Shohei Ohtani wins his third MVP and first in the NL following a historic offensive season with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Published 5:39 pm Tuesday, December 10, 2024 By Data Skrive The injury report for the Houston Rockets (16-8) ahead of their matchup with the Golden State Warriors (14-9) currently includes two players. The Warriors also have two injured players listed on the report. The matchup is slated for 9:30 PM ET on Wednesday, December 11. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Max. Use our link to sign up today. Get the latest news sent to your inbox The Rockets took care of business in their most recent outing 117-106 against the Clippers on Sunday. Jalen Green recorded 31 points, four rebounds and one assist for the Rockets. In their most recent game on Sunday, the Warriors earned a 114-106 win against the Timberwolves. In the Warriors’ win, Stephen Curry led the way with 30 points (adding four rebounds and eight assists). Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Bet on this or any NBA matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Reader Reply: I feel stupid for being too loyal, for too long, to Qantas
Minnesota elects first Kenyan-born state legislator in the countryBy CHRISTOPHER RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission . He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior . Ferguson is already one of the FTC’s five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television National Politics | What will happen to Social Security under Trump’s tax plan? The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC’s antitrust and consumer protection divisions. “These changes likely will make the FTC more favorable to business than it has been in recent years, though the extent to which is to be determined,” wrote Anthony DiResta, a consumer protection attorney at Holland & Knight, in a recent analysis . Deals that were blocked by the Biden administration could find new life with Trump in command. For example, the new leadership could be more open to a proposed merger between the country’s two biggest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons, which forged a $24.6 billion deal to combine in 2022. Two judges halted the merger Tuesday night. The FTC had filed a lawsuit in federal court earlier this year to block the merger, claiming the deal would eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower wages for workers. The two companies say a merger would help them lower prices and compete against bigger rivals like Walmart. One of the judges said the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing. Yet given the widespread public concern over high grocery prices, the Trump administration may not fully abandon the FTC’s efforts to block the deal, some experts have said. And the FTC may continue to scrutinize Big Tech firms for any anticompetitive behavior. Many Republican politicians have accused firms such as Meta of censoring conservative views, and some officials in Trump’s orbit, most notably Vice President-elect JD Vance, have previously expressed support for Khan’s scrutiny of Big Tech firms. In addition to Fergson, Trump also announced Tuesday that he had selected Jacob Helberg as the next undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment.
Pep Guardiola was reassured that Manchester City would win their ongoing legal dispute with the Premier League and avoid being relegated from the top tier before he put pen to paper on a contract extension until 2027, it has been claimed. The reigning champions have been under scrutiny for the past 10 weeks by an independent tribunal, set up to adjudicate nearly 130 allegations that they failed to provide accurate financial information and did not cooperate with an investigation into their conduct. City maintain they possess all the necessary evidence to establish their innocence - a belief echoed by Guardiola's decision to extend his tenure in Manchester to a decade and beyond. Club insiders suggest the new deal signals a positive outcome will come in City's legal battle, per The Mirror . On Friday, Guardiola pledged to honour his contract even if the club were found guilty and subsequently relegated. However, the Catalan has full faith in chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano and anticipates a favourable verdict from the panel of High Court judges. Under Guardiola's leadership, City have clinched six out of the last seven Premier League titles and two seasons ago became only the second English club to lift the treble. Despite these successes, there are indications that Guardiola’s squad requires rejuvenation, particularly after Saturday night's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Tottenham . To this end, City will equip new sporting director Hugo Viana with a substantial transfer budget in the summer to secure the reinforcements needed. And Guardiola will remain at the club to see his plans come to fruition courtesy of his new deal. He said earlier this week before the defeat to Spurs: "I cannot leave. Maybe the four defeats were the reason why I felt I cannot leave. "Since the beginning of the season I was thinking a lot in the moment, I will be honest, I thought (the season) should be the last one. "But in the same moment the situation comes, the problems we have in the last month, I felt now was not the time to leave. I don’t want to let the club down, I would say. "I felt the confidence from the chairman (Khaldoon Al Mubarak) and Txiki (Begiristain) and everyone, and I had the feeling I have to do it."Saturday, November 23, 2024 Gujarat Tourism is hosting two exciting photography contests, providing an exceptional opportunity for enthusiasts to capture and showcase the diverse beauty of the state through their lenses. Launched on November 19, these contests are set to conclude on November 24, drawing both amateur and professional photographers to participate in this unique initiative. The first contest, titled “Hidden Gems of Gujarat – Gujarat Tourism 2025 Calendar” , focuses on unveiling the state’s lesser-known marvels. Participants are encouraged to explore and highlight the hidden treasures that make Gujarat a fascinating destination, from quaint villages and ancient architectural sites to serene landscapes and vibrant cultural hubs. The second contest, “Gujarat: A Bird’s-Eye View” , offers a thrilling challenge to photographers by emphasizing drone photography. This competition aims to capture the state’s iconic landmarks, bustling urban centers, and breathtaking natural vistas from a unique aerial perspective. By presenting Gujarat from the skies, the contest promises to redefine how the state’s beauty is perceived, adding a fresh dimension to its visual narrative. Winners of both contests will have their photographs featured in the Gujarat Tourism 2025 Calendar , a prestigious platform that celebrates the state’s visual grandeur. Additionally, their works will gain widespread recognition through Gujarat Tourism’s official social media channels, further amplifying their artistic contributions. These contests aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for Gujarat’s charm while providing a significant platform for budding and seasoned photographers alike. Beyond the Competition: Nurturing a Culture of Art and Tourism This initiative not only highlights Gujarat’s physical beauty but also underscores the state’s commitment to promoting art and tourism in harmony. By blending photography with travel, the contests invite participants and viewers to rediscover Gujarat through fresh perspectives. Moreover, the campaigns help foster a sense of pride and connection among residents while showcasing Gujarat as an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. This collaborative approach between art, technology, and tourism positions Gujarat as a forward-thinking state, celebrating creativity and its multifaceted cultural heritage.
