Dexter: Original Sin will take audiences back in time to find out how the man became the monster — er, the monster-slayer — in the Showtime thriller. The prequel series, which premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime on Friday, December 13, takes place 15 years before we first met Dexter (then played by Michael C. Hall , who still narrates the new series) in the original Dexter . Taking over the title role in this iteration is Patrick Gibson , who has the character’s steely-eyed stares and smug sauntering style down to a science. With new characters being introduced in some familiar settings, the new series will bring some new details about Dexter’s past to light, but it will also inevitably retread some familiar territory from the first show, which had ample flashbacks. Here’s what to remember about Dexter ‘s past before Dexter: Original Sin . Dexter didn’t find out until he was a fully grown serial murderer that he had a big brother who was also running around slaughtering people. The Ice Truck Killer who stalked Dexter was actually Brian Moser, his slightly older brother who was not adopted (or even mentioned) by Harry. Dexter only found out about Brian because the Ice Truck Killer left clues that were tailored to catch his attention — reminding him of scenes from his past as part of the Morgan family. Laura Moser was the single mother to Brian and Dexter and worked as a confidential informant for Harry and the Miami-Metro Police Department against the Colombian cartel. She was brutally dismembered right in front of Brian and Dexter, who were left wading in her blood inside a shipping container. Harry adopted Dexter as his own upon finding him in the container, but Brian was sent into the foster system. In flashbacks in Dexter , it became clear that he was not a normal teenager with typical feelings or tendencies. In fact, he had an innate bloodlust that his father recognized and tried to quell with hunting trips, to the exclusion of his daughter Debra. Harry wanted to protect Dexter from himself — particularly his self-destructive impulses. Though Harry tried to find other ways for Dexter to quench his thirst for blood, so to speak, he soon gave in and encouraged him to kill someone when he discovered Nurse Mary was poisoning Harry and other patients in the hospital after his heart attack. Once Dexter began to kill, Harry worked hard to create a framework for his adoptive son to work within that, if he followed it to the letter, would keep his morality and freedom intact. The rules included being certain that the mark was worthy of being murdered and leaving no trace of evidence behind. Even after Harry’s death, Dexter worked to strictly adhere to this code in every kill. Randy Tepper/Showtime Dexter repeatedly revealed that he felt empty on the inside, and it was Harry who taught him to feign normal human feelings and social interactions around others — even if it meant faking a smile in his own family photos. Little by little throughout Dexter , we learn that Harry Morgan had several affairs while married to Doris, including with Laura Morgan and another confidential informant. Though Harry is definitely the most common star of Dexter’s flashback memories, his adoptive mother Doris is also a fixture of his past. She died when Deb was 16 and didn’t know about Dexter’s violent tendencies, even if she didn’t totally understand him at times. Dexter: Original Sin , Series Premiere, Streaming, Friday, December 13, Paramount+ with Showtime, Sunday, December 15, 10/9c, Paramount+ with Showtime More Headlines:HOUSTON, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Data Journey LLC, a leading woman and minority-owned data center provider, is proud to announce the acquisition of its third property, the Spartanburg site, from Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: GREE) for $12.1 million. The purchase is a significant milestone for Data Journey as it marks their entry into the South Carolina market and supports the company’s aggressive growth trajectory. Under the leadership of CEO and Founder Dr. Ishnella Kaur Azad, Data Journey is focused on building a more inclusive, sustainable, and scalable future for the data center industry. As the first woman and minority-owned company in this sector, Data Journey is uniquely positioned to look at the entire ecosystem, ensuring that their operations not only meet the growing demands of their customers but also promote environmentally and socially responsible practices that benefit both the company and the community. "I’m excited about the acquisition of the Spartanburg property, which marks an important step in Data Journey's expansion and our mission to provide cutting-edge IT infrastructure solutions," said Dr. Ishnella Kaur Azad, CEO of Data Journey. “This acquisition not only accelerates our growth in the South Carolina market but also strengthens our commitment to sustainable practices across all stages of our operations. The foundation laid by Greenidge at this site allows us to move quickly toward developing a state-of-the-art data center that will deliver unmatched scalability, security, and efficiency for our customers.” The Spartanburg property, which spans 152 acres, offers a strategic location with significant power access, initially providing 60 MW of capacity, scalable up to 100 MW. Greenidge previously purchased the site in 2021 for $15 million, recognizing its potential as a power-rich industrial location. Following a series of transactions, including the 2023 sale of 23 subdivided acres to NYDIG ABL LLC, the property’s remaining land is now poised for its next chapter as a key data center hub for Data Journey. “Data Journey’s purchase