PA speakers to address PPP's concernsElon Musk Responds to Anthony Scaramucci's Threat to Stay out of Politics As Only HE Can and LOL
Lopsided loss sinks the reeling Saints further into evaluation modeSign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A "great migration" is under way from Elon Musk's X. After an election in which the world's richest person helped propel a convicted criminal into the White House, around 115,000 US users reportedly deleted their accounts from the platform formerly known as Twitter on Wednesday alone. Stephen King and Don Lemon have both vowed to quit, as has The Guardian . Meanwhile, rival services such as Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon are all rapidly surging. But which one is the most worthy contender for Twitter's old crown? And which one is actually right for you, if you're one of those people making the jump? I've been a Twitter/X user – okay, fine, an addict – for 13 years. Although I'm not personally planning to stop posting there, I am trying to diversify my diet, and frankly it's all very confusing. So if you're in a similar boat, here's a quick and dirty guide to your three major options – alongside some personal impressions from a lifelong internet user whom God has cursed (or blessed) to be forever learning. Bluesky: 'Theater kid energy' Bluesky is perhaps the clearest spiritual successor to X. It was set up by longtime Twitter boss and co-founder Jack Dorsey in 2021 to fix, and perhaps atone for, the "original sin" of his previous company (though he's since washed his hands of Bluesky too). On the surface, it looks and operates pretty much like Twitter used to. Dig into the options, though, and you'll find some thoughtful special functions. You can adopt custom timeline filters and algorithms created by other users, or block yourself from posting images until you add a description for people who use screen reader software. Posts are officially just called posts, but colloquially called... Io Dodds
Wicked defeats Gladiator II in theatres as 'Glicked' dominates the pre-Thanksgiving weekend box office Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By ALESIA STANFORD FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:08, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 23:09, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought the magic to the big screen as Wicked: Part 1 pummeled rival Gladiator II for the win in a 'Glicked' matchup at the US Box Office. The lavish adaptation of the Tony winning Broadway musical has received high praise from critics , including Daily Mail's own Geraint Llewellyn, earning 90-percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans gave the highly anticipate film, based on the Gregory Maguire novel a warm 97-percent score. Set in the land of Oz, Wicked shares the backstory of Elphaba, played by Erivo, 37, known in The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West, portraying her as someone who was an outcast because of her green skin. Glinda the Good Witch, played by Grande, 31, is portrayed as Elphaba's bully turned friend from their days as roommates at Shiz University. The movie earned a record setting $114 million at the US box office, the most for any musical adaptation ever. It conjured up another $50.2 million internationally for a global take of $164,180,000, according to The Numbers . Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought the magic to the big screen as Wicked: Part 1 pummeled rival Gladiator II for the win in a 'Glicked' matchup at the US Box Office Read More Ariana Grande gushes about her fans before Wicked release The last time a musical did this well in the lead-up to the US Thanksgiving holiday was 2019's Frozen II. Gladiator II, the other newcomer earned less than half as much, but still pulled in a respectable $55.5 million it's first weekend in theaters. The action-adventure starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Oscar winner Denzel Washington, scored a tepid 71-percent from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences offering a more generous 84-percent approval rating. Gladiator II did much better internationally, earning $165.5 million for a first weekend total of $221 million globally. The two films together provided 81-percent of ticket sales according to Deadline . The last time the combined box office in the pre-Turkey day contest did this well was 2013 when Hunger Games: Catching Fire lead a $226.5 million box office total. Last week's number one Red One, dropped to third place. The new holiday tale starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Chris Evans as bounty hunters hired to rescued a kidnapped Santa Claus, played by JK Simmons found nearly $13.3 million in its stocking for the weekend. Wicked: Part 1 earned a record setting $114 million at the US box office, the most for any musical adaptation ever. It conjured up another $50.2 million internationally for a global take of $164,180,000 Gladiator II, the other newcomer earned less than half as much, but still pulled in a respectable $55.5 million it's first weekend in theaters. It did much better internationally, earning $165.5 million for a first weekend total of $221 million globally The fable has been popular internationally, with a global take of $117.1 million. Fourth place went to newcomer Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. from the faith-based Angel Studios. Jonas Dassler stars as a German pastor recruited to join a plot to kill Adolph Hitler. The film has received tepid reviews, but aggressive marketing on the Angels Studios app and to church groups helped the movie earn $5.1 million its first weekend in theaters. Venom: The Last