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nice photos Elon Musk Meets With Lawmakers About ‘DOGE’ Crusade Against Government SpendingPhilip Morris International (PMI) recently hosted its 10th edition of Technovation at Abu Dhabi. The conference focused on the crucial role that innovation, technology, and science can play to help accelerate the decline in smoking rates, enabling a better future for everyone. PMI executives pointed out that a smoke-free future is within reach with alternatives that are designed to reduce harm compared to conventional tobacco, through a no-combustion technology. Speaking at the event, Jacek Olczak, CEO Philip Morris International said, “Banning alternatives to cigarettes is “wasting time” because there is existing evidence that different product formats help address the problem in a faster manner. Depriving people of access to less harmful alternatives, while sale of cigarettes continue is almost immoral. 1 billion smokers, globally, should have the right to the information and choose an alternative that is less harmful. Countries that have embraced these alternatives like Japan for instance have seen a reduction of cigarettes by more than 45% in the last 10 years. Japan would be smoke-free in 10 years from now while India will have more smokers and would have wasted this opportunity of possible fast-tracked cessation, owing to not adopting science backed policies. “ Reinforcing the sentiments, Fred De Wilde, President South & Southeast Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States and Middle East and Africa Region at Philip Morris International, stated, “The Global South, with its young and growing population, will significantly contribute to shaping the future. According to the WHO, 80% of the worlds over 1 billion smokers reside in emerging economies. To accelerate the transition to a smoke-free future and reduce the harm from traditional tobacco use, we aim to meet consumer preferences in these regions with affordable and accessible less harmful alternatives to cigarette smoking. In fact, by June 2024, approximately 6.1 million individuals in twenty-seven countries had switched to less harmful alternatives. However, this is just the beginning, with over half of the world’s legal-age nicotine consumers living in these areas.” Sharing the vision of a smoke-free world, Tommaso Di Giovanni, Vice President of Global Communications at Philip Morris International added, “PMI wants to switch cigarettes to less harmful alternatives as soon as possible. These alternatives have scientifically been proven to be safer than smoking. While not completely risk-free, they can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. We have a firm belief that if you do not smoke, don't start. If you are already smoking, quit. If you do not stop, then switch to less harmful alternatives." PMI presented some of its lesser harmful alternatives that eliminate combustion & showcased how high levels of harmful chemicals in the smoke from burning cigarettes are the primary cause of smoking-related diseases.NoneNone

Activist investor Browning West sells a quarter of its Gildan stake

Atlassian CEO Cannon-Brookes sells $2.19 million in stock

AP News Summary at 11:27 a.m. EST

Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving timeNASA's stuck astronauts hit 6 months in space. Just 2 more to go

Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouse ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible while deputies pushed him inside Tuesday. At the brief hearing, the defense lawyer informed the court that Mangione would not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail. Brian Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn Luigi Nicholas Mangione was apparently living a charmed one: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-od Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy.” Pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators are working to piece together why Mangione diverged from a path of seeming success to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO The 26-year-old man charged in last week’s killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in New York City has appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom. Luigi Nicholas Mangione was arrested Monday after a worker at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, notified police that he resembled the suspect in last Wednesday's killing of Brian Thompson. While being led into court to be arraigned Tuesday, Mangione shouted something that was partly unintelligible but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” During the hearing in Hollidaysburg, Mangione was denied bail and his attorney said Mangione would not waive extradition. DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump’s hush money case while upholding his conviction NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors are trying to preserve President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money conviction as he returns to office, and they're suggesting various ways forward. One novel notion is based on how some courts handle criminal cases when defendants die. In court papers made public on Tuesday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books. The proposals included freezing the case until he’s out of office, or agreeing that any future sentence wouldn’t include jail time. Another idea: closing the case with a notation that acknowledges his conviction but says that he was never sentenced and that his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. There's no immediate response from Trump's lawyers. Middle East latest: Israel bombs hundreds of sites across Syria as army pushes into border zone Israel says it bombed more than 350 military sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of strikes was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse. Israel also acknowledged its troops were pushing into a border buffer zone inside Syria, which was established after the 1973 Mideast war. However, Israel denied its forces were advancing Tuesday toward the Syrian capital of Damascus. Life in the capital was slowly returning to normal. People celebrated for a third day in a main square, and shops and banks reopened. Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. For Trump, they were also prime trolling opportunities. Throughout his first term in the White House and his recent campaign to return there, the Republican has dished out provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. Now that’s he’s preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. Report on attempts to kill Trump urges Secret Service to limit protection of foreign leaders WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional task force looking into the assassination attempts against Donald Trump during his presidential campaign is recommending changes to the Secret Service. These include protecting fewer foreign leaders during the height of the election season and considering moving the agency out of the Department of Homeland Security. The 180-page report was released Tuesday. It constitutes one of the most detailed looks so far into the July 13 assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a second one in Florida two months later. South Korea's ex-defense minister is formally arrested over brief imposition of martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's previous defense minister has been formally arrested over his alleged collusion with President Yoon Suk Yeol and others in imposing martial law last week. Kim Yong Hyun resigned last week and has been detained since Sunday. He is the first person arrested in the case. Prosecutors have up to 20 days to determine whether to indict him. A conviction on the charge of playing a key role in rebellion carries the maximum death sentence. Kim is accused of recommending martial law to Yoon and sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting on it. Homes burn as wind-driven wildfire prompts evacuations in Malibu, California MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Thousands of Southern California residents are under evacuation orders and warnings as firefighters battle a wind-driven wildfire in Malibu. The flames burned near seaside mansions and Pepperdine University, where students sheltering at the school’s library on Monday night watched as the blaze intensified. Officials on Tuesday said a “minimal number” of homes burned, but the exact amount wasn’t immediately known. More than 8,100 homes and other structures are under threat, including more than 2,000 where residents have been ordered to evacuate. Pepperdine University on Tuesday morning said the worst of the fire has pushed past campus. It was not immediately known how the blaze started. More beans and less red meat: Nutrition experts weigh in on US dietary guidelines Americans should eat more beans, peas and lentils and cut back on red and processed meats and starchy vegetables. That's advice from a panel of nutrition experts charged with counseling the U.S. government about the next edition of the dietary guidelines. The panel did not weigh in on the growing role of ultraprocessed foods that have been linked to health problems or alcohol use. But they did say people should continue to limit added sugars, sodium and saturated fat in pursuit of a healthy diet. Tuesday’s recommendations now go to federal officials, who will draft the final guidance set for release next year.

Put politics aside and act on online harms, mother of sextortion victim tells MPs

Empowering Nigeria Through Sustainable DevelopmentNo fewer than 30,313 suspects were arrested in 2024 for their involvement in various crimes across the country. The disclosure was made by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reeling out the high command’s scorecard for 2024 during an end-of-year meeting with Commissioners of Police and strategic commanders in Abuja. According to the IGP, 1, 984 firearms were recovered the same year countrywide. 23,250 ammunition were also recovered by the police. IGP spoke at a strategic meeting today Tuesday with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year. In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public. In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims. The IGP emphasised that the Force will prioritise innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation. As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability.Home Depot HD has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 7.52% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 19.46%. Currently, Home Depot has a market capitalization of $414.21 billion. Buying $1000 In HD: If an investor had bought $1000 of HD stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $14,554.28 today based on a price of $416.98 for HD at the time of writing. Home Depot's Performance Over Last 15 Years Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Phreesia SVP Amy VanDuyn sells $532,559 in stockWhat We Know About Luigi Mangione: Alleged UnitedHealthcare Shooter Plans To Plead Not Guilty

