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Auto, IT drag India's benchmark indexes lowerFleetune webpage screenshot Fleetune Inc., a South Korean transportation management service (TMS) platform-developing startup, is gearing up for a big leap next year with relentless upgrades to its TMS platform to attract more customers at home and abroad, said its chief. “We expect to pass the breakeven point early next year,” Kim Jiseong, chief executive officer of Fleetune, said in an interview with the Korea Economic Daily last month. “And then our revenue for 2025 is expected to jump 10-fold from this year.” Founded in May 2022, Fleetune officially launched its transportation management service platform, Fleetune TMS, in August 2023. The service started with a route planning and optimization service for parcel delivery and shuttle bus services and was later upgraded with new features such as the Driver App navigation service for drivers, as well as Fleetune Coming, a service allowing its clients to track drivers and delivery status in real time. Fleetune users can now track the driving records of each driver on the platform, which can be used to pay drivers for vehicle operation costs such as toll fees and petrol charges. Fleetune CEO Kim Jiseong (Courtesy of Fleetune) “Every time we meet clients, they always have new demands,” said Kim. “This has led to constantly evolving our service ... We update the program at least once or twice a week to cater to these new demands.” MOBILITY-AS-A-SERVICE Fleetune TMS is a mobility-as-a-service offered under different subscription plans for different logistics services. Powered by machine learning, it recommends the best-optimized route for multiple destinations to ensure the most efficient way of dispatching drivers, delivering parcels and transporting people in a limited time. Drivers can access Fleetune’s optimized navigation service via the Driver App, where they can also find important information regarding delivery orders and share delivery status updates in real time. Fleetune TMS' distinguishing feature is a time constraint function, which helps shippers reduce the number of cars they use, meaning less cost, said the Fleetune founder. “Our route optimization can reduce car operation costs by as much as 40% per order,” said Kim. Fleetune’s strength also comes from its developers’ capabilities to provide tailor-made TMS services for different clients, said Kim. The company’s engineers develop proprietary algorithms. Founder and CEO Kim also develops them thanks to his 20-some years of software engineering experience at Hyundai Motor Group-backed autonomous driving technology startup 42dot Inc. and other tech companies developing set-top boxes, satellites and games. (Courtesy of Fleetune) “We are capable of a full stack development from algorithms to backend, frontend and apps,” said Kim. The startup relies on a local navigation developer, INAVI Systems Corp., for real-time road information and map services in Korea, he added. HYUNDAI TO KYOCHON AND HOME TO OVERSEAS Fleetune's clients include Korean construction company Hyundai Engineering’s shuttle bus operation unit, Korea’s car-sharing platform pioneer SoCar and companies in the food and beverage sector, as well as the fashion industry. Korean fried chicken franchise giant Kyochon recently signed a contract to use Fleetune TMS to deliver ingredients to about 1,300 Kyochon franchises across Korea. Fleetune plans to venture into other logistics sectors such as medicine delivery, said Kim. The Korean TMS market has great growth potential, said Kim, adding that its target clients are shippers who want to save logistics costs in various sectors. Fleetune TMS has steadily attracted new clients even without active outbound marketing, the CEO said. The company, however, plans to launch more active outbound marketing next year to beef up sales by 10-fold next year from this year. Screenshot captured from Fleetune website GOING ABROAD The Korean startup also plans to launch active marketing in Australia early next year, probably in January, Kim said. “Our algorithm can be applied to any type of map or navigation services regardless of country,” said Kim. “We could launch our service in Spain in two weeks. We just need to add a new target language.” Earlier this year, Fleetune was selected as one of 20 Korean startups to receive support from Asan Voyager, a program designed to assist Korean startups entering the US by providing acceleration, coaching, community learning and long-term residency support. The company raised 100 million won ($68,000) in a seed funding round in 2022 and then 500 million won from TIPS for R&D for two years and an additional 200 million won later. However, it has no plan to kick off a pre-A Series funding round any time soon, Kim said. “For the future generation, I hope our company can contribute to society by addressing social and environmental problems with our service designed to help reduce the unnecessary operation of cars on roads,” said Kim. Write to Sookyung Seo at skseo@hankyung.com Jennifer Nicholson-Breen edited this article.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scots councillor is calling for action over off-road vehicles after his brother tragically died after being struck by a motorbike. David Gow, 79, passed away in February last year following a collision on Balmore Road in Glasgow. Since then, his son Craig has been advocating for stricter controls on off-road vehicles. Now, Allan Gow, an SNP councillor representing the city’s Canal ward, is urging Glasgow City Council to collaborate with both the Scottish and UK governments to address the issue. One proposed measure is a legal change to mandate the registration of off-road vehicles, a move that could improve “policing, identification, and enforcement.” “There will be other fatalities, there will be other accidents,” Cllr Gow said, adding the victims are not just those who are struck by vehicles. “Victims are often those riding the bikes. Their families are every bit as devastated. There’s a problem here.” As well as off-road motorbikes and quad bikes, his motion covers e-bikes and e-scooters, which police officers have told him can be “too powerful”. While e-bikes with low power batteries are legal, a “souped-up” battery can be bought online, Cllr Gow said. He added David’s son Craig has been “pushing politicians to see what can be done around off-road vehicles”. Former Glasgow North East MP Anne McLaughlin received cross-party support for a bill which would have made owners need to register their vehicles. The then UK Parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport had agreed to set up a task force to look at the issues caused by off-road vehicles. Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But Cllr Gow said that commitment had fallen through with the change of government at Westminster. He added there have been talks with the new MP for Glasgow North, Martin Rhodes, who is “very keen to work with us”. Bob Doris MSP has also led a member’s debate at Holyrood on the subject, with the Scottish Government planning to establish a working group including Police Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). The motion asks Glasgow councillors to agree the council should join the group and do “what it can to assist in reducing the harms to communities and families”. While any law change is reserved to Westminster, Cllr Gow said the Holyrood group would look at what options were available in Scotland and could at least produce a “shopping list” for the UK Governmen t to consider. His motion states there are “significant public safety issues regarding the misuse of off-road vehicles, including motorbikes, quad bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes”, which are “being used dangerously, inappropriately and often illegally on roads, footpaths and various open spaces”. It adds this poses a “serious risk of injury and risk to life for those driving such vehicles, as well as others within the community” and can also lead to “nuisance, anti-social behaviour and damage”. Cllr Gow said rural voices must also be considered during the debate so it isn’t just “city boys and girls changing the law and making their lives more difficult”. Two men have been arrested and charged over the crash that killed David Gow. Speaking in the House of Commons earlier this year, Ms McLaughlin said he had been described as “a devoted family man, a loyal friend and a fiercely independent and extremely intelligent man” by his son, Craig. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.Broncos, left tackle Garett Bolles agree on 4-year extension to protect rookie quarterback Bo NixHow co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriage
Even when Luigi Mangione was surrounded by people who cared about him, he was isolated by a spinal defect that gave the athletic young man crippling pain and contributed to a jaundiced view of the US healthcare system. Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Credit: nna\josh.hohne Authorities have charged Mangione, 26, with murder in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York and police said on Wednesday they believe the motive was animosity toward the health insurance industry and corporate America. New York police found a three-page, handwritten document on Mangione that expressed disdain for the health business, they’ve said. Mangione foreshadowed that scepticism about the healthcare industry on Reddit in April as he offered advice for getting a doctor to perform spinal surgery. “Tell them you are ‘unable to work’ / do your job,” he wrote. “We live in a capitalist society. I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.” Mangione’s Reddit posts, under the name mister_cactus, had once linked to his personal programming site and offered numerous matching personal details. Reddit declined to confirm whether the account, which was deactivated this week, belonged to him. Reporters reviewed the posts in an internet archive. A poster depicting Luigi Mangione hangs outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in New York. Credit: AP Nothing in his Reddit posts reviewed by The Washington Post presaged violence. Authorities have not laid out their case for what they think drove Mangione to escalate his frustration with the health system, which is common in the United States, into an allegedly premeditated murder of a prominent executive. Thomas M. Dickey, an attorney for Mangione, didn’t respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Mangione’s arrest has stunned his friends and family, most of whom appeared to have lost touch with him in the last six months. “We all condemn violence of any kind,” said Josiah Ryan, a spokesman for Surfbreak HNL, a co-living community in Honolulu where Mangione lived for six months in 2022. He added: “There’s sadness because he was a person who was well-loved and no one saw this coming.” Ryan said Mangione’s back pain was well-known within the Surfbreak community. “It was a real problem for him, and he had to think about that in a way that most 24-year-old young men living in Hawaii would not have to worry about their health,” Ryan said. Mangione at the police station in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Credit: Pennsylvania State Police/AP Mangione’s struggles with his back pain offer a glimpse into the interior life of a man who outwardly lived a charmed existence – the scion of a wealthy family in Maryland who was valedictorian of his prestigious private school in Baltimore and earned degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania. In archived Reddit comments, Mangione doesn’t express anger toward UnitedHealthcare or other health insurers. But the posts chronicle his struggle over the years to deal with back pain that became increasingly debilitating. “From childhood until age 23, my back would always ache if I stood too long, but it wasn’t too bad,” he wrote in February. But as he entered his mid-20s, the pain began to disrupt his life. He once described the sensation of an unstable spine as being able to “feel the bones moving/grinding.” He also struggled with cognitive issues, according to his posts. In a Reddit group focused on brain fog, he wrote, “The people around you probably won’t understand your symptoms – they certainly don’t for me.” By January 2022, Mangione was living at Surfbreak in Hawaii, where a surfing accident exacerbated his spinal condition, according to his Reddit posts and interviews with friends. He had a spinal fusion surgery – a procedure that stabilises the spine with surgical screws – in July 2023, according to his Reddit