Dance rounded out the top five, earning $4 million over the weekend. The Tom Hardy lead sci-fi thriller continues to enjoy a good run at theaters with a worldwide take so far of $456.425 million. Last week's number one Red One, dropped to third place. The new holiday tale starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Chris Evans as bounty hunters hired to rescued a kidnapped Santa Claus, played by JK Simmons found nearly $13.3 million in its stocking for the weekend Fourth place went to newcomer Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. from the faith-based Angel Studios. Jonas Dassler stars as a German pastor recruited to join a plot to kill Adolph Hitler. The movie earned $5.1 million its first weekend in theaters Venom: The Last Dance rounded out the top five, earning $4 million over the weekend The heartwarming The Best Christmas Pageant Ever dropped from its third place debut to number six. Judy Greer stars as a busy mom who volunteers to lead her small town's annual holiday production only to be sidelined by the Herdman siblings, who want to take over all the roles in the Nativity play. The new holiday classic earned $3.5 million its second week in theaters. Hugh Grant's scary performance in Heretic continued to give thrills and chills to audiences in seventh place. The heartwarming The Best Christmas Pageant Ever dropped from its third place debut to number six. The new holiday classic starring Judy Geer earned $3.5 million its second week in theaters Hugh Grant's scary performance in Heretic continued to give thrills and chills to audiences. The thriller in which Grant's Mr. Reed tests the faith of two Mormon sister missionaries played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East was in seventh place with $2.23 million The Wild Robot, starring the voice of Lupita Nyong'o as the title character, continues to charm audiences. The animated adventure set on a remote island where the robot named Roz finds herself stranded, landed in eighth place, with a payday of $2 million The thriller in which Grant's Mr. Reed tests the faith of two Mormon sister missionaries played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East dropped to seventh place and earned $2.23 million its third weekend in theaters. The Wild Robot, starring the voice of Lupita Nyong'o as the title character, continues to charm audiences. The animated adventure set on a remote island where the robot named Roz finds herself stranded, landed in eighth place, with a payday of $2 million. The film, which is considered to be an strong contender in the upcoming Hollywood awards season, has earned more than $317.4 worldwide. Smile 2 remained a staple at the box office, turning up in ninth place. The film in which a malevolent presence forces its victims to smile whether they want to or not made $1.1 million A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mis-matched cousins on a tour through their grandmother's native Poland rounded out the top 10. The buddy comedy earned $1.1 million Smile 2 remained a staple at the box office, turning up in ninth place. The film in which a malevolent presence forces its victims to smile whether they want to or not made $1.1 million. The thriller has earned more than $67 million domestically and another $68.1 internationally for a global total of $135.85 million. A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mis-matched cousins on a tour through their grandmother's native Poland rounded out the top 10. The buddy comedy earned $1.1 million its fourth week in limited release. Ariana Grande Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Wicked defeats Gladiator II in theatres as 'Glicked' dominates the pre-Thanksgiving weekend box office e-mail Add comment
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at 100
New Delhi, Dec 26 (PTI) Senior Congress leader and a minister in the UPA government P Chidambaram on Thursday condoled the passing away of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said his life and work as well as the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India. "His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution," Chidambaram said. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here Thursday night. He was 92. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition. "It is a deeply emotional moment for me to speak about Dr Manmohan Singh. The life and work of Dr Manmohan Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India. I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements," Chidambaram, who served as finance minister in Singh's government, said on X. The story of India turned after Singh became finance minister, he said, adding that the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as finance minister and prime minister. "Throughout his tenure, he had great empathy for the poor. He did not hide the fact that many millions of India are poor and reminded us that government's policies must lean in favour of the poor. Examples of his empathy are MGNREGA and the restructuring of PDS and the extension of the mid-day meal scheme," Chidambaram said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