of the Spartanburg site marks an exciting milestone in our growth journey,” Dr. Azad continued. “We’re not just building data centers; we’re creating sustainable, forward-thinking infrastructure that supports our customers while minimizing our environmental footprint. As we continue to expand, we’ll ensure that our practices remain centered around the long-term well-being of both our stakeholders and the communities we serve.” The Spartanburg facility will serve as a cornerstone in Data Journey’s broader strategy to establish six new sites by 2025, strengthening their portfolio and their ability to provide customers with scalable and secure data solutions. The site’s strategic power infrastructure and development-ready capabilities will allow Data Journey to quickly bring innovative, high-performance solutions to market. Data Journey’s acquisition of the Spartanburg property is expected to close in Q1 2025. Both Greenidge and Data Journey are optimistic about the potential for future collaboration and additional data center developments across the U.S. For more information on Data Journey’s growth plans and commitment to sustainability, visit DataJourney.com . About Data Journey LLC Data Journey LLC is a leading woman and minority-owned data center provider, offering innovative IT infrastructure solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises. The company is dedicated to sustainability, scalability, and creating long-term value for its customers and the communities it serves. With a focus on cutting-edge security, power-efficient technologies, and environmental stewardship, Data Journey is committed to advancing the data center industry and providing world-class solutions for the digital age. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f8d5880-a91c-4060-bf65-7026bac1e4e3 Contact (630)728-4016 info@funnelpot.comPanaji: Even though St Francis Xavier is today revered as one of the greatest Christian missionaries and the foremost among Jesuits, his canonisation didn’t come easy or quick; it took almost seven decades after his death in 1552. Pope Gregory XV canonised Xavier on March 12, 1622. Interestingly, he was made saint along with his friend Ignatius of Loyola, a fellow Spaniard, and one of the men with whom he co-founded the Society of Jesus while they were students at the University of Paris. While Xavier is considered one of the most important spreaders of the Gospel since St Paul centuries earlier, it’s long been a matter of speculation as to why his canonisation took so long. Theologian and priest Fr Victor Ferrao says that one of the contributing factors for this delay could have been that while Xavier was carrying out his missionary work in Goa, his own fellow-Jesuits had written against him to Ignatius. “To St Francis Xavier, he was on the mission given to him, of spreading the Word of God in new lands. He felt he should be carrying out that work, and felt that there were already people present in Goa to carry out the work. But this caused him to be administratively missed in Goa, and the Jesuits here were not happy about it,” said Ferrao. He also said that Ignatius too appeared to have briefly doubted whether Xavier had gone astray from his mission. However, Ferrao also believes that Xavier’s canonisation could have taken time for other practical and political reasons within the Church at the time. “After you have passed away, it (canonisation) is a lengthy process,” said Ferrao, who is also an independent researcher attached to the St Francis Xavier Church in Borim. “Mother Teresa’s canonisation, for instance, did not take time as the Pope had seen her work while she was alive. But otherwise, in the canonisation process, you first have to become ‘Servant of God’, and then ‘Venerable’. Then, miracles have to be accepted. You need to have important miracles that cannot be explained by medicine. In the case of Xavier, he had brought a dead man to life.” Ferrao said that another reason for the delay could be Eurocentrism in the Church, with Xavier having worked mainly in the East. “There was some kind of neglect from people working within the bureaucracy of the Church,” he said. In 1609, the beatification of Ignatius brought about a growing interest in Rome about the Jesuit founder’s companion, friend, and compatriot. Fr John Padberg, a former history professor at Saint Louis University and director of the Institute of Jesuit Sources, makes some interesting observations in his writings on the circumstances surrounding the canonisations of Ignatius and Xavier. The Pope at the time, Gregory XV, was the first Pope educated by Jesuits, ascending to the papacy just 81 years after the founding of the Society of Jesus (the formal name of the Jesuits). Padberg writes that this likely influenced his decision. Three other people were canonised on the same day as Ignatius and Xavier: St Philip Neri, a Roman who founded the Oratorian Fathers, Teresa of Avila, a Spanish Carmelite Nun, and Isidore of Madrid, a Spanish farmer who lived a life of simplicity. Also, back in the 17th century, canonisations didn’t take place as often as they do in the modern era. “The canonisation of the five saints was the first such declaration in 70 years,” writes Padberg. For context, the past three Popes, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, have canonised well over 1,000 saints during their pontificates. Since that canonisation day four centuries ago, more than 50 Jesuits — including St John de Britto, who worked and died in India — have been canonised, indicating the importance of Gregory XV’s decision to canonize Ignatius and Francis. “This canonization is a milestone in Jesuit history,” Padberg writes.