NoneLast year, the internet mulled over the enigma that was Skibidi Toilet and found more complexity to this narrative of sentient toilets than what meets the eye. This year, the levels of absurdity were hardly different, though the memes have been equally entertaining. The internet has come a long way, especially now that it's being helmed by a generation of youngsters who have grown up hacking into their parents' phones instead of licking dirt off their fingers. But this unblinking exposure to screens did make them intelligent in their own ways. Now, memes are no longer a simple template of hasty comedy. No, no, pookies. The internet of 2024 gave us a scroll of new slang, in-depth lore, and a gaping case of brainrot. Year of the wordsmiths If you were diagnosed as chronically online this year, then congratulations! You've been promoted and you're now one of the elite employees. Of what, exactly? You may never find out. But that's okay, because you're low-key just a chill guy—or an anthropomorphic dog with your hands stuffed in your pants' pockets as the soft lull of Gia Margaret's Hinoki Wood plays in the background. If none of that makes sense to you, then you're probably of the opposite demographic and might need a little context. Except, any explanation might render you even more perplexed. But that's the fun of written memes; they are a mouthful and often accompanied by visual elements, but their appeal lies in the text. And this year, they've been a common culprit of the collective internet brainrot—which, by the way, has been deemed Word of the Year by the Oxford University Press (OUP), if you want to get a sense of the impact of memes that were born this year. From one-liners to long-form passages, these memes encourage personal touches so you too can make them hyper-specific for that extra relatability. You can credit that to X's essay-writing tweaks or the fact that everyone with a general understanding of the world wants to pen think-pieces on TikTok. But sometimes these memes are just phrases that function as social cues for like-minded individuals to find each other. A greeting, if you will. "Send it to me, Rachel" does not mean anything in isolation, but this year found teenagers echoing it like a chant all the same. A user on YouTube admitted that the source clip has "literally been my vocal stim for weeks." Lore of the new lingo Aside from their unique intelligence, the generation currently prevailing over the big web is also known for its creativity. Entire musical numbers have been created based on "brainrot" terminology, which is essentially just modern slang. Although carried over from 2023, this level of creativity dominated the digital horizon for its magical ability to incorporate an extensive vocabulary of memes into high-quality music. Internet lists and video tutorials for Gen Alpha slang are graciously at the disposal of rookies from the former generation. Words like 'mewing', 'rizz', and 'sigma' might seem like they mean nothing at first glance, but translation manuals are also available online for the nonplussed oldies. But hey, don't judge the new internet culture. That's not very demure of you. Pictorial takeover No matter how much our critical faculties continue to evolve, it seems likely that we'll always view memes as visuals that potently substitute slapstick comedy. This sentiment persisted in 2024, which saw the rise of AI-generated content, and a hoard of inexplicable memes as a result of that. This collection of memes is referred to as 'slop', a word which made it to OUP's Word of the Year shortlist before 'brainrot' took the crown. Take, for example, the AI-made graphic slides of a ludicrous story centering a cat as Bongo Cat's cover of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For? plays in the background. The song, composed only of sorrowful instrumentals and committed meow-meows, even caught the singer's attention and made a concert debut. As you can expect, the crowd was more than eager to sing along. But AI didn't dominate the illustrative category of memes this year. For a sarcastic show of depression, Clean Bandit's Symphony was revived and an artwork of dolphins and rainbows was slapped over it to reel it in. In a similar yet grimmer fashion, Thomas Lea's painting The Two-Thousand Yard Stare depicting a dissociated soldier became symbolic of youthful angst, with the subject sometimes being replaced by a cat to really highlight what's popular with the current generation. Aside from the idiosyncrasies of cats, one thing the internet tirelessly and unanimously enjoys is absurdity. Observe memes ever since the birth of the digital sphere and you'd hardly find a consistent pattern, which is honestly the best part about this ever-changing humour. Each year, it becomes stranger and proudly so. Oh, how far we've come from stock photos and block text. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourJersey Mike’s Subs, the beloved sub sandwich chain that originated in New Jersey, has been sold, according to the Patch . It was sold to Blackstone, a global investment firm, for around $8 billion, including the company’s debt. Jersey Mike's Sold But NOT Closing I know many were worried what would become of the chain, but don't freak out, Jersey Mike's is NOT going away. The article says it was sold to help with Jersey Mike’s growth and expansion both here in the U.S. and internationally. The deal is expected to close sometime in early 2025 and will help to bring big changes to the company in the future. The sale was announced this week, but details have not been revealed yet. Sale meant to help Jersey Mike's expand worldwide The new partnership is meant to help Jersey Mike’s continue to grow quickly, with a focus on expanding locations and using new technology. Did you know that Jersey Mike’s started way back in 1956 as a small shop called Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey? Peter Cancro, now the CEO, was only 17 years old when he bought the business in 1975 with the help of his high school football coach. Today, Jersey Mike’s Subs has over 3,000 locations across the U.S. Cancro will stay on to lead the company, keeping a significant ownership stake. He's excited about the future and says Jersey Mike’s is just getting started. He believes with Blackstone’s help and expertise the company will soar to a new level. Blackstone also acquired Tropical Smoothie Cafe Blackstone also recently bought the Tropical Smoothie Café chain and will also help that brand reach even more customers. READ MORE: Surprising Facts About Jersey Mike's I'm relieved Jersey Mike's will be sticking around...I love the bowls. Jersey Mike's Secret Menu Here are the Sandwiches You Can Order but Aren't on the Menu Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins 15 Fast-Growing Chain Restaurants Poised to Be Everywhere in 2025 From burritos to steak to brunch, here is a look at which fast-growing restaurant chains are reportedly set to have a big years for expansion in 2025. Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll