Kansas rolls out new unemployment system, first in nearly 50 years
Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024
Carol Vorderman dropped from TV show after 'raising concerns about behaviour like Gregg Wallace's'EU rules on common charger use come into force
I'm 34, a CEO and a great catch... and my girlfriend is an AI chatbot. My mother is desperate for me to marry but I may never date a 'real' woman again
Barn fire closes part of Route 31 in ClayYear Ender: From Ratan Tata Passing To SEBI Controversy, Here are The Major Headlines Of 2024NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco's (2223.SE) , opens new tab digital arm is in talks to take a significant minority stake in Mavenir, in a deal that is likely to value the U.S. telecommunications software maker at about $3 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. Aramco Digital is in talks to invest about $1 billion in Mavenir and a deal is likely to be signed before the end of the year, the sources said, cautioning that a transaction is not guaranteed. Mavenir is working with investment bank Evercore (EVR.N) , opens new tab on its talks with Aramco Digital, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are confidential. The deal by Aramco Digital, the wholly-owned technology subsidiary of the oil giant, would be its first major transaction in the telecommunications industry as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which focuses on technological advancements and economic diversification. Aramco and Evercore did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mavenir declined to comment. The telecom equipment industry, which has long been dominated by vendors such as Sweden's Ericsson (ERICb.ST) , opens new tab , Finland's Nokia (NOKIA.HE) , opens new tab and China's Huawei, is one of the few critical areas where U.S. companies do not have a significant presence. Richardson, Texas-based Mavenir is a pioneer in a technology called Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) that promises to radically cut costs for telecom operators building a mobile network. It uses cloud-based software and allows use of gear from many suppliers instead of relying on a handful of companies. The company has so far raised at least $800 million in various funding rounds , opens new tab . As the Trump administration took actions to thwart Huawei's U.S. business, it also pushed for more adoption of Open RAN technologies, which could put more American companies in the mix. The push to promote Open RAN continued under the Biden administration, but it was not widely adopted as the emerging technology could not always match all the features that traditional telecom vendors could provide. Last year, AT&T (T.N) , opens new tab signed a $14 billion Open RAN deal with Ericsson for 70% of its wireless network traffic by late 2026, giving a renewed boost to the sector. Sources said the incoming Trump administration may also prioritize development of the technology. While a deal between Aramco and Mavenir is likely to go through a U.S. national security review, the Biden administration signed a deal with the Saudis in 2022 to cooperate on the technology to build 5G and 6G networks in Saudi Arabia. As part of the deal with Mavenir, Aramco Digital is in talks to separately invest $200 million in a joint venture with the company for technology development in the region. Aramco Digital in January , opens new tab announced its intent to build Saudi Arabia's first Open RAN development center in partnership with Intel (INTC.O) , opens new tab , which has been working with telecom firms such as Vodafone (VOD.L) , opens new tab and Reliance Jio to develop the technology. Aramco Digital last week received , opens new tab a license to provide wireless services in Saudi Arabia. A cash infusion from the Saudis would allow Mavenir to upgrade its 5G technology and better prepare for the 6G network , opens new tab rollout in the latter half of the decade, at a time when the entire telecom industry is going through a downturn. Sign up here. Reporting by Anirban Sen in New York, Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm, and Alexandra Alper in WashingtonEditing by Marguerita Choy Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Anirban Sen is the Editor in Charge for U.S. M&A at Reuters in New York, where he leads the coverage of the biggest deals. After starting with Reuters in Bangalore in 2009, Anirban left in 2013 to work as a technology deals reporter in several leading business news outlets in India, including The Economic Times and Mint. Anirban rejoined Reuters in 2019 as Editor in Charge, Finance to lead a team of reporters, covering everything from investment banking to venture capital. Anirban holds a history degree from Jadavpur University and a post-graduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media. Thomson Reuters Supantha leads the European Technology and Telecoms coverage, with a special focus on emerging technologies such as AI and 5G. He has been a journalist for about 18 years. He joined Reuters in 2006 and has covered a variety of beats ranging from financial sector to technology. He is based in Stockholm, Sweden.Timeline: Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024
A SHOPPER was left in disbelief after a major retailer refused to price match an item, even though their website states they do operate a price match policy. The disgruntled customer took to social media to seek the views of other consumers on Reddit. “My local Best Buy refused to price match. Said that they don’t price match at all over the holidays. Heard of this? “They said they’ll only price match on a Best Buy purchase against a price drop at Best Buy only,” said the poster on the BestBuy subreddit. They continued: “When I called customer service they didn’t understand this. The guy over the phone was able to honor the price match and now I’ll be picking up the item at this same store. “Anyone ever heard of this before? It was a manager’s decision but he is out right now. The staff refused to cooperate when I asked for their policy in writing.” Read more on Best Buy Responses to the post were mixed. “Very odd. Might just be a local store or uninformed employee