Heisman Trophy finalist and two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter was named The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year while also being a first-team selection at wide receiver on Thursday. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is the league's top offensive player. Kenny Dillingham, the 34-year-old in his second season at Arizona State, was the unanimous choice as Big 12 coach of the year after leading his alma mater to a championship and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils (11-2) went into their league debut as the preseason pick to finish last among the 16 teams. At cornerback, Hunter had 31 tackles, tied for the Big 12 lead with 11 pass breakups and was tied for second with four interceptions. On offense, he leads the Big 12 with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns, and is second with 1,152 yards receiving. His 21 catches of at least 20 yards are the most nationally. He is also the AP's player of the year. Sanders is the Big 12 passing leader, completing 337 of 454 passes (74.2%) for 3,926 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns with eight interceptions for the Buffaloes (10-2) Arizona State freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is 11-1 as a starter, is the league’s top newcomer. The Michigan State transfer has 2,663 yards passing with 24 touchdowns and only five picks in 304 attempts. LAS VEGAS — Former Florida and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has agreed to lead UNLV's 24th-ranked football program, two people with knowledge of the hire said Wednesday. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made. The 52-year-old Mullen replaces Barry Odom, who left for Purdue on Sunday after going 19-8 and helping the Rebels receive back-to-back bowl invitations for the first time in program history. UNLV will play California in the LA Bowl on Wednesday. UNLV athletic director Erick Harper wasted little time in finding Odom's replacement. Mullen, most recently an ESPN college football analyst, went 103-61 at Florida and Mississippi State. Rich Rodriguez is returning to West Virginia for a second stint as head coach at his alma mater. Athletic director Wren Baker announced the hiring on Thursday, 17 years after Rodriguez made a hasty exit for what became a disastrous three-year experiment at Michigan. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Baker said in a statement. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.” Rodriguez, who is the current coach at Jacksonville State, an architect of the spread offense and a polarizing figure in his home state, replaces Neal Brown, who was fired on Dec. 1 after going 37-35 in six seasons, including 6-6 this year. BRIEFLY FCS: The NCAA is taking its Football Championship Subdivision title game back to Tennessee. The FCS championship games at the end of the 2025 and 2026 seasons will be played in Nashville on the Vanderbilt campus. This season’s game will be played Jan. 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, which will host the game for a record 15th season in a row and was set for at least two more. OC: UCLA announced Tino Sunseri’s hiring as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Sunseri replaces Eric Bieniemy, who was fired on Dec. 5 after fielding one of the nation’s worst offenses this season. Sunseri spent one season as Indiana’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after following Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Finances are at the top of many young Singaporeans' minds when it comes to starting a family, with a recent local survey stating that 70 per cent of respondents view the high cost of living as the most significant barrier to having kids. But it’s not just money that’s weighing on their minds. Work-life balance and mental readiness also emerged as significant challenges. 60 per cent of respondents cited struggles to juggle career ambitions and family responsibilities, while 40 per cent expressed concerns about their mental preparedness for parenthood. First time AI-powered platform was used in a survey In May 2024, using artificial intelligence (AI), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and marketing research firm Research Network conducted a study on Singaporean youths, examining their attitudes toward parenthood. The report is called "Young Singaporeans' Attitudes Toward Parenthood: Key Findings and Policy Implications”. Led by professor Gemma Calvert, a neuromarketing expert from NTU’s Nanyang Business School, the study used an AI-powered platform for the first time to interview 230 individuals aged 18 to 35. Other interesting findings The study uncovered other concerns, including anxieties about environmental issues like climate change, with some participants expressing fears for the future and well-being of their children. Additionally, mental health and the impact of generational trauma were prominent topics, as many respondents felt that Singapore’s current support systems for emotional and psychological well-being are lacking. Some participants of the survey expressed less conventional concerns, such as the desire to explore alternative family structures, such as co-parenting or raising children with female friends. One respondent shared the difficulty of balancing parenthood with aspirations such as becoming a "digital nomad." “My life goal as of now is to basically become a digital nomad, where I can work freelance or remotely from any part of the world,” the person wrote. A male respondent