OTTAWA — Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said foreign interference did not tip the scales in the Conservative party's last leadership race that installed Pierre Poilievre at the helm. Brown, who was a candidate for the leadership at the time, was summoned to a House of Commons committee to answer questions on the 2022 race after a report from a committee on national security cited Indian interference in an unspecified Conservative leadership campaign. "I don’t believe foreign intervention affected the final outcome of the Conservative leadership race," Brown told a House of Commons committee on Thursday. Brown said he believes it's important to guard against foreign interference but that he does not want to get drawn into partisan debates on Parliament Hill. On Monday, Brown posted on social media about the committee's summons to say that he had no new evidence to add, and that the public inquiry on foreign interference was the proper venue to evaluate the allegations. He said Thursday that no members of the Indian government reached out to him or his campaign workers during his leadership bid. Brown was not included as a witness in the public inquiry, which wrapped up hearings earlier this fall with a final report due in the new year. Brown was disqualified from the party's 2022 leadership race due to allegations related to financing rules in the Canada Elections Act. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian PressIt seems everyone except champion Joey Logano is eager to see to a change to the NASCAR playoff format. How to fix it remains up for debate. Logano won his third Cup Series championship earlier this month, re-igniting the conversation about whether the current playoff format is the best way to determine a worthy champion. Logano wound up winning four races this season, but only had 13 top 10 finishes in 37 races and clearly didn’t have one of the best cars over the course of the season. Logano, it seemed, did just enough to get by. He got his share of breaks, too, using what amounted to a Hail Mary win in Nashville — stretching his empty fuel tank through five overtimes — to qualify for the postseason. He was actually eliminated from playoff contention in the second round, only to be reinstated after a competitor’s car was ruled to be illegal. Logano’s run to the title has left some drivers wanting to see the system altered, with suggestions ranging from minor tweaks to major changes. “I think the message we are trying to send is: Make the regular season matter more,” said Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing and a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team. He suggested increasing the bonus points a driver gets during the regular season. “The (Christopher) Bells, (Kyle) Larsons, they deserve to have a really good buffer there to make it through the (playoff) rounds,” Hamlin said. “We’re in a sport where you can get caught up in so many wrecks and different things that can happen. ... There are 26 (regular season) races and they are proving to be not that substantial to winning a championship and that’s not something you want.” Hamlin suggested that over the past three years the Team Penske champions — Logano twice and Ryan Blaney once — “didn’t have to do much” during the regular season. “And that’s probably not good,” Hamlin added. NASCAR likes the current playoff system because of the emphasis it places on each race heading down the final stretch of the season in its never-ending quest for Game 7 moments. Stock car racing’s governing body remains open to tweaking the format — if it improves the sport. “I love that aspect of it,” Bell said of the emphasis on the playoff races, “but maybe adjusting the points systems to make sure we get the right cars into the championship event would be awesome.” Blaney said it’s up to drivers to adapt the rules in place. But he said in his “ideal world” he’d like to see the top 16 drivers on points in the regular season qualify for the playoffs. He said race winners should get 10 or 15 points instead of five, and that the regular-season champion should get an additional 30 points. Blaney’s final suggestion involves fewer elimination races. He suggested the 16-car field should be cut to eight after five playoff races, with the remaining eight drivers competing over the final five races for the championship. “I would like to see a group of races to end the year where you are not going to have anyone run away with it and you’re going to have three to five races and you’re still going to have some really good competition going on,” Blaney said. Logano just shakes his head and offers a sarcastic smile at all the tweak talk. He was emphatic about the system not needing to be changed after his clinching win at Phoenix and didn’t stray from that conviction at last Friday’s annual awards ceremony in Charlotte. When asked if there are any changes that need to be made, Logano replied, “Nothing, personally. I wouldn’t change a thing,” adding that he thinks the format is “super entertaining.” Of course, if you’ve won three championships since 2018, why would you want to change? “I think we all need to understand why we changed it in the first place, it’s because the fans said they didn’t like the way it was, so we changed it,” Logano said. “And then everybody loved it. And it was great. And now, oh, we’re going to complain about it again? C’mon, guys. Geez.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Thing: Remastered Review - Cold Fear
ITGR Stock Soars to All-Time High, Reaching $141.01COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Related Articles College Sports | Michigan shocks No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, wins fourth straight in heated rivalry College Sports | Michigan State holds off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 in overtime for 3rd at Maui Invitational College Sports | Danny Wolf scores 20 and Michigan knocks off No. 22 Xavier 78-53. College Sports | SEC losses are big gains for SMU and Indiana in latest College Football Playoff rankings College Sports | Hunter, Haggerty again lead way for Memphis in 71-63 win over Michigan State to reach Maui finale Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” — By MITCH STACY, Associated Press
Primior to Launch Gaia - A Revolutionary Platform for Asset TokenizationBiostimulants Market: Trends, Size, Share, Growth, and Demand Outlook to 2031 11-25-2024 08:48 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) Biostimulants Market The biostimulants market is rapidly gaining traction as an essential component of modern agriculture. As the global population continues to rise, so does the demand for sustainable farming practices. Biostimulants are emerging as a game-changer in improving crop yield and quality while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This article explores the biostimulants market, covering its trends, size, share, growth prospects, and demand outlook up to 2031. Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-biostimulants-market Biostimulants are biologically derived products that enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resistance to abiotic stress. Unlike traditional fertilizers, biostimulants work by activating the plant's natural processes rather than directly supplying nutrients. These products include substances such as humic acids, amino acids, seaweed extracts, and microbial inoculants. The growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation is a key factor driving the adoption of biostimulants. Farmers and agricultural professionals are increasingly turning to these innovative solutions to meet the dual challenge of increasing food production and minimizing ecological impact. Key Trends Shaping the Biostimulants Market Several trends are shaping the growth and evolution of the biostimulants market: 1. Shift Toward Sustainable Agriculture Governments and organizations worldwide are promoting sustainable agricultural practices to combat the adverse effects of climate change and over-reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Biostimulants, with their ability to improve soil health and crop resilience, align perfectly with this shift. 2. Advancements in Biostimulant Technologies Ongoing research and development have led to the creation of innovative biostimulant formulations. Companies are investing in novel delivery systems and bio-based ingredients to enhance the efficacy of their products. These advancements are making biostimulants more accessible and effective for farmers. 3. Growing Consumer Demand for Organic Products The rising demand for organic and non-GMO food products is indirectly boosting the biostimulants market. Farmers adopting organic farming methods are increasingly using biostimulants as a part of their crop management strategy. 4. Increased Focus on Abiotic Stress Management Abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Biostimulants are gaining popularity as they help plants withstand these stresses, ensuring stable yields even under unfavorable conditions. 5. Collaborations and Partnerships Companies are forming strategic collaborations with agricultural cooperatives, research institutions, and governments to expand their reach and accelerate product development. These partnerships are fostering innovation and driving market growth. Market Size and Share Analysis The global biostimulants market size was valued at USD 4.63 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 11.39 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include import export analysis, production capacity overview, production consumption analysis, price trend analysis, climate change scenario, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework. Regional Insights Europe: Europe holds the largest share of the global biostimulants market, driven by stringent environmental regulations and the widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices. Countries like Spain, Italy, and France are major contributors to market growth. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, thanks to increasing agricultural activities in countries like India, China, and Japan. The growing awareness of the benefits of biostimulants among farmers is a key driver. North America: The market in North America is steadily expanding, supported by advancements in agricultural technologies and the adoption of organic farming practices. Latin America and MEA: These regions are also experiencing growth due to increasing government initiatives and rising awareness among farmers. Market Segmentation The biostimulants market is segmented based on product type, crop type, and application method: Product Type: Includes humic substances, amino acids, seaweed extracts, and microbial biostimulants. Crop Type: Encompasses cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, and turf & ornamentals. Application Method: Foliar treatment, soil treatment, and seed treatment are the major application methods. Growth Drivers and Challenges Drivers Environmental Regulations: Stricter regulations on synthetic agrochemicals are pushing farmers toward biostimulants. Rising Population: Increasing food demand due to population growth is necessitating higher agricultural productivity. Soil Health Concerns: Depleting soil fertility has created a need for sustainable solutions like biostimulants. Technological Advancements: Continuous innovation is enhancing the performance and affordability of biostimulants. Challenges High Costs: The initial cost of biostimulants can be a deterrent for small-scale farmers. Limited Awareness: Many farmers, especially in developing regions, are unaware of the benefits of biostimulants. Regulatory Hurdles: The lack of standardized regulations across regions complicates market operations. Demand Outlook for 2031 The demand for biostimulants is expected to witness exponential growth by 2031. Factors such as climate change, food security concerns, and advancements in biostimulant formulations will continue to drive adoption. Key sectors fueling demand include organic farming, precision agriculture, and protected cultivation. Emerging Opportunities Digital Agriculture: Integration of biostimulants with digital farming technologies can optimize their application and improve outcomes. Customized Solutions: Companies offering crop-specific and region-specific biostimulants are likely to gain a competitive edge. Government Incentives: Subsidies and support programs for sustainable farming practices will further boost the market. Browse Trending Reports: https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/3d-glasses-market-size-share-trends.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/adrenocortical-carcinoma-treatment.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/agricultural-biologicals-market-size_26.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/aluminium-collapsible-tubes-market-size.html Conclusion The biostimulants market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, underpinned by a global push toward sustainable agriculture. Innovations in product development, coupled with rising awareness and demand for eco-friendly farming solutions, are creating a fertile ground for market expansion. By 2031, the biostimulants market is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming global agriculture, ensuring food security, and promoting environmental sustainability. About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com" This release was published on openPR.The hardest movie ticket to get this weekend was for a film audiences have been able to watch at home for years: Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar.” The science fiction epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway earned $4.5 million from only 166 screens in the U.S. and Canada. Its 70mm IMAX film presentations sold out in minutes, leaving theaters scrambling to add more and people paying up to $300 on the re-sale market. Those 10 film screens alone had a staggering $70,000 per theater average, one of the highest of the year and usually the bragging rights of acclaimed arthouse movies playing on only four screens. Ten years after “Interstellar” was given a film release as a special exception at time when its studio, Paramount, was committing to a digital future, film is not only back but driving audiences to theaters. “I was just so gratified by the response,” Nolan said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “It’s really thrilling when people respond to your work at any point. But 10 years later, to have new audiences coming and experiencing it in the way that we’d originally intended it on the big IMAX screens and in particular on those IMAX film prints? It’s really rewarding to see that it continues to have a life.” “Interstellar” had been a labor of love, with Nolan fighting against the tides of a changing industry to use film, certain of its value. Like McConaughey’s Cooper, an astronaut clinging to skills that were all but obsolete in his dust bowl reality, “Interstellar” was made by a celluloid-loving filmmaker when the format was least valued. “Celluloid film was very threatened. Digital was taking over everything,” Nolan said. “We put an enormous amount of work and effort into the IMAX 70mm film format release at the time feeling like we didn’t know how much longer we’d be able to do that.” During its time, “Interstellar” was received warmly and an unambiguous success, but it also had its detractors. Its five Oscar nominations and win were all for crafts. And yet in the decade since, “Interstellar” has become beloved, a true classic. Nolan observed that it was the film that people kept wanting to talk about, telling him what it meant to them and asking if it was ever going to be re-released. Those grand emotions and sentimental themes of love, family and exploration that were a liability with some are now its most cherished qualities. “A lot of these people were younger people who, it was clear to me, had seen the film in the home and hadn’t had the chance to see it on the big screen,” Nolan said. While there have been “Interstellar” rereleases internationally, in China and at the Science Museum in London, Nolan saw an opportunity and spoke to IMAX and Paramount, now under a new regime, about a proper North American re-release for its 10th anniversary. The prints, Nolan said, hadn't aged a day. IMAX hardly needed convincing: They’ve had the anniversary date circled on the calendar. For years, “Interstellar” was by far the biggest request on their social channels. “We saw this coming from the beginning,” IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said. “It reminded us in a small way of the frenzy around ‘Oppenheimer.’ But the result is far beyond our expectations." “Interstellar” is now the ninth highest-grossing IMAX release of all time and is closing in on eight (currently occupied by “The Last Jedi.”) The company is currently exploring options for re-releases in different territories. The “Oppenheimer" effect was real in redeeming film's value for the business. IMAX screens accounted for some 20% of the nearly $1 billion this year's Oscar best picture winner made globally (it ranks at No. 5 for IMAX). While filmmakers have long cherished film stock, “Oppenheimer” had studios, distributors and theaters taking note of the demand. Earlier this year the film showings of “Dune: Part Two” were sold out for four weeks. And there's more to come: Ryan Coogler's new film “Sinners," opening in March 2025, was shot with IMAX cameras. The “Interstellar” release was fairly “low key" when it came to promotion, but it also didn’t need much — fans made sure of that. Before IMAX had even announced that tickets were on sale, some noticed that AMC had made them available. News spread on socials and overnight every 70mm IMAX showing at the Lincoln Square location in New York had sold out. It wasn’t just the “primetime” slots either: The 1 AM showtimes were at capacity too. After the weekend's turnout surpassed expectations, they added more 70mm IMAX screenings through the week which also filled up quickly. While Nolan is in some ways an anomaly, as the rare filmmaker whose name alone can draw crowds for original fare, there are lessons to be learned from the weekend. “It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big screen theatrical experience that they crave even on films that they’ve had the opportunities to see in the home,” Nolan said. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting. It’s a very clear demonstration of it, especially coming amidst all the great successes right now, “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” “Moana 2.” "Audiences are coming out in droves for that experience that we all love so much.” Before the weekend, Nolan was able to see the film again on the big screen for the first time since the original release, accompanied by his Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema . “Interstellar” was their first collaboration and Hoytema’s introduction to IMAX cameras (where he proved that they could be handheld if you tried hard enough). “It was really, really fun," Nolan said. He also approved the new 4K UHD “Interstellar" set that's now available. Since “Oppenheimer's" big night at the Oscars and Nolan's best director win , there's been much speculation about his next film with near daily rumors circulating about casting and genre, none of which have been officially confirmed. It's not something he's speaking publicly about yet. One thing he will say, however, is that he’s in the throes of intensive testing for a new film technology with IMAX to use in the next production. “They have an incredible engineering staff, really brilliant minds doing extraordinary work,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see innovation in the celluloid film arena still happening and happening at the highest level possible.” And he’s still making time to go to the movies. Over the weekend, Nolan went to see “Wicked” at a theater in Burbank where he also peeked into one of the IMAX presentations of his film. “It was pretty magical to see a full house on that film,” he said. “It was a very special thing to see, 10 years later.”
Nikki Giovanni, renowned globally as a literary legend and locally for her indelible imprint on Virginia Tech, died Monday at the age of 81. During her 35 years as a professor in the Department of English, Giovanni established a distinguished reputation as a writer of poems and essays, often drawing on her experience in the Black arts movement and as an activist for marginalized people and communities. Giovanni “She’s a central figure in African American literature,” said Laura Belmonte, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Tech. “We’ll be reading her work 100 years from now.” Yet at the same time, Giovanni was remembered for the deep and personal relationships she forged with the people in her classroom and beyond. “That sort of very public, very global persona always coexisted with those more private times that she would offer herself to people for mentorship and encouragement and inspiration,” Belmonte said. The University Distinguished Professor Emerita had been battling cancer for the third time, according to a Tech news release about her death. Giovanni, who was named by Oprah Winfrey as one of 25 living legends, retired from the university in 2022 but continued a busy speaking, traveling, and writing schedule, including returning to campus in April to present the annual Giovanni-Steger Poetry Prize Award to undergraduate students. “We can never let words be silenced,” Giovanni said during the Moss Arts Center ceremony. “We can never let words be taken away from us. We can never let people, because they don't like what we're saying, shut us up. Words are the most important things that human beings have. And no matter what the situation, we must always remember to use them.” It was Giovanni who was asked to find the right words on April 16, 2007, when 32 students and faculty members were killed in a mass shooting on campus. Charles Steger, president of Tech at the time, asked her to compose a poem overnight and deliver it at a campus convocation the next day. Her remarks, which opened and closed with “We are Virginia Tech,” are still remembered today. Poet Nikki Giovanni offers inspirational words to close a memorial at Virginia Tech. The day after the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, students, victims and the community gathered at a memorial at Cassell Coliseum at Virginia Tech on April 17, 2007. “People in the community every year will quote that poem,” Belmonte said. “It just became this kind of singular moment of light in the university’s darkest day.” In a statement released Tuesday, Tech President Tim Sands called Giovanni “a treasure who lived out Ut Prosim in countless ways, using her literary gifts to motivate change, encourage critical thought, inspire us to dream, and provide comfort in times of sadness and grief.” Over the years, the poet and professor became a key part of Tech — and the university of her. Giovanni once hosted a fish fry in association with a class she was teaching about the Harlem Renaissance. Her colleagues joked that no one would show up. In a video produced by Tech, she recalled how tears came to her eyes when she saw the entire Tech football team, led by then-Coach Frank Beamer, walking across the drill field to attend her event. “I’m at the right place,” she told herself then, according to the tribute. “If we can get that kind of support for each other, then this is home. I want to be a Hokie. This is where I want to be.” Giovanni is known around the world for her poetry, essays, and written work that delve into social issues, such as race and gender, and call for action. She has received more than 30 honorary degrees, published at least 11 illustrated children’s books, and even won an Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," according to the Tech release. Her latest book of poetry is set for publication in fall 2025. Through her work and activism, Giovanni befriended people such as Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, Morgan Freeman and Muhammad Ali, among others. But she seemed just as interested in getting to know the unknown, and offering them advice and inspiration. “She never made people feel intimidated,” by her stature, Belmonte said. “She was warm and open and wanting to listen to what you had to say. She was always extremely gracious.” “It’s really an incomparable legacy”, the dean said. “She’s leaving a tremendous hole that may never be filled in the VT legacy.” Laurence Hammack (540) 981-3239 laurence.hammack@roanoke.com Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Bjarni issues whaling licencesNoneAKRON (AP) — Authorities have identified a 15-year-old youth as the person officials said was carrying a loaded weapon when he was shot and killed by an Akron police officer following gunshots in the area on Thanksgiving night. The Summit County medical examiner’s office on Friday night identified the person shot as 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker of Maple Heights. Police said in a news release that two patrol officers were in a parked police cruiser in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood as they worked on a report from an unrelated incident. They heard gunshots nearby just after 11 p.m. Thursday and got out to investigate, police said. Shortly afterward, the officers encountered the youth with a loaded firearm, police said. One of the officers fired, striking the youth, who was provided first aid and then taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said the officer who fired, who has been on the force for nearly five years, and his partner were placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge No. 7 said in a social media post that its members were cooperating with investigators. Mayor Shammas Malik said in a social media post Friday night that “Every loss of life is a tragedy, and to lose a young life is heartbreaking.” He offered condolences to Tucker’s loved ones and said his thoughts were also with “our Akron police officers and their families.” Malik said he believed the investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation would provide “a full understanding of the incident.” “I ask our community to reserve judgment until more facts are shared, knowing that it is a difficult thing to ask in situations like this,” he said. Malik also said the city would release body-worn camera footage within the next week “to provide transparency into this incident.” The state attorney general’s office will review the results of the bureau’s investigation before submitting the report to a Summit County grand jury for evaluation. Akron police will also do a separate internal investigation and provide the results to the police chief and the city’s police auditor.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — A rare win as a double-digit underdog came just in time to let the Dallas Cowboys believe their playoff hopes aren't completely gone in 2024. Cooper Rush probably will need three more victories in a row filling in for the injured Dak Prescott for any postseason talk to be realistic. The thing is, the Cowboys (4-7) could be favored in two of those games, and already are by four points as an annual Thanksgiving Day host against the New York Giants (2-9) on Thursday, according to BetMGM. Not to mention the losing record at the moment for each of the next four opponents for the defending NFC East champions, playoff qualifiers each of the past three seasons. The Cowboys have a chance to make something of the improbable and chaotic 34-26 win at Washington that ended a five-game losing streak. “Behind the eight ball,” Micah Parsons said, the star pass rusher acknowledging the reality that Dallas hadn't done much yet. “Let’s see how we can handle adversity and see if we can make a playoff run. But we got a long way to go.” It was a start, though, powered in part by the best 55 minutes from the Dallas defense since the opener, when the Cowboys dismantled Cleveland and looked the part of a Super Bowl contender. The last five minutes for the Dallas defense against the Commanders looked a lot like most of the nine games after that 33-17 victory over the Browns. Which is to say not very good. Jayden Daniels easily drove Washington 69 yards to a touchdown before throwing an 86-yard scoring pass in the final seconds to Terry McLaurin, who weaved through five defenders when a tackle might have ended the game. The Cowboys kept a 27-26 lead thanks to Austin Seibert's second missed extra point, and withstood another blunder when Juanyeh Thomas returned an onside kick recovery for a TD rather than slide and leave one kneel-down from Rush to end the game. Dallas will have to remember it did hold a dynamic rookie quarterback's offense to 251 yards before the madness of the ending in the Cowboys' biggest upset victory since 2010 at the New York Giants. That one was too late to save the season. This one might not be. “We needed it,” embattled coach Mike McCarthy said. “It’s been frustrating, no doubt. We’ve acknowledged that. We’ve got another one right around the corner here, so we have to get some wins and get some momentum.” Rush ended a personal three-game losing streak with his best showing since the previous time he won as the replacement for Prescott, who is out for the season after surgery for a torn hamstring. The 117.6 passer rating was Rush's best as a starter, and the NFL's second-worst rushing attack played a solid complementary role with Rico Dowdle gaining 86 yards on 19 carries. KaVontae Turpin's electrifying 99-yard kickoff return did more than lift the Cowboys when it appeared an 11-point lead might get away in the final five minutes. It eased the worst day of special teams for Dallas since John Fassel took over that phase four years ago. Suddenly struggling kicker Brandon Aubrey had one field-goal attempt blocked and missed another. Bryan Anger had a punt blocked. For the second time in five games, Aubrey's attempt to bounce a kickoff in front of the return man backfired. The ball bounced outside the landing zone, putting the Commanders at the 40-yard line to start the second half and setting up the drive to the game's first touchdown. CB Josh Butler, whose NFL debut earlier this season came five years after the end of his college career, had 12 tackles, a sack and three pass breakups. The pass breakups were the most by an undrafted Dallas player since 1994. Rookie LT Tyler Guyton, who has had an up-and-down season with injuries and performance issues, was benched immediately after getting called for a false start in the fourth quarter. His replacement, Asim Richards, could be sidelined with a high ankle sprain that executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones revealed on his radio show Monday. Veteran Chuma Edoga, who was the projected starter at Guyton's position before a preseason toe injury, was active but didn't play against the Commanders. He's awaiting his season debut. The status of perennial All-Pro RG Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder) and LG Tyler Smith (ankle/knee) will be a question on the short week after both sat against Washington. Stephen Jones indicated Smith could be available and said the same of WR Brandin Cooks, who hasn't played since Week 4 because of a knee issue. TE Jake Ferguson may miss at least a second week with a concussion. The short week might make it tough for CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) to return. 75% — Rush's completion rate, his best with at least 10 passes. He was 24 of 32 for 247 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. His other game with multiple TDs and no picks was a 25-10 victory over Washington two years ago, when he went 4-1 with Prescott sidelined by a broken thumb. There's some extra rest after the short week, with Cincinnati making a “Monday Night Football” visit on Dec. 9. The next road game is at Carolina on Dec. 15. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflReal Madrid’s big stars turned on the style to revive the Spanish giant’s faltering Champions League title defense on Tuesday. Galacticos Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in a thrilling 3-2 win at Italian league leader Atalanta. But Madrid still had to ride its luck as Mateo Retegui fired over from in front of goal in stoppage time when handed a golden chance to level the game. It was only Madrid’s third win in the competition’s revamped league phase and leaves the 15-time champion in the unseeded playoff positions in 18th place. “It’s a very important win. Not everyone wins here. We suffered and competed. In the Champions League, you have to suffer,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “It’s still difficult to finish in the top eight, but we have two games left to earn points.” Six-time champion Liverpool leads the way after maintaining its perfect record in Europe this season with a 1-0 win against Girona. Like Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain also picked up a much-needed win, beating Salzburg 3-0 to sit in the last playoff spot in 24th place. Bayer Leverkusen is second after a 1-0 win over Inter Milan, while Aston Villa beat Leipzig 3-2 and is third. The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16. Positions nine to 24 face a playoff to reach the next phase. Real response After three losses in its opening five games of the league phase, the pressure was mounting on Madrid. Questions were also being asked of Mbappe after his uncertain start since his offseason move from PSG. But he produced a moment of class to fire Madrid 1-0 up after 10 minutes at Gewiss Stadium — controlling the ball with his left foot and then finishing low with his right. It was the 25-year-old Mbappe's 50th Champions League goal . Lionel Messi is the only player to have reached that number at a younger age. Mbappe was substituted off before halftime with an apparent physical issue and Charles De Ketelaere leveled the game before the break from the penalty spot. But two goals inside three second-half minutes from Vinicius Junior and Bellingham put Madrid in control. Ademola Lookman's goal made it 3-2, but Madrid survived Retegui's late effort and held on. Salah’s landmark Mohamed Salah’s 50th Champions League goal maintained Liverpool’s perfect record in the competition this season. The Egypt forward struck a 63rd minute penalty to seal the win in Spain that kept Liverpool atop the 36-team league. But even after a sixth straight win for the Merseyside club, head coach Arne Slot was critical of his players in a game that saw goalkeeper Alisson pull off several saves to keep Girona out. “If you ask me about all the six games, I’m really pleased with all the results, I am really pleased with the five (other) games with the way we played. I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight,” he said. Salah’s goal was his 16th in 22 appearances overall this season. Girona was 30th with just one win from six games. “I almost feel sorry for them because they deserved so much more in this Champions League campaign than the three points they have until now. But we have an incredible goalkeeper,” said Slot, whose team also leads the Premier League. Liverpool’s two remaining games are against Lille at home and PSV Eindhoven away in January. U.S. international Christian Pulisic is the only player to have scored against Liverpool in this season’s Champions League in a 3-1 loss for Milan in September. Bayern rout Bayern Munich routed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 to move into the automatic qualifying positions for the round of 16. Michael Olise scored a wonderful solo goal by dribbling past a host of players for his first of two in the game. Bayern's win came after going 1-0 down inside five minutes to a goal from Brazilian winger Kevin. PSG fightback PSG is not done yet. A miserable start to the league phase saw the French giant pick up just four points from five games as it adjusted tp life without stars like Mbappe, Messi and Neymar, who have all departed in the past two seasons. But victory at Salzburg moved PSG up into the playoff positions. Goncalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes and Desire Doue all scored. Leverkusen rising Leverkusen is back on a roll after struggling to repeat the success of last season's stunning German league and cup double. It's now six straight wins in all competitions, with Nordi Mukiele's 90th minute goal securing victory against Inter and moving Leverkusen into second on 13 points — five behind Liverpool. Villa, Inter and Brest are all on 13 points as well. Inter dropped to fourth after conceding for the first time in this season's competition. Villa is third after its own resurgence in form. Victory against Leipzig was its third in a row after an eight-game winless run. Brest is one of this season’s surprise packages on its Champions League debut and is fifth after beating PSV Eindhoven 1-0. Sporting Lisbon, in 12th, couldn’t build on taking a third-minute lead at Club Brugge — losing 2-1 in Belgium. Brugge is 14th. Dinamo Zagreb drew 0-0 with Celtic and both teams remain in the playoff positions. ___ James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer James Robson, The Associated Pressis on a mission to stamp out Gen-Z’s growing support for left-wing ideas, and is turning to a hard-line neocon group for help in educating the youth on the “evils of communism.” In the latest front in the culture war over school curricula, the House of Representatives is set to vote Friday on a bill that would give a congressional stamp of approval to the lesson plans of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a group closely linked to fervently hawkish corners of the foreign policy blob. The Crucial Communism Teaching Act, also known as H.R. 5349, would direct the VOC Foundation to develop an educational curriculum it could offer to school districts to help instruct students on atrocities both historic and contemporary carried out by communist regimes. Inspiration for the bill came to its sponsor, Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., when she learned of a 2020 survey — published, as it so happens, by the VOC Foundation — showing that 28 percent of Gen-Zers and 22 percent of millennials held favorable views of communism. “Communism is one of the most destructive political ideologies the world has ever seen,” Salazar said in a press release in September. “The Crucial Communism Teaching Act is important because our youth must remember the crimes of the communists, including those inflicted upon my constituents and their families in Florida’s 27th district.” The legislation, which Salazar explicitly modeled after a 2020 bill mandating the development of educational materials about the Holocaust, has largely flown under the radar, and response to it has been muted. But some Democrats in Congress have already raised concerns that the bill’s monomaniacal focus on communism would leave out important lessons about other forms of repression. “The bill neglects to mention our country’s long history of using the label ‘Communism’ to enflame, scare, and pit Americans against one another.” “The bill neglects to mention our country’s long history of using the label ‘Communism’ to enflame, scare, and pit Americans against one another,” said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., in a Rules Committee hearing on the bill Tuesday. “If we want students to examine the effect of Communism on the world, it would be negligent not to warn against the dangers of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, the vitriol of Joseph McCarthy, and the negative impact of the Red Scare on many innocent Americans, particularly those seeking racial progress in the Civil Rights era.” In an attempt to round out the focus of the bill, Scott and other Democrats put forward an amendment that would add lessons about the dangers of fascism, but it was unanimously rejected by GOP committee members. Despite the concerns of Democrats, the bill is expected to pass Friday with a healthy share of Democratic votes, according to Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa. “We will vote in favor of it, most of us, Democrats and Republicans, because it’s sort of a no-brainer vote,” said Houlahan, who declined to say how she would personally vote. “Of course —of course — we should decry communism and teach our young people about it.” over education have in recent years taken the form of and frenzied fights for control of . But the introduction of right-wing teaching resources is another tactic, with curriculum designed by organizations making their way into schools in Florida and Oklahoma. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation has championed legislation passed in recent years in and that requires early and consistent education on the evils of communism, and would likely be well positioned to offer up its own curriculum as an easy way for schools to meet the new requirements for anti-communist education laid out in those states’ legislation. Related In Florida, educational standards already mandated that such lessons begin in 7th grade, but the new legislation, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in April, calls for it to begin as early as kindergarten. Representatives of the VOC Foundation did not respond to several requests for comment, but the group’s leadership has enthusiastically supported Salazar’s bill. At the VOC Foundation, meanwhile, work on a broad anti-communist civics curriculum is already underway. On its website, the VOC Foundation lists lesson plans covering the origins of communism — including to “take a student’s favorite pencil or pen, backpack, phone, etc.” and ask them to reflect on the confiscation of private property — up through the eve of World War II. While the full curriculum around World War II is not yet published — a number of planned chapters are listed as “Coming Soon” — the material available so far shows a laser focus on the atrocities of Communist forces, including repression of the clergy during the Spanish Civil War and the Katyn massacre of Polish prisoners of war by Soviet troops during the German-Soviet partition of Poland. Most Read goes into visceral details about the abuses of communist governments, but its research and curriculum, much of which touches on atrocities of World War II, barely mention the horrors of the Holocaust and other evils carried out by non-communist forces. This hyper-focus on communist atrocities has long been a hallmark of right-wing historical projects, and it has landed the group’s fellow travelers in the anti-communist movement in hot water in recent years. In Canada, a long-planned Memorial to Victims of Communism, funded in part by taxpayer dollars, has come under fire for its celebration of fascist collaborators in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The memorial’s list of victims at one point included tributes to Ante Pavelić, the Nazi puppet who presided over the Holocaust in Croatia, and Roman Shukhevych, a Ukrainian nationalist who murdered tens of thousands of Jews and other minorities during the war. That project, set to be unveiled — — on December 12 after years of delays, has roots in post-war efforts to form a right-wing answer to the Communist International, according to Dan Boeckner, an independent researcher who has focused on the movement in Canada. Under the guise of promoting freedom, organizations like the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations often acted as a vehicle for fascist emigres to regroup and exploit Cold War tensions — and legitimate grievances against communist dictators — in the West to rewrite history in a way that would equate communist atrocities with the Holocaust, Boeckner said. “They basically brain poisoned an entire