thing,” wrote one person. Meanwhile, several others said they’d had the same experience with the retailer in the past. “I’ve been told this exact thing in store in previous years but online the policy did not mention this. I just ended up purchasing elsewhere,” said one commenter. Most read in Money The OP went on to explain that employees didn’t even ask what product they wanted to price match. “Imagine talking to a rep and asking about price match and they said ‘we don’t do that at all during the holidays. At all’.” ARE THERE EXCLUSIONS TO PRICE MATCH? Best Buy states on its website that it does not price match from the Thursday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after Thanksgiving, which in 2024 was November 21 to December 2. However, no other holiday exclusions are mentioned in the price match policy explanation. The retailer does not match prices from all stores and websites, stating: “We'll match the current product price of key online and local competitors.” These it calls qualified competitors and they include Amazon , Home Depot , Sam’s Club , Apple , Walmart , Costco and Target , among others. Best Buy has a three-tier membership program that gives customers benefits based on the tier they buy. Let's take a look at what each offer: My Best Buy - Free Free standard shipping My Best Buy Plus - $49.99 per year Free standard shipping Free 2-day shipping Exclusive member prices on items Exclusive access to sales, products, and events Extended 60-day return policy My Best Buy Total - $179.99 per year Free standard shipping Free 2-day shipping Exclusive member prices on items Exclusive access to sales, products, and events Extended 60-day return policy Protection plans, including AppleCare+ 24/7 tech support VIP member support 20% off select repairs The matching is also applicable to new products only, so excludes refurbished, clearance and open-box items. Purchases from third-part sellers on qualified competitor websites, Best Buy Marketplace stores on a third-party website, Best Buy Education and Best Buy Business are also not eligible. Best Buy came under fire from customers earlier this year when the retailer changed its returns policy , cutting the refund window from 30 days to just two weeks. Shoppers can benefit from a 60-day return window, but to do so they have to join one of the retailer’s paid membership programs, which costs from $49.99. Another change just before Christmas saw restocking fees added to electronic product returns. Read More on The US Sun Items affected include digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders, projectors and screens, drones, electric bikes and some scooters. There is no restocking fee if the item is returned unopened, if purchased in certain states, including CO, AL and OK, and where prohibited by law.
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DALLAS — Virginia is in wait-and-see mode on the status of guard and primary ball-handler Dai Dai Ames. UVa interim coach Ron Sanchez said Ames sprained his ankle in the first half of the Cavaliers’ loss at SMU on Saturday. He never returned to action after checking out with 10:39 to go before halftime. “I don’t really know what happened to Ames yet,” UVa interim coach Ron Sanchez following the loss. “Other than that, he rolled his ankle. How serious it is, we’ll find out.” Virginia guard Dai Dai Ames dribbles up the court during the Cavaliers' loss to SMU on Saturday in Dallas. UVa is already thin in its back court considering redshirt freshman guard Christian Bliss (foot) has not played this season, and because Florida State transfer guard Jalen Warley opted to leave the Hoos’ program following the retirement of former coach Tony Bennett. Sanchez said Bliss is still day to day while he tries to recover from the foot issue. Ames, Andrew Rohde and Isaac McKneely have been in Sanchez’s starting lineup each of the last four games. On Saturday, freshman Ishan Sharma’s minutes increased after Ames exited. Sharma made a 3, grabbed four rebounds and had a steal. He’ll have to play more moving forward if Ames misses any time. “We want Ish to continue to come,” Sanchez said. “He handles the ball. He can do some things. He made a shot today. He made some decent plays. He got some other guys some shots, and I think his experience today will help him later. We’re encouraged by him, and he was thrusted into the position today, but I think he did a really good job defensively as well.” Greg Madia gmadia@dailyprogress.com @GregMadia on X Get local news delivered to your inbox! UVa sports reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels
The NFL urged its players to exercise caution on social media and ramp up home security on Thursday, saying they were becoming “increasingly targeted” for burglaries. Organized groups are targeting homes of professional athletes across multiple leagues, the NFL said in a memo obtained by Reuters, exploiting team schedules and gathering information through “extensive surveillance.” “The burglary groups appear to be gathering information on potential victims through public records, media reports and social media,” the memo read. “Surveillance tactics have included attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in a neighborhood.” The NFL advised players to make their homes appear as though they are occupied at all times, leaving on interior lights or a television when they depart their property, and to limit the information they post to social media. “Avoid updating any social media with check-ins or daily activities until the conclusion of the day,” the league said. “Do not post images or comments about your residence or hotel accommodations.” The residences of two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, who is dating pop superstar Taylor Swift, were both reportedly burgled last month. NBC reported on Thursday that the FBI is investigating whether the break-ins are related to a transnational crime ring. Two NBA players also had their homes broken into in recent weeks, according to media reports. “It is important for players to maintain situational awareness, practice social media safety, and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of becoming a target,” the league said.
" Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) Takes Home Snow Leopard for Best Film Wu Kang -ren ( " Abang Adik " ) Named Best Actor Diamond Bou Abboud ( "Arze" ) Wins Best Actress Sergei Bodrov Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award HOLLYWOOD, Calif. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) announced its winners at a star-studded Closing Night Gala Awards Ceremony Thursday, November 21 , at the Culver Theater. Over 60 films and special screenings, including 24 Academy Award submissions for Best International Feature Film, were presented over the nine days of the AWFF, held November 13 - 21. The ceremony was hosted by Kyrgyz director and actress Elnura Osmanalieva and TV host, Golden Globe member, filmmaker and actor Mico Saad . FOR PHOTOS: CLICK HERE The Main Competition presented a series of exclusive Snow Leopard Awards with the assistance of Iris Wang , Jury President, producer ("Kung Fu Yoga," "The Composer"). Crime/drama " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ), directed by Jin Ong , won the Snow Leopard Award for Best Film . The film also won the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award for Wu Kang -ren . The Snow Leopard for Best Actress went to Diamond Bou Abboud for the social dramedy "Arze" ( Lebanon ), directed by Mira Shaib . The Snow Leopard Special Jury Prize went to family drama " In the Arms of the Tree" ( Iran ) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha . The Snow Leopard Panavision Award for Best Cinematography , along with a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package Grant, was awarded to cinematographer Zhanrbek Yeleubek for Kazakhstan's coming of age drama " Bauryna Salu, " and accepted by the film's director Askhat Kuchinchirekov and producer Dias Feld. The Snow Leopard Audience Award went to " The Glassworker " ( Pakistan ), directed by Usman Riaz . Writer, director and producer Sergei Bodrov ("Mongol," "Prisoner of the Mountains") received the AWFF Lifetime Achievement Award . The award was presented by Kazakhstan actress Ayanat Ksenbai ("About Mannequin"). Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan ("Warlords," "Comrades: Almost a Love Story ") was presented with the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award by producer Andre Morgan ("The Cannonball Run," "The Warlords"). The Rising Star Award went to Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo ("The Hows of Us," "Hello, Love, Goodbye") presented by actress Kieu Chinh ("The Joy Luck Club," "Hamburger Hill"). Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum said, "There is always a beginning and end to everything—except at the Asian World Film Festival. This 10 th Anniversary year was filled with inspiring milestones, discovery, joy, and thrills! The myriads of movies we screened, the special country spotlights and the dedicated filmmaker panels, have brought the richness of our heritage to the forefront. Asia is a wellspring of incredibly talented filmmakers, offering valuable lessons, especially in this age of technology. The AWFF continues to showcase exceptional movies filled with heart, soul, and captivating storytelling. Onward to November 2025!" The Bruce Lee Award , in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation, was presented to martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos ("Brotherhood of the Wolf," " John Wick : Chapter 3 – Parabellum") by Lee's daughter Shannon Lee , CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation. The Asian Vision Best Film Award was given to "Night Courier" ( Saudi Arabia ), directed by Ali Kalthami. The Short Film Jury composed of filmmakers and industry professionals from the U.S. and abroad, was headed by Jury President, Head of HDR Content Workflow, Barco) Joachim Zell . The Best Short Film , with a prize of a $15,000 Panavision Camera Package grant, went to " Lullaby" (UK/ Vietnam ) directed by Chi Thai . The award was presented by producer Zhu Xufang and accepted by actress Mai Thu Huyen ("A Fragile Flower," "Kieu"). A Special Mention was given to " Mar Mama " (Palestine), directed by Majdi El Omari . The complete awards list is as follows: SNOW LEOPARD COMPETITION AWARDEES Best Picture : " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) directed by Jin Ong Best Actor: Wu Kang -ren in " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) Best Actress: Diamond Bou Abboud in "Arze" ( Lebanon ) Panavision Best Cinematography: Zhanrbek Yeleubek for "Bauryna Salu" ( Kazakhstan ) Special Jury Prize: " In the Arms of the Tree" ( Iran ) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha Audience Award: " The Glassworker" ( Pakistan ) directed by Usman Riaz SNOW LEOPARD HONORARY AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Award – Sergei Bodrov Outstanding Cinematic Achievement – Peter Ho-Sun Chan Rising Star Award – Kathryn Bernardo ASIAN VISION BEST FILM AWARD: "Night Courier" ( Saudi Arabia ) directed by Ali Kalthami AWFF BRUCE LEE AWARD (in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation) Mark Dacascos SHORT FILM FINALISTS Best Short Film: " Lullaby" (UK/ Vietnam ) directed by Chi Thai Special Mention: " Mar Mama " (Palestine) directed by Majdi El Omari The AWFF series of Snow Leopard Awards is bestowed in partnership with The Snow Leopard Trust to raise awareness for the endangered snow leopard and their Asian ecosystem. AWFF SPONSORS The Asian World Film Festival is proudly sponsored by Aitysh Film, Pechanga Casino Resort, Panavision, Bruce Lee Foundation, Korean Cultural Center ( Los Angeles ), Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Taiwan Academy ( Los Angeles ), Hollywood Arab Film Association ( Los Angeles ), Vietnam Cinema Association ( Hanoi, Vietnam ), Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Kyrgyz Film, Ministry of Culture & Tourism Republic of Turkiye, Directorate General of Cinema (Turkiye), Republic of Turkiye Los Angeles Consulate General, Beirut Film Association ( Lebanon ), Meihodo ( Japan ), MoRedii, Culver City Arts Foundation, CAPE ( Los Angeles ), AARP ( California ), Blackmagic Design, Emporium Thai ( Los Angeles ), NAMOO ( Marina Del Rey ), Jackson Market & Deli (Culver City, Shin Beijing ( Los Angeles ), H.C. Foods and Asahi Beer , among many others. ABOUT THE ASIAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL (AWFF) Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) was founded by Kyrgyz public figure Sadyk Sher-Niyaz to bring the best of Asian cinema to Los Angeles and to strengthen ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. The festival screens feature films from more than 50 countries, spanning from Japan to Turkey and Russia to India and Southeast Asia . As of 2024, AWFF is the only Los Angeles -based festival that showcases most Asian submissions Academy Award ® and Golden Globe ® for Best International Feature Film and Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language respectively. AWFF is a non-profit organization under Aitysh USA . Follow AWFF on: Website: https://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/ X (formally Twitter): https://twitter.com/asianworldff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsianWorldFilmFest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianworldff/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asianworldfilmfestival3974 Media Contact: Rick Markovitz 818-421-3334 [email protected] SOURCE Asian World Film Festival
Foundever, a global leader in customer experience services, has partnered with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) to expand its operations in the country with a €65m investment over the next four years. This expansion includes the growth of its Cairo-based centers in Nasr City and Maadi Technology Park, as well as the establishment of a new center in Luxor. The initiative is expected to create 5,000 new job opportunities, reflecting Foundever’s commitment to Egypt’s dynamic outsourcing sector. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, and Mina Wahba, President of Foundever Egypt, in the presence of key officials, including Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat. Talaat praised Foundever’s decision to establish a new center in Luxor, highlighting its confidence in Egyptian talent and the growing appeal of Egypt as a global outsourcing hub. He emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the investment climate, improve digital infrastructure, and launch specialized training programs to prepare skilled talent for the industry’s evolving demands. The MoU outlines a strategic framework for expanding Egypt’s role in the export-oriented outsourcing sector. Foundever will focus on delivering customer support, technical assistance, and sales services to global markets, utilizing the country’s multilingual and technically skilled workforce. Currently, Foundever Egypt serves clients across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the Americas, and Canada in 14 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Arabic. ITIDA CEO Ahmed Elzaher remarked, “Foundever’s expansion is a testament to Egypt’s rising global status as a hub for outsourcing and cross-border IT services. This partnership reinforces our efforts to make Egypt a leader in digital services, supporting the country’s ambitious economic and digital transformation goals.” Foundever Egypt’s operations have grown by 115% since 2023, solidifying its position as a key player in the Egyptian outsourcing market. The Luxor center, slated to open in early 2025, represents a milestone in the company’s strategy to extend its footprint beyond Cairo and harness the potential of talent in Upper Egypt. Benedetta Miranda, General Manager of Multilingual Services at Foundever, highlighted the company’s dedication to creating job opportunities and empowering Egyptian youth. She also underscored the company’s support for initiatives like the Freelance Mama program, which helps mothers re-enter the workforce. Foundever’s investment aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, furthering the country’s ambitions to become a global hub for business services. With operations in 45 countries and a workforce of over 150,000, Foundever is committed to leveraging technology-driven solutions to enhance its clients’ operations worldwide. During the MoU signing, discussions focused on advancing training programs for freelancers and women’s economic empowerment, reinforcing the Ministry’s efforts to prepare youth and women for roles in the global digital economy. The Luxor center represents the beginning of Foundever’s broader strategy to expand its presence across Egypt, supporting both local communities and the nation’s economic development goals.
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Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ADMT) Sees Large Decline in Short Interest