TOUCHING tributes for the late Jimmy Carter have started to flood in for the "extraordinary leader" who has died aged 100. Joe Biden and Donald Trump have led the heartfelt messages to the beloved former president whose death was confirmed by his family earlier today. Carter, the oldest president in history , and the only one to become a centenarian, has been survived by five other American commander-in-chiefs who have all left touching homages to the great man. President-elect Donald Trump remembered Carter for his leadership and urged Americans to keep the late president's loved ones in their " hearts and prayers". Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Read more on jimmy carter "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time." He later posted a second statement which acknowledged the pair's political and philosophical differences but praised Carter's clear love for America. "He truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for," Trump added. "He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. Most read in The US Sun "He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office." The man Trump is set to replace in the White House in just a few weeks time in Joe Biden described Carter as an "extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian". The fellow Democrat and close friend posted the loving tribute alongside his wife Jill. They said: "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend." "He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together." Joe, 82, has now taken on the title as the oldest living president following the passing of Carter. Barack Obama - the youngest living American leader - commended the late humanitarian with his wife Michelle. They said: "Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. "Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary also praised Carter's commitment to service. They praised him for his "long and good life" and applauded his belief in faith and selflessness. The final remaining president, George W. Bush, joined his wife Laura to call Carter “a man of deeply held convictions” who “dignified the office ". International tributes Tributes to the statesman even came from overseas as the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lauded Carter's service. The British PM said he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”. King Charles III also described the former US president as a “committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace”. Sir Tony Blair soon followed with a powerful statement. It read: "Jimmy Carter's life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years. "I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. "He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need." PRESIDENT CARTER Carter , the 39th president of the United States , has died after nearly two years in hospice care. His son Chip Carter confirmed the former president died at his Georgia home on Sunday around 3:45 pm ET. Carter peacefully passed away surrounded by his family who paid an emotional tribute to the former leader. His son Chip said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Public events will commemorate Carter in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. and a state funeral will be held, The Carter Center confirmed. The former president decided to live out the remainder of his days at his home in Plains, Georgia . Carter, the beloved Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had experienced several health issues in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. He became the longest-living president and the first to make it 100 years old. Carter's death came over a year after the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter , who died on November 19, 2023, at age 96. Two days before her death, Rosalynn joined her husband in hospice care at their home in Georgia. The former first lady and fierce advocate for mental health was diagnosed with dementia in early 2023. READ MORE SUN STORIES Before his death, Jimmy Carter was the first to pay tribute to his wife of 77 years, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Jao Ituka led Jacksonville State over East Carolina on Thursday night with 18 points off of the bench in an 86-78 victory. Ituka shot 5 for 10 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Gamecocks (4-1). Jaron Pierre Jr. added 16 points while shooting 4 of 10 from the field and 7 for 11 from the line while he also had six rebounds and six assists. Michael Houge had 15 points and shot 6 of 11 from the field and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.
CHARLOTTE — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 22 points, Jalen Williams added 20 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Charlotte Hornets 106-94 on Saturday night for their 10th straight regular-season win. Aaron Wiggins added 17 points and Isaiah Hartenstein had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Thunder, who never trailed. Miles Bridges had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Vasa Micic added 16 points for the Hornets, who have lost 15 of their last 16 games. Both teams were missing multiple starters with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sitting out for Charlotte and Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace out for the Thunder. Oklahoma City bolted to a 61-46 halftime lead with Gilgeous-Alexander and Wiggins combining for 26 points on 11-of-17 shooting. The Thunder extended the lead to 20 in the third quarter and were never truly challenged again. Thunder: It wasn't the best game of the season by the Thunder, but they avoided playing down to the level of competition, holding a double-digit lead for most of the game. Hornets: With Ball, Miller and Tre Mann out of the lineup, Charlotte simply didn't have the firepower to keep up with the Thunder. On most offensive sets, Micic and Miles Bridges were the focal point of the offense. Charlotte had some chances to get it under 10 late in the game, but couldn't sink enough shots. The Hornets cut the lead to 11 with 10 minutes to play, but Kenrich Williams scored on a layup off a feed from Ajay Mitchell to squash any comeback hopes. Playing without Ball and Miller, the Hornets needed Bridges to step up, but he was just 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. The Thunder hosted the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night in the second night of a back-to-back. The Hornets hosted the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Sent weekly directly to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