generation or two of Canadians into thinking that the Soviets were the bad guys during World War II,” Boeckner told The Intercept. Join Our Newsletter Original reporting. Fearless journalism. Delivered to you. The VOC Foundation in D.C. is unaffiliated with Tribute to Liberty, the group behind the memorial in Canada, but it emerged out of the same global movement. Where the Canadian anti-communist crusade has been led by , the manifestation of the movement of the U.S. has instead been dominated by American hard-line “Cold Warriors” dedicated to advancing U.S. interests abroad. Founded in 1993 by congressional charter, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation is an offshoot of the National Captive Nations Committee, a Cold War advocacy group led by prominent conservative intellectuals and proponents of a belligerent stance toward the Soviet Union. Its founder, Lee Edwards, was a high-ranking member of the Heritage Foundation, and under his aegis, the group committed itself to carrying the torch into the 21st century to continue fighting a Cold War that, to the foundation’s leaders, never really ended. In 2022, the last year for which financial documentation is available, the group received nearly $4.5 million in government contributions and over the past five years has been awarded grants by USAID, the State Department, and the U.S. Embassy in Havana for efforts to highlight government repression in Cuba and China. In the past, it has also received funding from conservative grantmaking groups as well as from the , a state-funded nonprofit that has been accused of . In addition to its educational programs, the VOC Foundation each year issues the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom to individuals and organizations it considers as major figures in the fight for democracy and human rights. Past recipients of the medal include various dissidents and post-Soviet leaders of former Eastern Bloc nations, as well as , Hungarian strongman Viktor Orbán, and weapons company Lockheed Martin. that H.R. 5349 is nonbinding and provides no funding mechanism for the VOC Foundation’s work, its passage would be a victory for Salazar, the daughter of Cuban exiles who has been trying to get the legislation through since 2021, when she introduced an earlier version of the bill that failed to gain traction. There is already a companion bill in the Senate introduced earlier this year by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. Congressional insiders told The Intercept it was unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Schumer would move it forward in this session. And the decision by the House GOP majority to advance the bill to a floor vote at this moment at all has left some Democrats scratching their heads. “It’s interesting that this is the choice of what we have to vote on this week,” Houlahan said. “We have so much work to do in what remains of this Congress. We haven’t even funded the government — let’s start with that.”LIMA — The house sat empty. The ticking of the clock echoed as the house sat empty. Stephanie was home alone, while her kids were with their father. She lives her life in fear of her ex-husband. The single mother to four children, Steven, 13, Rebecca, 10, Marshall, 8, and Elizabeth, 6, recently went through a divorce with an abusive husband, forcing her to spend most of her life savings to cover court costs. Her ex-husband has also caused major damage to the inside and outside of her home, much of which she has repaired, thanks to her savings. The fear was evident in her eyes as she discussed the future struggle. “Trying to make the necessary repairs while also juggling day-to-day bills and the needs of my children is still an overwhelming challenge,” she said. Things have only gotten tighter since the loss of her second job and the finalization of her divorce. Stephanie wishes to have her kids with her more, but doing so would only result in more lawyer fees, which she can’t afford. As Christmas nears, Stephanie only wants to provide gifts for her children. Her family is among the dozens of Lima-area families enrolled in the Salvation Army’s Adopt a Stocking Fund, which provides Christmas gifts to needy families each year. Steven wears an 18 youth extra large pants size and an adult small shirt. He would love Legos as a Christmas gift. Rebecca wears a 14 to 16 youth extra large pants and shirt size. She enjoys Legos, Barbie dolls, and artistic activities such as paint-by-number, crayons, and diamond art. Marshall wears a 7 to 8 youth medium pants and shirt size. He likes to play with Hot Wheels and toy trains. Elizabeth wears a youth small or size 6 in pants and a youth small shirt. She, like her sister, loves Barbie dolls. As if enough wasn’t enough, Stephanie’s freezer full of food recently broke, spoiling everything, and adding to the various repair costs around the house. She not only wishes her children ate more healthy, nutritional meals, but she would love to be able to plan meals with her children so they know what to expect each night. “Sometimes dinner can be hard to plan,” she said. “A box of macaroni and cheese is usually most of the meal.” ADOPT A STOCKING The Adopt a Stocking Fund benefits families during the holiday season. Monetary donations can be given online at give.salvationarmy.org/stocking or via check to the Salvation Army with Adopt A Stocking on the memo line; c/o The Salvation Army; P.O. Box 234, Lima, OH 45801. All material donations for a specific family should be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 614 E. Market St., Lima, and should include a copy of the article or the date the story appeared in The Lima News. See past stories at LimaOhio.com/tag/stocking . Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
NoneGeoffrey Hinton decries tech companies chasing “short-term profits” in Nobel Prize acceptance speech
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission . He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior . Ferguson is already one of the FTC’s five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television National Politics | What will happen to Social Security under Trump’s tax plan? The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC’s antitrust and consumer protection divisions. “These changes likely will make the FTC more favorable to business than it has been in recent years, though the extent to which is to be determined,” wrote Anthony DiResta, a consumer protection attorney at Holland & Knight, in a recent analysis . Deals that were blocked by the Biden administration could find new life with Trump in command. For example, the new leadership could be more open to a proposed merger between the country’s two biggest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons, which forged a $24.6 billion deal to combine in 2022. Two judges halted the merger Tuesday night. The FTC had filed a lawsuit in federal court earlier this year to block the merger, claiming the deal would eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower wages for workers. The two companies say a merger would help them lower prices and compete against bigger rivals like Walmart. One of the judges said the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing. Yet given the widespread public concern over high grocery prices, the Trump administration may not fully abandon the FTC’s efforts to block the deal, some experts have said. And the FTC may continue to scrutinize Big Tech firms for any anticompetitive behavior. Many Republican politicians have accused firms such as Meta of censoring conservative views, and some officials in Trump’s orbit, most notably Vice President-elect JD Vance, have previously expressed support for Khan’s scrutiny of Big Tech firms. In addition to Fergson, Trump also announced Tuesday that he had selected Jacob Helberg as the next undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment.