felt that Singapore's system should do more for fathers. Using AI reportedly yields more honest results The platform used by the survey was developed by US-based tech startup Listen Labs. It allowed participants to share their opinions candidly without the social pressure or judgment typically associated with human interviewers. According to Calvert, this approach provided deeper, more authentic insights into the respondents’ true feelings. This is because a more relaxed environment was created, encouraging participants to share views they might not have expressed otherwise, resulting in richer and more honest data compared to traditional methods. Calvert believes the AI interview format offers participants a safe environment to share minority opinions more freely. She explained that when participants speak with real people, they may unconsciously adjust their responses to what they think the interviewer wants to hear. In contrast, when interacting with AI, questions are presented neutrally as text on a web app, and then participants respond verbally. This experience makes them feel as though they are talking to a mirror. The setup also makes participants feel more at ease, allowing them to express their true feelings, much like speaking to themselves. "This AI-driven approach amplifies the voices of respondents, especially younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are more open to technology and AI. It allows us to gather deeper, more accurate data," she added. “For example, they might share more controversial or unpopular views, similar to how people write in personal diaries. It’s also user-friendly, much like how Star Trek captains speak to the ship’s computer to record their logs.” Calvert emphasised that these less common perspectives are just as valuable and should be considered when developing pro-family policies. Using AI is more efficient James Breeze, CEO of Research Network, explained that using AI in research significantly speeds up data collection. It is reported that AI-powered data gathering is five times faster than conventional methods. He noted that with AI, actionable insights can be generated within weeks rather than the months typically taken with traditional methods like phone or in-person interviews. This particular study utilised Research Network’s database of participants, enabling responses to be collected in just two weeks, compared to the usual nine weeks or 46 working days. Additionally, the AI platform’s data analysis is much more efficient than manual data crunching, which often takes several weeks. Enhancing the AI platform to detect vocal cues The team plans to enhance the AI platform by adding audio analysis to capture vocal cues like tone, speed, and hesitation. This could provide deeper insights into participants' emotional states, offering a richer understanding of sensitive topics. Calvert aims to apply this method to more extensive studies, gaining unique insights into Asian consumer perspectives that can benefit both businesses and policymakers. Breeze stated, "We’re pioneering a new era in understanding human emotions and beliefs. Our research will provide genuine insights that governments and industries can use to create policies that drive lasting behavioural change." Top image from Nanyang Technological University
Weston School year 8 pupils Mason Wrenn (left) and Flyn McLaren, both 13, make use of their kitchen classroom. PHOTO: NIC DUFF Weston School has built a kitchen classroom to allow its year 7 and 8 pupils to begin food technology classes. The classroom has been operating since term two this year, but the school officially opened it in November. Food technology teacher Erina Simpson said it had been an amazing asset so far. "The kids are loving it, a lot of them have said it’s a really good [subject]." Before the kitchen, Weston pupils went off-site for food technology classes. "It’s amazing just having it on site. Our children [previously] hopped on a bus and left the premises. Now we get to keep them here." It was crucial for school-aged children to learn the basics of how to cook meals for themselves, Mrs Simpson said. "Some have some very good skills and some don’t have a lot of skills, so it’s just trying to really help them with those basics. "Even starting with washing the dishes — a lot of people have dishwashers at home so they’re learning those skills." It had also been an opportunity to teach their pupils about healthy eating. The school had brought in Mel Smith, of Melissa Smith Total Well, being to assist with that. "She’s come in each term and talked to each group about what your body needs. "That’s been really good for the kids, it’s been quite an eye-opener for them. There’s a lot of stuff they didn’t know about." The classroom is located directly next to the school’s vegetable garden and fruit trees. Mrs Simpson, who is also the school’s enviro-schools lead, said it was important for pupils to understand growing and preparing their own food in a holistic way. "In the first rotation for [food] tech this year, we harvested a whole pile of apples from the garden and we used them for our apple shortcake we were making. "When we were doing nachos, we were getting carrots from the garden and the parsley and the chives and things like that." She was also excited to see how the use of the new classroom and the gardens could evolve in the future. "It’s definitely going to tie in more next year, but this was our first year of getting into the routine of it. "It’ll be great to see where we can keep going with it."
By Khari A. Thompson The Patriots have a young, promising quarterback in Drake Maye. Since taking over for Jacoby Brissett, Maye has shown flashes of arm strength, athleticism, and poise that should bode well for his future. But, it hasn’t translated to wins. The Patriots (3-10) are still in the mix for a top-5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bill Simmons, who is the founder and CEO of The Ringer and a longtime Boston sports fan, is less than impressed with the job the Patriots have done surrounding Maye with talent. He shared his frustrations with the way New England handled the offseason on X. “If you take out picking Drake Maye at #3 (which was the most obvious pick possible),” Simmons wrote. “The Patriots first offseason of draft picks and free agent signings without Belichick was legitimately an F-minus. Bad draft picks and super-cheap discount spending. You get what you pay for.” The Patriots, who were in need of a quarterback after a pair of disastrous seasons from Mac Jones, selected Maye No. 3 overall. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were already off the board by then. The Patriots had at least one offer to trade down, but they stood pat and took Maye. If you take out picking Drake Maye at #3 (which was the most obvious pick possible), the Patriots first offseason of draft picks and free agent signings without Belichick was legitimately an F-minus. Bad draft picks and super-cheap discount spending. You get what you pay for. https://t.co/eVzSNZa0qM The other picks in the draft have not added much production this season. Second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk has 12 catches for 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 12 games this season. That’s an average of one catch for 7.25 yards per game. Javon Baker has zero catches on one target in eight games. Tight-end Jaheim Bell has one catch for one yard. Offensive linemen Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson have combined for eight starts. Marcellas Dial has six tackles and a forced fumble. Joe Milton hasn’t thrown a pass since the preseason. Simmons’s post was a reaction to a report about the Patriots’ decision to waive receiver KJ Osborn. Osborn, who posted 48 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns last season with Minnesota, saw his production dip dramatically after signing with the Patriots in the offseason. He fell out of the Patriots’ rotation, catching seven passes for 57 yards and one touchdown in seven games. Despite signing Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, Rhamondre Stevenson, Jabrill Peppers, and Mike Onwenu among others to contract extensions, the Patriots ended up with more than $35 million in leftover cap space, which is third-most in the league according to Spotrac. They brought in Antonio Gibson, who was a former 1,000-yard rusher with the Commanders. He has 373 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. They signed Chukwuma Okorafor, whom they hoped would be part of the solution at left tackle. He left the team. Defensive back Jaylinn Hawkins, who has 39 tackles, has been one of the more productive offseason acquisitions. The Patriots are four games away from their second offseason under Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo. The roster has many holes left to fill. Khari A. Thompson Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss. Sign up for Patriots updates🏈 Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during football season. Be civil. Be kind.r stock price high just three years ago. However, the tides have turned. This month, Intel lost its spot on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and some headlines even suggest it might be acquired by another company. But how did "Team Blue" find itself in this precarious position? Let's dive into the details. The Impact of Instability Issues: Overstated? Intel's recent struggles are often attributed to the instability of its 13th and 14th-gen chips within the gaming PC community. While these issues were well-publicized, their financial impact on Intel was minimal. The problematic chips represented a small subset of high-end models, while Intel's bread-and-butter business lies in selling mid-range chips to major computer manufacturers like Dell and Lenovo. So, the roots of Intel's decline lie elsewhere. The Turning Point: Intel's 10nm Struggles To truly understand Intel's predicament, we need to go back to 2015, when the company's attempts to produce chips on the 10-nanometer process hit a roadblock. Achieving 10nm would have enabled more powerful and energy-efficient chips—critical for staying competitive. However, Intel chose not to invest in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, a manufacturing technology that simplifies creating chips with smaller transistors. This decision wasn't just about technical conservatism. At the time, Intel faced little pressure from competitors. AMD was still struggling with its underwhelming Bulldozer CPUs, and Apple was a loyal customer for Intel processors in its Macs. Yet, the landscape began shifting rapidly after 2015. Competition Heats Up AMD's Renaissance : AMD's Zen architecture, launched in 2017, was an immediate hit. AMD began clawing back market share with competitive performance and pricing. : AMD's...
NewAmsterdam Pharma Announces Commencement of $300 Million Public Offering of Ordinary Shares ...
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.