NoneThis picturesque seaside village in regional Victoria lures food lovers for its annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival and, year round, delights those looking for a stay that combines the bush, fishing and relaxation. The cruise Take a cruise on the historic M.V. Loch-Ard. To really appreciate the beauty and size of the surrounding lakes get on board the MV Loch-Ard, which has been beetling around the Victorian waterways since it was first built, from Huon pine and kauri, in 1910. It is a snugly romantic vessel and during a sunset cruise you can watch the changing colours of the skies, see white sea eagles dive for an evening meal and hear some great local stories from Captain Dale Winward. See mallacootacruises.com The historic stay Karbeethong Lodge was built in 1922 and offers a slice of nostalgia. Karbeethong Lodge has the distinction of being favourably compared to heaven by A Sentimental Bloke author C.J. Dennis when he stayed here in 1932. It is hard to argue with him as you sit on the balcony of this 1920s-built seaside guesthouse with a local Gippsland drop in hand, looking across the grassy slope of a yard to the tranquil East Gippsland waters. Owners Graeme and Jenny Mitchell keep things warm and inviting with a retro collection of furnishings that populate the communal spaces of the huge living room and the help-yourself kitchen. Rooms are quirky and often have more beds than you need, but this is a very special place from which to explore the region. See karbeethonglodge.com.au The local dinner Lucy’s Cantonese fare is legendary in Mallacoota. Lucy’s, on the main street of Mallacoota, is an order-at-the-counter, family-working-all-stations affair that is packed on a weekend with visitors and locals sharing tables full of simple but utterly delicious dishes in serves that often require a take-away container. The go-tos here are the fresh, handmade noodles teamed with locally caught abalone and homegrown herbs, generously stuffed prawn har gau and rolled-up newspaper-sized spring rolls. The museum Mallacoota’s Bunker Museum was once part of a group of World War II-era military installations. The Bunker Museum was originally part of a chain of military installations that protected this exposed easterly part of the Australian coast during World War II. Now visitors descend the stairs into the rainbow-roofed bunker for a taste of military and local history with displays of “trench art” made from shell casings, the story of the sinking of British ship the SS Cumberland and a full-scale replica of home life in the 1940s complete with a mannequin looking like she has come off the set of Dad’s Army . See mallacootabunker.com.au The market Located near The Muddie, the mud brick pavilion at the centre of the Lions Park in town, this local market is full of the freshest local produce, local arts and crafts and community groups. It is a regularly changing roster of stallholders but keep an eye out for The Travelling Squid with its signature salt-and-pepper calamari and “prawn twists”. See mallacootamarkets.com The festival The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival was created to celebrate some of the less-loved creatures of the sea, such as the abalone and sea urchin that Mallacoota is known for. Started in 2022 (after some delays), the “whelk-om” dinner might have local oysters cooked over fire by Noel Butler from First Nations social enterprise Black Duck Foods, and pesce crudo using locally caught fish by guest chefs such as Stefano de Pieri. You might catch a live band, learn a sea shanty or enter a sandcastle making competition. It is an intimate introduction to this special part of Victoria. See wildharvestseafoodfestival.com The creative hub The Mallacoota Art Space, inside the Croajingolong Centre, often hosts an artist-in-residence. Tucked in behind the local radio station, inside the Croajingolong Centre, is the Mallacoota Art Space that is not only hung with works from local artists but, more often that not, will have an artist-in-residence producing works who is up for a chat about the local area and the wild coast that provides much of the inspiration for the local makers and creators. See visitmallacoota.com.au The nature walk Croajingalong National Park is great for bathing, walking or just taking in the view. It is a short drive to Genoa Falls in the Croajingolong National Park, just outside of Mallacoota, where the water runs down a long, flat slope packed full of water dragons that dart away into the rocks as soon as they see you. It is a great spot for bathing or simply wandering through the walking trails. If you have extra time the walk to Genoa Peak gives you a killer view of the surrounding bush and waterways. See visitmallacoota.com.au One more thing ... Abalone is now being processed locally. Mallacoota is the abalone capital of Victoria and the Australian Wild Abalone plant recently opened after the previous operation was devastated by the 2019 Gippsland bushfires. In the past, most of the popular aquatic meat was sent straight to Asia, but there is a renewed interest in using the fresh meat at home, so keep an eye out for it on local menus and at markets. See ex1191.com.au Paul Chai was a guest of Wild Harvest Festival and Destination Gippsland.