The PGA Tour is making the most sweeping changes to its eligibility in more than 40 years by eliminating 25 tour cards along with shrinking the size of its fields. The all-exempt tour had been in place since 1983, meaning the top 125 players from the official money list — now the FedEx Cup standings — kept a full PGA Tour card the following season. That changes in 2026 after the PGA Tour policy board approved a new priority list Monday. Only the top 100 players will earn full tour cards for the following year. The top 30 from the developmental Korn Ferry Tour used to advance to the PGA Tour. That number now goes to 20. Five players from qualifying school will get cards — it previously was the top five and ties. The tour also is doing away with 156-man fields except for two tournaments held on multiple courses. Most tournaments will have 120 players before daylight saving time, then 132 players in spring and a maximum of 144 in the summer months. Here’s a look at what’s behind the changes and what they mean. The all-exempt tour led to a bloated membership in which nearly 200 players were on the membership rolls through one exemption or another, and those toward the bottom of the priority list couldn’t get into all the tournaments they wanted to play. Those who graduated from the Korn Ferry Tour, for example, could get in only three or four tournaments over the first few months of the season, giving them a disadvantage. The PGA Tour believes limiting full status to the top 100 instead of the top 125 will give everyone who earns a card a fair chance at getting into regular tournaments. Priority to get into tournaments starts with winners of the majors and The Players Championship over the last five years; winners of the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Bay Hill), Memorial and Genesis Invitational (Riviera) the last three years; tournament winners the last two years; and career money leaders. Next are the top 125; players who have been given a medical extension; and then the 45 players who earned cards from the Korn Ferry Tour, European tour and Q-school. After that are those who finished from No. 126 to No. 150 in the FedEx Cup standings. All of them have PGA Tour cards. But there isn’t room for them in every tournament. The most common refrain in golf is to play better to get better status. Those who perennially finish in the top 100 should have no trouble keeping their cards, and they will have fewer players to beat because the fields will be smaller. It also helps newcomers from the Korn Ferry Tour, European tour and Q-school. They can expect to get into every regular tournament, increasing their odds of getting into some of the $20 million signature events. The PGA Tour, already the strongest circuit in golf, is likely to be even more competitive with a greater chance of the top names in contention. The tour also hopes — this is still to be determined — it will improve the pace of play and keep rounds from spilling over into the next day. Players such as Peter Malnati and Taylor Pendrith come to mind. Under the new system, neither would have had a full PGA Tour card this year and likely would not have been in the fields for the tournaments they won — Malnati at the Valspar Championship and Pendrith at the Byron Nelson. Those wins make them exempt through 2026. Players who have not performed consistently well, who seem to struggle each year just to finish in the top 125, will have to be at their best to stay on tour. The PGA Tour also is reducing the four spots from Monday qualifiers at open tournaments. Now there will be only two spots for the 132-man fields and none for fields of 120 players. One of golf’s charms is how one week can change a career. Then again, there has been only one Monday qualifier to win in the last five years — Corey Conners at the 2019 Texas Open. The new eligibility starts in 2026, so that puts a huge emphasis on playing well in the upcoming year, knowing that only the top 100 will keep full status. The four majors are not run by the PGA Tour. The Masters has the smallest field, typically fewer than 100 players. The U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship have 156-man fields. The Players Championship, the premier event run by the PGA Tour, is reducing its field from 144 players to 120.The promise of generative AI (genAI) is undeniable, but the volume and complexity of the data involved pose significant challenges. Unlike traditional AI models that rely on predefined rules and datasets, genAI algorithms, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) and transformers, can learn and generate new data from scratch. Training these models requires high-quality, diverse data to produce accurate, coherent, and contextually relevant output. The more comprehensive the training data, the better the model will perform in producing realistic and useful responses. Organizations can find it overwhelming to manage this vast amount of data while also providing accessibility, security, and performance. For AI innovation to flourish, an intelligent data infrastructure is essential. This infrastructure must support data preparation, model training and tuning, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and inferencing. Additionally, it should meet the requirements for responsible AI, including model and data versioning, data governance, and privacy. In most organizations, storage silos and data fragmentation are common problems—caused by application requirements, mergers and acquisitions, data ownership issues, rapid tech adoption, and organizational structure. This fragmentation includes: Data fragmentation makes it difficult for data scientists and AI engineers to access necessary datasets. This is the primary reason why AI initiatives fail, according to IDC’s new survey, , commissioned by NetApp. resembles a well-organized library. In a modern library, every book, magazine, DVD, and digital media item is stored in one place and accessible from any section without hassle. Everything is categorized and readily available through a single system, regardless of whether you’re searching for a classic novel, a research journal, a documentary film, an ebook, or an encyclopedia (do they even produce those anymore?). In the same way, intelligent data infrastructure brings together diverse data types under one cohesive umbrella. By combining access to file, block, and object-based storage from a single storage OS across corporate data centers, colocation facilities, and public clouds, unified data storage streamlines data access, enhances data management, and provides consistent data governance—providing silo-free infrastructure. In genAI, this capability means providing structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data seamlessly to your data scientists. Whether you’re using RAG or fine-tuning a large language model (LLM), you can work with a rich and diverse dataset, regardless of location, to help provide nuanced language patterns, cultural references, and proprietary knowledge, making your AI more effective in producing accurate and domain-specific answers. With intelligent data infrastructure from NetApp, you can feel confident in data preparation, data security, and data mobility. You can select cloud-based AI services for compute-intensive training, a colocation facility to help with internal power constraints, or data center infrastructure to secure sensitive information. Our are designed to scale dynamically, making it easier to expand your storage performance and capacity as your genAI initiatives grow. This is the same NetApp technology leveraged by the top three public cloud providers and available to you as a first-party cloud native storage service. As genAI continues to reshape industries and drive innovation, the importance of unified data storage cannot be overstated. NetApp’s comprehensive suite of unified storage solutions provides the scalability, performance, and security needed to unlock the full potential of genAI. By streamlining data management workflows and maintaining the availability of critical resources, NetApp empowers organizations to accelerate their genAI initiatives and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Intelligent data infrastructure is more than just a storage solution; it plays a strategic role in genAI innovation. With our industry-leading expertise and cutting-edge technologies, organizations can harness the power of genAI with confidence, driving transformative outcomes and unlocking new opportunities for growth. We make data infrastructure intelligent: any data, any workload, any environment. To explore further, visit the page. Read more about perspectives. If you missed out on our webinar where we talked through the survey results of IDC’s AI maturity model white paper, you can .Purdue Fort Wayne earns 77-57 win against Texas A&M-Commerce