posts, and he seemed pleased with the results for months afterward. “Haven’t had a bad day since,” he wrote in November 2023. Mangione’s discussion of surgery aligns with an image of an X-ray prominently displayed on his profile for the social media platform X. An orthopedic surgeon who reviewed the image for The Post described it as a “lumbar spine with posterior spinal instrumentation, possible fusion”. It’s a common procedure for people with spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra shifts forward and can cause excruciating pain in the lower back. He found a community on Reddit dedicated to spondylolisthesis, which he described as “my injury” in handwritten notes uploaded to his profile on the book-review site Goodreads in 2019. Mangione regularly offered advice to others, sometimes with an edge of bitterness about the reluctance of the medical profession to provide the care he considered necessary. To persuade doctors reluctant to perform surgery, he suggested an extreme option would be to “fake a foot drop” (difficulty lifting the front part of the foot) “or piss yourself. This is the absolute nuclear option, but there comes a point where it’s just ridiculous that people won’t operate on your broken spine.” His struggles drew empathy from people close to him. Surfbreak’s owner RJ Martin told the New York Times that Mangione “knew that dating and being physically intimate with his back condition wasn’t possible”. In a text message to The Post , Martin said he was overwhelmed and exhausted and deferred comment to Ryan, his spokesman. Martin found Mangione “to be a really special person,” Ryan said. “He expected to have a lifelong friendship with him.” Mangione’s arrest “was pretty devastating for him”. Marc McCoy, 59, owner of Moped Garage, a store near Surfbreak, said that he sold Mangione a moped and that they had multiple conversations. The Maryland native was eager to talk to McCoy, who has lived in Hawaii for a half-century, about how to fit in and respect the local culture and not be an ugly American stereotype, McCoy said. “He was well-spoken, intelligent, conscientious,” he said. “I’m in complete shock.” Mangione spent some time in Japan this year. A picture posted to X in late February by Japanese professional poker player Jun Obara shows him appearing to enjoy a meal at a Tokyo restaurant with a smiling Mangione and others. “He came in by himself and we talked to him and treated him to a meal and drinks because we wanted him to enjoy Japan,” Obara wrote in a subsequent post this week. “He said he was on vacation from Hawaii.” Most friends and family appear to have lost touch with Mangione since May. That appears to be when he last posted to his accounts on Goodreads and Reddit, where he linked to a video shared by another user in a group for discussing Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber. Members of the New York police crime scene unit photograph bullets lying on the footpath. Credit: AP His apparently last post on X, formerly Twitter, was a retweet of a podcast episode on how smartphones and social media impact mental health on June 10. June 10 also was the last time Gurwinder Bhogal, a UK-based writer, said he received a message from Mangione, who was seeking advice about curating his social media feeds. The two had struck up a correspondence in April after Mangione subscribed to his Substack publication. They discussed politics, said Bhogal, who recalled him complaining “about how expensive health care in the U.S. was.” In comments circulated to reporters, Bhogal wrote, “Overall, the impression I got of him, besides his curiosity and kindness, was a deep concern for the future of humanity, and a determination to improve himself and the world.” United Healthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Credit: AP He added, “He was so polite and thoughtful it was hard to conceive of him murdering someone.” Mangione’s movements in the summer and fall are still not clear. Mangione’s mother, Kathleen Mangione, called the San Francisco police on Nov. 18 and said her son had not been heard from since July, according to local media reports. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Post that a missing-person report was filed. The San Francisco Police Department declined to comment on the case and referred questions to New York police. An NYPD spokesperson declined to comment on the missing-person report. Washington Post Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here .
A Democratic Florida state representative announced she is defecting from her party and joining the Republicans because the Democrats are too open to “extreme progressive voices.” Hillary Cassel, who is Jewish, said in a statement on X that she was “increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel” in its war with Hamas. “I’m constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians,” she added. “I can no longer remain in a party that doesn’t represent my values. I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican, but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.” Cassel first won office in Florida’s 101st district in 2022, beating out her Republican opponent by seven points, according to Ballotpedia. She won re-election two months ago, running unopposed. Earlier this month, another Democrat in Florida’s house, Susan Valdes, announced that she would join the Republicans because she felt “ignored” by her party, according to the Tallahassee Democrat . Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78, his family confirmed in a statement Friday, according to CBS News . “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” they wrote. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.” The veteran CBS Sports journalist, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, approached his job with the same regard, according to his colleagues who nicknamed him “Gumby” for his grace in front of the camera and behind the scenes. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” added the post, authored by his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle. “Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.” No further details were given about his diagnosis. Gumbel is the older brother of fellow sportscaster and NBC host Bryant Gumbel, who is nicknamed “Never Stumble Gumbel.” After all the chaos of the holiday season, you and your loved one deserve a little one-on-one time. For 2025, make the resolution to create unforgettable date nights with The Fantasy Box . The subscription box comes with everything you need to spice up your love life, like step-by-step scenarios for role-playing, lingerie, accessories, lube, and props. Each box has a unique theme and there are over 30 different themed fantasies to pick. The Ride ‘Em Cowgirl scenario brings you to the wild west. She is a flirty cowgirl in sexy denim shorts and cow print pasties, while he is a charming bartender with a paddle. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring a more dominant and submissive dynamic. In the D is for Discipline box , she is the Mistress with drip candles and he is her toy in a satin blindfold and bondage collar. The Fantasy Box has created a quick quiz you can take to uncover you and your partner’s fantasies. After taking the quiz, you’ll be recommended three boxes. From there, you can buy any box you want directly. Don’t forget to use the code NEWYEAR at checkout to save $50 on your order. If you and your partner love it, try subscribing monthly or bi-monthly for only $99 the first month. Monthly subscriptions renew at $129 per box; bi-monthly at $139 per box. You’ll receive a new themed box, enjoy free shipping, and get up to 20% off at The Fantasy Box’s shop. Free Shipping Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Yet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson is being blamed not just on the gunman–but on the industry the dead man worked for, a new poll has found. UnitedHealthcare CEO Thompson was gunned down from behind on a Manhattan street just before dawn on December 4, prompting a nationwide manhunt which ended five days later with the arrest of the suspected killer , 26-year-old Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione . Now research by NORC at the University of Chicago published Friday shows that while 78 per cent of people said that the alleged killer, had a great deal or a moderate amount of responsibility for the death, almost as many blamed health insurance companies' denial of coverage for the death. And almost as many, 67 per cent, said profits by the insurers were to blame. A majority of people, 53 per cent, blamed “wealth or income inequality in general”–although it was Mangione who was the scion of a millionaire family , while Thompson was from rural Iowa and had been the first in his family to go to college. One in ten said that Thompson’s killer bore no responsibility at all–an issue which is likely to dog jury selection when Mangione goes on trial in Manhattan for the alleged murder. He is charged by both federal and state authorities with murder and in the federal case is eligible for the death penalty . Mangione has pleaded not guilty. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Tom Cruise ’s first movie project after wrapping up the Mission: Impossible franchise next year with The Final Reckoning has been revealed. And it could land him back in the Oscar conversation. Warner Bros. announced Friday that Cruise will star in an untitled film from two-time Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( Birdman , The Revenant ), set to be released on Oct. 2, 2026. The logline reads: “The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.” Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed are among the other actors in the cast. The project is Iñárritu‘s first English-language film since 2015’s The Revenant , which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar for Best Actor. Cruise has been nominated for three acting Oscars over the course of his long career—for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia —but has never received a trophy at the ceremony. Entire stalls were engulfed by flames at the Bryant Park holiday market in Manhattan on Friday morning, videos show. A cause for the blaze is yet to be determined, but a spokesperson for FDNY told Gothamist it’s under investigation. The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. and nobody was injured, the spokesperson said, adding that the fire was between “six feet wide by 40 feet long” at its peak. Clips of the flames quickly went viral on social media and the market has been closed indefinitely. New York City Emergency Management advised people to avoid the area and warned there will be traffic delays while a probe is completed. It’s the second time this season a holiday market has gone up in flames in the city, coming a week-and-a-half after a fire ignited a swath of Herald Square’s festive shopping corridor. Eighteen shops—and their merchandise, ranging from shirts to glass ornaments—were reportedly razed by that blaze. Bryant Park Christmas Village is on fire 🔥 #whatisnewyork pic.twitter.com/031iZ2D6He Kevin O’Leary , of Shark Tank fame, says half of Canada is “interested” in merging with the U.S.—a longshot arrangement that topped Donald Trump ’s wishlist this Christmas. “Canadians over the holidays—the last two days—have been talking about this,” O’Leary told Fox Business. “They want to hear more.” The 70-year-old Montreal native said he’s headed to Mar-a-Lago to start a conversation that, at the least, may lead to his homeland and the U.S. striking a partnership agreement akin to the European Union. “So secure [the northern territories], give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, get everything trading both ways, create a new, almost EU-like passport—I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested,” he said. O’Leary acknowledged there’d be “a lot of issues” with a merger, but suggested now’s the time to get a deal done with Trump returning to office as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s power is waning. O’Leary may not be the best barometer for what the average Canadian thinks, however. The businessman, worth an estimated $400 million , has ditched the great white north for sunny Miami Beach . He was also soundly rejected by voters when he ran for the leadership of the Canadian Conservative Party in 2017 and won just one percent of the vote. Elon Musk has further stoked the flames of the MAGA H1-B civil war after he agreed with a post that called Americans too “retarded” to exclusively fill the U.S. tech workforce. The eye-popping