AMMAN — Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Head of Government of Economic Team Muhannad Shehadeh stressed that the government has a realistic economic programme and a clear vision, and its decisions aim at achieving growth to be reflected on improving the quality of life and generating job opportunities, and sustainability based on the strategic approach of Economic Modernization Vision (EMV). The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance Abdul Hakim Shibli, and Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesman Mohammad Momani, in addition to economic programmes' presenters, heads of economic departments and economic news editors, from various media outlets. During the meeting, Shehadeh reiterates that economic measures and decisions, taken by the government since its formation of about 60 days, aim to stimulate economic growth and overcome the consequences of the political situation in the region and the world. Shehadeh stressed that the government is also committed to overcoming all obstacles and bureaucratic complications, while balancing expenditures and money collection on one hand, and moving forward with major investment projects on the other hand, to reach the desired economic growth. He pointed out that in order to reach that, it must be in line with the vision, which includes eight engines, 35 sectors and 360 economic measures related to its aspects and sectors. He explained that achieving economic growth requires the government to facilitate indirect spending, reduce the trade balance deficit, attract investments and support the purchasing power of citizens, thus contributing to increasing the GDP, which currently amounts at JD36 billion. He also pointed out that the government has already begun to facilitate spending through a number of measures and decisions it has taken related to customs, tax and princely funds, in order to provide indirect financial liquidity for citizens that can be injected into the local market to contribute to the revitalisation of economic activity. He pointed out that the funds pending today with the customs and related customs revenues exceed JD300 million, stressing that the settlement of these issues will reflect on the money circulation in the economy. He explained that the government's decision regarding medical tourism, whether in terms of allowing nationalities to enter the Kingdom, or the opening of direct airlines, came with the aim of restoring momentum to this important service sector, calling on the private sector to exploit these facilities and work to attract expatriates for treatment purposes in the Kingdom. He pointed out that the government's decision to exempt fees and fines on vehicles which their licenses have expired for more than a year amounting to more than 550,000 unlicensed vehicles, entailing JD332 million as fees. Shehadeh also noted that the government's decision on the amended bylaw of exempting profits, of exports of goods and services, from income tax for the year 2024, came in line with the EMV to ensure the continued growth of the service sectors, especially the information technology sector, which represents one of the main drivers of the vision. He stressed that the decision will also contribute to the revival of other service sectors, especially for engineers, lawyers, consultation, the information technology sector and others, and it is also part of the EMV to generate more job opportunities for Jordanians, explaining that the services sector constitutes 60 per cent of GDP. He also praised the banking sector's step toward reducing interest by 4.99 per cent on housing loans for 3 consecutive years, after the government's decision, describing it as positive as it will stimulate other economic sectors. He pointed to the major investment projects that will be implemented as part of the EMV, foremost of which is the "National Carrier", where the financial closure of the project during the next year will contribute to activate several economic sectors throughout the Kingdom and reflect on the development aspect. He pointed out that the other project is the "Railway from Aqaba to Shidia and Ghor Al-Safi", which will contribute to reducing transport fees, raising the competitiveness and level of services and improving the performance of companies, in addition to being an integrated solution for the truck sector, expecting that the first quarter of next year will witness the signing of final agreements related to it. He also addressed the issue of "indebtedness", stressing that the government is committed to manage the internal and external debt in "the best way", and there are many scenarios in this regard, including replacing part of the debt with soft loans and lower interest rates through the Kingdom's close and strong relationships with countries, in addition to the low interest rates in the world. He stressed that His Majesty King Abdullah's recent meeting with Arab and foreign investors sends a strong message that investment in Jordan reflects high confidence in monetary policies, which are the backbone of investment and employers. Finance Minister Abdul Hakim Shibli stressed that the budget is realistic, and the government is determined, despite the hard region circumstances, to reduce the deficit in the public budget as well as the public debt, in addition to securing budget allocations for the implementation of major projects, such as the national carrier and the railway. He explained that the current budget has maintained all guarantees that concern citizens, especially with regard to subsidising bread, barley and gas cylinders. Shibli added that the current budget increased the share of capital projects to JD1.469 billion. He pointed out that the draft budget law estimated public revenues at about JD10233 million, of which JD9498 million are local revenues and JD734 million are external grants, indicating that the draft budget has set realistic estimates of revenues in a way that contributes to managing the development process efficiently. Shibli explained that the budget draft included an increase in allocations for the National Aid Fund's (NAF) social protection network, and a 50 per cent increase in allocations for the University Student Support Fund, in addition to securing necessary allocations to support strategic food commodities, as well as indirect support for essential services and facilities in the fields of water, electricity, and health. He pointed out that the government relied on a "Real Economic Growth Rate" of 2.5 per cent for the next year and a "Nominal Economic Growth Rate" of about 4.9 per cent during the formulation of the current budget, while maintaining moderate inflation rates, which would contribute to enhancing financial and monetary stability. Regarding the "expenditure Items" in the general budget, Shibli indicated that the budget allocated at approximately JD11042 million, and capital expenditures at approximately JD1468 million, with an increase of 16.5 per cent compared to its re-estimated level for the current year 2024.
( MENAFN - GetNews) Ace Therapeutics released depression-related behavior tests to accelerate preclinical depression research. New York, USA - December 24, 2024 - Ace Therapeutics, a preclinical contract research provider dedicated to offering comprehensive one-stop services, released the expansion of its research capabilities in the area of depression through the introduction of comprehensive depression-related behavior tests in its preclinical investigation processes. This integral development aims to enhance the understanding of depressive disorders and expedite the discovery of innovative therapeutic solutions. Depression is a pervasive global health challenge that affects millions of individuals, with current treatment options often proving ineffective or inaccessible. With the advancement of biotechnology and biological tools, such as diagnostic technology and animal model development, researchers can further investigate the mechanisms related to depression and thereby develop effective therapies targeting depression. Ace Therapeutics Psychiatry Team is committed to supporting scientists in making groundbreaking scientific discoveries and developing new applications to accelerate drug discovery and the scientific diagnosis and treatment of antipsychotic disorders. Its expert team can conduct depression behavior testing services to evaluate different components of depression in rodent models. For instance, the tail suspension and forced swim tests measure hopelessness, novelty-suppressed feeding measures apathy, and the sucrose preference test assesses anhedonia. In addition, tests to measure anxiety, including open field, elevated plus maze, and light/dark compartments, among others, often complement depression testing. By incorporating these specialized depression-related behavior tests into its preclinical depression research services, Ace Therapeutics aims to refine the evaluation of potential therapeutic candidates. In short, the newly implemented behavioral assays will evaluate a spectrum of depression-like symptoms, including anhedonia, social withdrawal, and despair, in preclinical animal models . This innovative approach enables researchers to gather critical data and draw correlations between specific behaviors and potential pharmacological responses. Such advancements may lead to more targeted and personalized treatments for those suffering from depression. In addition to depression behavior testing services, Ace Therapeutics also provides drug safety and efficacy studies, new antidepressant development, biomarker-based diagnostic development, and brain imaging diagnostic development, all to facilitate the research on depression, deepen understanding, and ultimately contribute to more effective treatments and interventions. About Ace Therapeutics With a team of experienced researchers and state-of-the-art facilities, Ace Therapeutics strives to accelerate the development of innovative mental illness therapies. From basic research services to therapeutic development services, Ace Therapeutics offers tailored solutions to facilitate antipsychiatry studies, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into life-changing treatments. MENAFN24122024003238003268ID1109028227 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Spears had five assists for the Roadrunners (3-3). Raekwon Horton added 19 points while shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 7 for 7 from the line while he also had nine rebounds. Damari Monsanto finished 3 of 8 from 3-point range to finish with 11 points. Julian Mackey finished with 20 points for the Huskies (2-6). Bryson Dawkins added 16 points and two blocks for Houston Christian. Demari Williams also had 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .