Beijing's New Metro Artery: "Rail + Land" Demonstration Line Launches in the City Subcenter
Arizona’s only surf park opens up in MesaTrump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Trump's request Friday came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court. Oral arguments are scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The brief said Trump opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, as early as January 14th, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. The department has taken such action in the past. But once those measures run out the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST 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 the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Canadian Cabinet ministers meet with Trump's nominee for commerce secretary in bid to avoid tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Two top Canadian Cabinet ministers have met with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago as Canada tries to avoid sweeping tariffs when Trump takes office. New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. The meeting was a follow up to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping tariffs if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot has soared above $1 billion, and that’s still a big deal. After three months without anyone winning the top prize, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The high number has evoked headlines and likely lured more people to convenience stores with dreams of private spacewalks above the Earth. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze.
In response to the incident, local officials have vowed to review existing protocols and enhance measures to ensure the smooth and unhindered passage of emergency services in the city. Public awareness campaigns are also being planned to educate residents on the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles and the serious consequences of obstructing their path.Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital for a neck injury after landing on his head while making a catch late in the first half of Sunday's 30-27 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. As Sanders was brought down near the sideline after a 10-yard reception, he was flipped upside down and landed directly on the top of his helmet as he went out of bounds on the tackle by cornerback Trent McDuffie. After receiving attention from the team's medical staff, Sanders was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart with 40 seconds remaining in the half. He was taken to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for observation and later released Sunday afternoon, according to the team. On the CBS broadcast following halftime, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Sanders had movement in all his extremities, while extreme precaution was taken because of back tightness. CBS reported he was being examined for a concussion before later amending that to a neck injury. The 21-year-old rookie out of Texas had a team-leading three receptions for the Panthers at the half for 49 yards. In 11 games this season, Sanders has 29 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft in April. --Field Level Media
One key aspect of Shi Yuqi's approach to his sport is the various sources of motivation that drive him forward. Whether it's the support of his fans, the guidance of his coaches, or his own internal drive for success, Shi Yuqi draws strength from multiple sources to keep him going. "I am grateful for the encouragement and support from everyone around me. Their belief in me pushes me to strive for excellence every day," he explained.Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders carted off field for neck injury
DOHA, Qatar , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 25, 2024 , the First JETOUR Fan's Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar , themed "Think Future". During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand "Traveler" in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR's commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the "The World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles" under the "Travel+" strategy. Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology's role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced "Traveler", enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan's Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of "Traveler", experiencing "Travel+" culture through city tours and co-creation workshops. JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through "Traveler," JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the "Travel+" culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan , Vice President of JETOUR International, said, "Serving 'JETOUR users' and being 'a user-oriented JETOUR' are JETOUR's development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users." JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East , embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand's image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers' needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market. The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR's new journey towards "the World's Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles." JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future.Eddie Howe says ‘a lot more to come’ from Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RxBenefits, Inc., the employee benefits industry's first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO), announced today that Robert Gamble has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Gamble succeeds Wendy Barnes , who has decided to pursue another professional opportunity. Gamble has also joined the RxBenefits Board of Directors. Gamble , a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmacy benefits industry, has been an integral part of RxBenefits' executive leadership team for the past nine years. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Gamble led the strategy, technology, operations, and account management functions during a period of significant expansion and growth for the company, including launching new products and entering new market segments. Gamble previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer. "I am proud to take the helm of a company whose sole mission is to be a trusted partner to our clients and transparently deliver pharmacy benefits aligned to their unique goals," Gamble said. "We have a strong leadership team, and more than 1,200 employees focused on helping our clients achieve sustainable savings while delivering robust pharmacy benefits to their members." "Over nearly a decade, Robert has proven his strong ability to drive growth as he has helped scale RxBenefits into the pre-eminent and first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer," said Mark Taber , a Managing Director at Great Hill Partners and member of the RxBenefits Board of Directors. "We are confident that he is the right choice to lead RxBenefits forward, leveraging his deep, nuanced understanding of the industry and company to deliver greater value to clients nationwide." "We're appreciative of Wendy's commitment to the company as well as her efforts to maintain RxBenefits' status as a leading provider of cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions and exceptional service to clients," said John Maldonado , Managing Partner at Advent International and RxBenefits board member. "We're excited for Robert to take on his new role and believe he is well-positioned to lead the RxBenefits team and propel the company to its next phase of growth." "I am grateful for Wendy's leadership over the last two years. She accelerated our momentum and prepared us for our next phase of expansion," Gamble added. "We had a strong earnings year in 2024, continuing our track record of robust financial performance. We also have an ambitious strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. I look forward to what we will achieve and how we will increasingly help our clients contain soaring pharmacy benefits costs while taking great care of their members." RxBenefits continues to grow and innovate to meet its clients' emerging needs for cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions, adding 500 employees just since 2022 while continuing to deliver industry-leading, award-winning customer and member service. About RxBenefits RxBenefits is the nation's first and leading technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO) with more than 1,200 pharmacy pricing, data, and clinical experts working together to deliver prescription benefit savings to employee benefits advisors and their self-insured clients. Serving more than 3 million members , RxBenefits brings market-leading purchasing power, independent clinical solutions, and high-touch service to its customers – ensuring that all plan sponsors, regardless of size, can provide an affordable and valuable pharmacy benefits plan to their employees. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rxbenefits-inc-appoints-robert-gamble-chief-executive-officer-302332862.html SOURCE RxBenefitsWith a keen eye for detail and a passion for authenticity, the creators of "Ming Dynasty Reimagined" have spared no expense in recreating the splendor of this iconic period in Chinese history. From elaborate costumes to intricately designed sets, every aspect of the production is crafted with precision and care to ensure a truly immersive experience for viewers.
Earlier cryptocurrencies were primarily considered a niche investment within the mainstream global financial system. Initially, they were mainly utilized by individual investors and tech enthusiasts. Today, however, cryptocurrencies provide exciting opportunities for businesses. From small startups to large multinationals, companies are now recognizing the immense potential of cryptocurrencies to streamline operations, improve financial efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The greatest advantage of cryptocurrencies for businesses lies in their ability to facilitate fast and efficient transactions. Traditional banking networks often take 3-5 days to process cross-border payments, with associated fees and charges (Source: SWIFT). In contrast, cryptocurrencies enable businesses to conduct cross-border transactions almost instantly, without intermediaries, and at a significantly lower cost. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). Furthermore, the global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 32.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), indicating increasing adoption and potential for businesses to leverage cryptocurrencies for faster and more efficient transactions. Blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, ensures that transactions are processed in real time without waiting for approvals or third-party intervention. This speed can improve cash flow, reduce delays in receiving payments, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By adopting cryptocurrencies, corporates can avoid traditional banking hours, making transactions available 24/7. The significantly lower transaction costs of cryptocurrencies present a substantial benefit for corporations. Traditional financial systems and payment platforms charge hefty fees for processing transactions, particularly cross-border transfers. These costs can quickly accumulate for companies facilitating numerous international transactions. According to a report by McKinsey, the average cost of cross-border payments is around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey). In contrast, cryptocurrency transactions incur significantly lower fees, typically ranging from 0.1% to 1% of the transaction value (Source: BitInfoCharts). Since cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized blockchain, transactions can be conducted peer-to-peer, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks and payment processors. This reduction in transaction costs can translate to millions of dollars in savings for companies, especially those handling large transactions , ultimately leading to increased profitability. A study by Juniper Research estimates that blockchain-based cross-border payments can save businesses up to $10 billion in transaction costs by 2025 (Source: Juniper Research). One of the significant things that a business faces today, especially when involving anything financial, is security . As cybercrime advances significantly, organizations have to work to ensure that the organization's financial systems are as secure as possible. In doing so, it gives any financial system a level of security that cannot be easily matched. The blockchain technology for cryptocurrencies is very secure, using advanced cryptographic techniques that will protect transactions. Each transaction is recorded in a decentralized ledger that cannot be hacked or altered in any way. This allows businesses to protect their sensitive financial information from fraud or cyberattacks. Moreover, the transparency of the blockchain allows businesses to track all transactions in real-time, giving them full visibility and preventing fraudulent activities. A good financial system should be transparent. The technology that forms the basis for cryptocurrencies is known as blockchain. This immutable ledger creates a record of every kind of transaction. Once verified, no one can alter or delete these transactions; thus, the authenticity at any given time can be verified between parties. For businesses, this will be a way to increase accountability because tracking payments , receipts, and business operations can become easier. Whether a firm is dealing with suppliers, customers, or partners, blockchain's transparent nature can build trust and reduce the likelihood of disputes. The increased visibility can also help businesses to identify inefficiencies, reduce errors, and improve overall financial management. In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly expected to make cross-border payments, with the global cross-border payments market projected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2025 (Source: McKinsey). However, traditional cross-border payment processes can be expensive, with fees averaging around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey), and time-consuming, taking an average of 3-5 days to settle (Source: SWIFT). Cryptocurrencies offer a game-changing solution, enabling businesses to make fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments without the need for currency conversion or intermediary banks. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). With cryptocurrencies, companies can make seamless payments to international partners, customers, and suppliers, facilitating faster globalization and easier entry into new markets. The absence of conversion fees and significantly lowered transaction times make cryptocurrencies an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their international transactions. Smart contracts are another form of corporate usage. A smart contract is an auto-executing contract where the terms and conditions are written in code and automatically executed upon the meeting of predetermined conditions. Smart contracts can automate everything from payments to supply chain management in a business. For example, a smart contract would be able to automate payment disbursal to suppliers post the delivery and acceptance of goods. This would therefore reduce manual intervention, have fewer opportunities for errors, and hasten the whole process. Businesses increase efficiency while lowering administrative overhead by letting smart contracts work in their operations, thus further lowering the risks of human error. Besides using cryptocurrencies for operational means, many companies are also interested in exploring such potential investment opportunities. These digital currencies have been fast emerging, hence the need to diversify corporate portfolios by allocating investments into such assets and eventually benefiting from the appreciation of price, especially with cases such as Bitcoin or Ethereum investments. This would enable businesses to protect their financial resources by utilizing cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge and a hedge against currency devaluation. Digital currencies will also become a tool in the treasury management of businesses as more people accept them. Cryptocurrencies are offering significant benefits for corporations looking to improve their financial operations, reduce costs, and enhance security. As technology continues to evolve, even small and medium-sized businesses will adopt digital currencies and blockchain to remain competitive in today's fast-paced, highly globalized economy. According to a report by PwC, 77% of financial institutions are expected to adopt blockchain technology by 2025 (Source: PwC). With cryptocurrencies, corporates can unlock new avenues for growth, streamline transactions, and create a safer and more efficient future for their operations. As blockchain maturity develops, the full potential of cryptocurrencies will be unlocked, enabling businesses to harness its benefits and drive innovation. By 2025, the global blockchain market is projected to reach $39.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 69.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), highlighting the growing importance of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the business landscape.Abortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travelFlorida Gulf Coast 60, FIU 59
NASA Leadership to Visit, Strengthen Cooperation with MexicoAbortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel
NoneAs the dust settled on this harrowing ordeal, Ms. Li emerged as a cautionary tale of the dangers of greed and the perils of falling victim to online scams. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence when engaging in online transactions, and the need to exercise caution when faced with offers that seem too good to be true.
Furthermore, Sora's intuitive interface makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create professional-quality videos in a matter of minutes. With a simple drag-and-drop interface and a wide selection of customizable templates and effects, Sora empowers creators to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life without the need for specialized technical knowledge or expertise.Beijing Guoan made headlines recently with the announcement of Quique Setien as their new head coach. Setien, who is known for his tactical acumen and attractive style of play, brings a wealth of experience to the Chinese Super League side. The former Barcelona boss wasted no time in making his mark on the team, finalizing the signings of four exciting new players from La Liga to bolster Beijing Guoan's squad for the upcoming season.
Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of ChristmasCarnival Cruise Line won’t make an old school dining changeThe concept of unconventional countercyclical adjustment involves the use of targeted measures to address specific imbalances in the markets. Rather than applying blanket measures across the board, policymakers are now focusing on interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of the real estate and stock markets. This approach allows for a more precise and effective response to the challenges faced by each sector.
How Taiwan’s Authoritarian Past Shapes Its Security Politics Today
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