endorsement came after a pro-Musk account on X summed up the right-wing divide on visas to skilled workers as such: “So basically the right split into two factions, tech right and right right, and the tech right is like ‘hey we need h-1b visa people to do the jobs,’ and the right right was like ‘no you need to hire Americans,’ and the tech right is like “but you guys are retarded,” and the right right is like ‘well you don’t train us,’ and the tech right is like ‘you can’t outtrain being retarded,’ and while all this was going on we learned some people *really* don’t like Indians.” Musk, a 53-year-old South African who’s recently enjoyed a spot inside the “America First” Trump’s inner circle, apparently thought that assessment was a fair one. He responded, “That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening.” Trump is yet to weigh in on the latest right-wing divide that pits his longtime loyalists against his new tech bro faction. That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. 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The flight was headed from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but diverted course amid bad weather before crash landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident left 29 survivors, all of whom are injured, the AP reported. With investigations underway in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, officials in those countries have urged against speculation about the crash’s cause. Russia’s aviation authority has suggested, nevertheless, that a bird strike could have played a role. But aviation experts seem to disagree. Mark Zee, founder of the aviation safety organization OPSGroup, told the AP that based on images of the plane, he is “90-99%” sure it was struck by a missile. Independent Russian military expert Yan Matveyev agreed that the plane’s tail appeared to have been struck by shrapnel from a missile like the ones used by Russia’s defense system. Meanwhile, the UK aviation security firm Osprey Solutions reportedly cautioned its clients that “Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.” The man suspected of lighting a woman on fire in a Brooklyn subway car faces life without parole after he was charged with murder . Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degree and arson, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. The horrific scene unfolded on an early morning F train stopped at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. stop in south Brooklyn on Dec. 22. Zapeta is accused of igniting the woman’s clothes and “fanning the flames” with a shirt. “These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez said. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7.Bench Accounting shuts down abruptly, leaving customers in a year-end lurchSAC members award winners in different sports competitionsThe death of a woman this week in a car crash involving a police officer who was responding to a bomb threat against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Georgia home demonstrates the growing danger of swatting, police and experts said. Swatting refers to when a false threat is made to draw police and first responders to a location. The woman, identified by police as Tammie Pickelsimer, was killed after crashing into a bomb squad member who was responding to the call, according to a statement from the Rome Police Department. According to police, the threat was sent by email to them last week, but it was re-routed to a junk folder. Police on Monday discovered the email which correctly listed the congresswoman's home address. Greene was not home at the time, but the message from the email specifically targeted the congresswoman's mailbox, Greene posted on X. The email spurred a response from police who then sent an officer to monitor the mailbox while waiting for the bomb squad. MORE: Massachusetts congresswoman says family was targeted with a bomb threat Rome police sergeant and bomb squad member David Metroka was en route to join the bomb squad at their headquarters when he crashed into the 66-year-old Pickelsimer, Georgia State Patrol said. Picklesimer suffered significant injuries and later died at the hospital, according to GSP. The officer had minor injuries and was later released from the hospital. Police did not find a bomb at Greene's home. In a statement, the Rome Police Department addressed the dangers of swatting incidents. "The Rome Police Department continues to work closely with Congresswoman Greene's staff to address the growing concern of swatting incidents and has implemented protocols to ensure that emergency responses are only triggered when truly necessary," the police department said in a statement. "This particular situation did not require an emergency response." The police department added, "The Rome Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the Pickelsimer family during this difficult time. The department holds the individual responsible for sending the threatening email fully accountable for setting this tragic chain of events into motion. In collaboration with Congresswoman Greene's office, the Rome Police Department is working with federal authorities to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice." The Rome Police Department told ABC News the email had an IP address linked to Russia. Greene said she "felt heartsick," and expressed her concern over violent political threats in a statement on X . "These violent political threats have fatal consequences," she said. "It’s an undue strain on our law enforcement who must treat them seriously. The officer was responding to protect my life. And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act." MORE: Democratic members of Congress get bomb threats on Thanksgiving According to John Bandler, an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, swatting is a harassment tactic used to dispatch an "arm of government" for emergency services. Bandler believes the uptick in swatting stems from cyber crimes allowing criminals to commit a crime against someone else without having to get close to it, he said. "It is a way people can do a crime and they think they won't get caught doing it," Bandler said. "And it seems much more an indirect way of doing it." Most people are never going to be swatted, Bandler said. But he notes it will be hard to protect yourself from this sort of crime, just like it is to protect yourself from all crime, he said. Bandler calls for all swatting attempts to be prosecuted as a felony in every state and on the federal level. Swatting becomes a felony on the federal level when it crosses state lines. He said swatting is extremely dangerous and scatters police efforts. "Not only are you wasting law enforcement's time, but you're triggering that emergency response and that is always going to be dangerous," Bandler said. Greene said her office is cooperating with local law enforcement and the FBI as they investigate the threat.
Article content In Sault Ste Marie, Algoma District School Board Grade 3, Grade 6 and Grade 9 students scored lower in math compared to the provincial average. In the Fraser Institute’s Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools, Korah and St. Mary’s tied for highest math rating in the city with 6.0/10 – 378th out of 689 Ontario schools; Superior Heights 5.7 – 425/689, White Pines 4.5 – 562/689 and CASS 4.2 – 587/689. The provincial average was 6.3. The top schools in Ontario scored 9.9. The 2024 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition, took place in England weeks before the Paris Olympics. China has been the undisputed king of the IMO for the past 30 years. But this year, the 2024 U.S. team, of whom five of the six are of Chinese ethnicity, took back first place ... by a paper-thin two-point margin over China. Canada finished 23rd – all six Canadian team members were of Chinese ethnicity Only one contestant achieved a perfect score this year — a contestant from China. The five members of the 2024 U.S. team of Chinese ethnicity provoked some comments: “Fight fire with fire.” “America makes better Chinese than China does.” “It’s nice they had the 3 DEI hires for team staff.” While students in the U.S. and Canada fall behind, students in other countries are surging ahead. Students from five nations in Asia top the latest global school rankings in math:1. China, 2. Singapore, 3. South Korea, 4. Japan and 5. Taiwan. There is a correlation between quality basic education and economic development — the better educated a country’s people are, the faster the country develops economically. This is particularly true in STEM, the distinct but related disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with profound implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy. As STEM indicators are inputs to creating economic value, there is the belief that “the higher the value of STEM indicators, the more economic prosperity.” Nations with high PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) STEM scores, such as China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, rank consistently high on global innovation indices. According to the World Economic Forum, these nations leverage robust STEM education systems to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and technical knowledge, which form the bedrock of a highly-skilled, adaptable workforce. “I am referring to bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of STEM talent as being essential for America to keep winning,” Elon Musk wrote. “Thinking of America as a pro sports team that has been winning for a long time and wants to keep winning is the right mental construct.” Vivek Ramaswamy, whose parents immigrated from India, concurred with Musk while defending companies that look outside the U.S. for talent, arguing tech companies hire engineers who were born outside the U.S. because “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence.” “Our culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long. That doesn’t start in college, it starts YOUNG.” “A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the Math Olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers.” In Canada, Asian kids routinely top their science, math and reading classes in grade school. The top students in the 2024 Ontario Mathematics Competition reads like the Hong Kong phone book: Leo Wu, Lei He, Jiahao Yu, Daniel Pu, Qi Ning. Nobody from Sault Ste Marie among the Top 30 in the honour roll. Cultural differences account for a lot of the differences in test scores. There is a Confucian cultural stress on excellence in education similar to that traditionally in Jewish culture and now in South Asian culture. Getting a bad grade is embarrassing, even shameful. To begin with, Asian mothers – Dragon Ladies and Tiger Mothers – are usually totally invested in their children’s education and fervently believe that math is very important. Education has always been considered the most important path to success in Chinese culture. Parents recognize achievements in core subjects, which include mathematics, are vital for success in the new society. High familial expectations are the main motivating factors for Chinese pupils. Combined with high-stakes exams at various points in the educational system, this means that pupils are pushed by these external motivations. Parents see math as a “critical filter” that decides who has access to higher education, the best courses in the best universities and higher-paying jobs ... and a better life. Everyone is equal in math, the universal language, because it is objective and value-neutral, open to all, regardless of a person’s culture or background. Math rewards effort more than any other subject. Asian parents know that with math, the first eight years of a child’s life are critical. If kids don’t have a strong foundation in arithmetic, then later excellence in mathematics will be impossible. We enrolled our son Brandon at age 7 in the Kumon math program to solidify that foundation. I taught him how to play chess when he was 10, when his friends were playing checkers because playing chess enables children to improve their critical thinking – the ability to recognize patterns, think logically, concentrate and solve problems creatively, all of which drive success in math. When my son was 8 or 9, whenever we were in the car, we played a game where I would drill him on his multiplication and division tables. His friends didn’t like riding in our car very much. He also had the benefit of bridge lessons at lunch hour in Sister Mary Clare elementary school by Bruce Richmond, a retired math teacher at Korah Collegiate, as strategic thinking, logical reasoning, probability analysis, and the ability to quickly calculate odds are all fundamental mathematical concepts that can be strengthened through playing bridge. Today he is a robotics engineer and the level of math he can do is far more advanced than my university Calculus 101. And he isn’t Asian. Kids in Canada who say, “Oh, I can’t learn math,” and give up and adopt a math-phobia, often have parents who hated math, a Mamma Bear who is mathematically illiterate and made their kids believe that math was something only nerds/geniuses could learn. That negative attitude pervades our educational system. Plus, a lot of kids are stuck with teachers not even qualified to teach math. The best and brightest in mathematics unfortunately don’t aspire to become teachers. Asian kids are raised in a Confucian culture that demands discipline, precision, accuracy, excellence, and hard work ... even as toddlers they’re already exposed to it. Asian kids are good at math because they are always practising it, and work at it longer and harder right from the beginning. Some think being good at mathematics is an innate ability – you either have it or you don’t. But it’s not so much ability as attitude. Success is a function of persistence and the willingness to work hard for 30 minutes to make sense of something that other people give up on after 30 seconds. Asian kids are good at math because they work hard, like to understand why something works and end up enjoying learning so much that they enjoy the subject and practise it and become good at it. The same cultural environment is true for China, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. After-school tuition is a way of life for students there who have to pass national exams to enter university. In China, exams are like a big, exciting competition – a game to be won. It’s like the Olympics for studying. This goes back hundreds of years. China was the first meritocracy, the concept originating in the 6th century BC, when the Chinese philosopher Confucius “invented the notion that those who govern should do so because of merit, not of inherited status.” Kids go to special “cram schools” to get extra tutoring to do their best in entrance exams to get into university. It’s not just about grades; it’s about rising above and being more successful in life. A recent study by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) shows that on average, pupils in Shanghai aged 12-14 spend 3.3 hours on their homework each day, far more than the OECD average of 1.2 hours per day. Students in Asian schools don’t have long summer vacations. Why would they? A culture that believes that the route to success lies in hard work for years and years and embracing delayed gratification is scarcely going to give their children three months off in the summer. NInety per cent of students in China take at least one course over the summer break to improve their math, science, English or other important subjects. Most students take at least three courses and most spend three or four hours a day studying all summer. Chinese parents will move heaven and earth to ensure their children are not just well educated but are in the top streams of their classes. In Canada, the school year typically lasts 194 days. The Japanese school year is 243 days long. The Chinese school year is 255 days. The school days in China typically last from around 8 a.m. in the morning until 5 p.m. in the evening. On Saturdays, many schools hold required morning classes in subjects like science and math. The problem with school in Canada, for the kids who aren’t achieving, is that there isn’t enough of it. We have a summer vacation problem. Dr. Peter Chow is a retired Sault Ste. Marie physician Share this Story : DR. PETER CHOW: Attitude, not necessarily aptitude, adds up to math success Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn TumblrA camera trap is a fairly unsophisticated piece of technology. A camera, a motion sensor, an SD card, and a handful of regular old double A batteries make up the inventory of the most important components. A million brands making a million different models are for sale all over the world. If you live in certain parts of the planet, you could decide you want a camera right now, and a guy will drop one off on your doorstep by this evening. It’s an unremarkable, easily accessible product. This is true. What’s also true is that a camera trap is a magical device that has the ability open a portal to a different world. A world far from air conditioning, TikTok, or even walls and ceilings. This is a forested world filled with a vast array of fascinating creatures. Sure we can enter the forest and walk around and feel like we’re somewhere new and different. The camera trap takes you a step further, into a forested world where no humans are present. In this place, the creatures that would never allow themselves to be seen by human beings are free to act naturally in their environment. This is why I love camera trapping. Every time I remove an SD card from a camera, place it into my computer, and click play, I’m transported to a different world, 20 seconds at a time. At the top of my list of creatures that I hope to see when I click play are . I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that in the forests around where I live, there are enormous spotted wild cats that weigh up to 200 pounds secretly living out their lives. And their lives really are mysterious. The people who are interested in learning more about what these cats are up to must rely on camera traps, along with footprints and scat, to give them clues as to where they’re living and how they’re living their lives. A few of these jaguar researchers have banded together to contribute to a database of living in Guanacaste. Each jaguar has a unique spot pattern and based on that pattern, they receive a name and are entered into the database. The database is always growing, but right now there are 100 or so known jaguars. In the last few months, I’ve been invited to send my jaguar videos to the keeper of the database so he can analyze each cat’s spotted coat, and we can all learn a little more about the jaguars that I’ve recorded. To my immense delight, I’ve learned that my camera traps have recorded at least 15 different jaguars (Maybe more. Sometimes it’s hard to see the spot pattern clearly.) Some of them are previously known individuals, already documented by a researcher. Just the other day, I sent a video to be analyzed, and it turned out to be a well-known individual that another researcher had recorded just hours before my video. We figured out that this male jaguar had marched 13 kilometers in a span of a few hours. While I love being able to add to the records of known individuals, what I find truly fantastic is identifying previously unknown animals. To date, I’ve been able to record 12 jaguars that are new to the database. That’s 12 massive wild cats that most likely nobody has ever seen before. Just walking around in the forest. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me to think about. Now take a look at the video below and join the handful of people who have ever seen these jaguars. Vincent Losasso, founder of , is a biologist who works with camera traps throughout Costa Rica. Learn more about his projects on or . You can also email him at:
Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities.
Academy ISD is ready to put a $330,535 Jobs and Education for Texans grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to use. The funding will allow the Health Science program at Academy High School to purchase new equipment, including an Anatomage table, a bariatric nursing mannequin, a blood pressure simulator, microscopes, a mobile charting work station and two SUSIE S2400 patient simulators — a mannequin that allows students to practice NG/OG feeding, heart and lung auscultation and tracheostomy care. Jennifer Chan, one of three Health Science teachers at Academy High School spoke to how these enhancements will prepare more than 100 career and technical education students for a future in the health care industry. “The addition of this equipment will revolutionize how our students learn,” she said. “Being able to use an Anatomage table and high-fidelity patient simulators in high school is a game-changer. It sets our students apart and gives them an incredible head start in their future careers.” Joycelynn Young, a colleague, wholeheartedly agreed. “It’s so exciting to think about how our students will engage with this technology,” the fellow Health Science teacher said. “These tools will allow them to practice skills in a realistic and safe environment, giving them the confidence and competence to excel.” Academy High School was among 35 recipients across the state to earn a JET grant. “This grant opens doors for our program,” Alyssa Williams, the third Health Science teacher at Academy High School, said. “The opportunity to use this level of equipment will inspire our students to dream bigger and work harder. They’re gaining access to resources that many college programs don’t even have.” There will be a check presentation — with representatives from the Texas Workforce Commission present — in early 2025 where officials from Academy ISD will highlight how the funding will help the Health Science program remain a cornerstone in the district. “This award demonstrates the strength of our programs and the dedication of our staff,” Academy ISD Superintendent Darla Nolen said. “Academy ISD is committed to fostering opportunities that prepare students for bright futures, and this grant is a shining example of that mission.”By Molly Farrar After the chief executive of the nation’s largest health insurer was shot and killed in New York City last week, reactions poured in on social media, including support for the alleged murderer. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Tuesday that she understands “the visceral response” criticizing the victim’s industry. “The visceral response from people across this country who feel cheated, ripped off, and threatened by the vile practices of their insurance companies should be a warning to everyone in the health care system,” Warren told HuffPost. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was allegedly killed in a brazen, targeted attack by Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. The shooting brought out a range of reactions, including morbid celebrations of Thompson’s death. Warren, a longtime critic of the U.S. health care system, addressed the response to the fatal shooting of Thompson in an interview with HuffPost published Tuesday. “Violence is never the answer, but people can be pushed only so far,” Warren told HuffPost . “This is a warning that if you push people hard enough, they lose faith in the ability of their government to make change, lose faith in the ability of the people who are providing the health care to make change, and start to take matters into their own hands in ways that will ultimately be a threat to everyone.” Warren faced criticism for her remarks, and when HuffPost reached out to her again, she clarified that “violence is never the answer. Period.” However, “this system is just broken,” she said. Mangione’s possible motive is currently unclear, but some reports on his writings hint at a hatred of corporate greed and resentment toward the health insurance industry, the Associated Press reported . The words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” were found written on the bullets at the crime, quoting a common phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims. Police have not commented on the connection. Warren made similar comments on MSNBC , saying “you can only push people so far and then they start to take matters into their own hands.” Senator Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, also spoke to HuffPost, calling the killing “outrageous” and “unacceptable.” But Sanders, also a progressive leader and an outspoken critic of the health care industry, echoed Warren’s sympathies. “I think what the outpouring of anger at the health care industry tells us is that millions of people understand that health care is a human right,” Sanders said, “and that you cannot have people in the insurance industry rejecting needed health care for people while they make billions of dollars in profit.” Molly Farrar Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.Amy Rogers catches up with several new teams ahead of this year's Grant Thornton Invitational, including Tom Kim-Jeeno Thitikul and Allisen Corpuz-Sahith Theegala. Brentley Romine and Jim Gallagher Jr. join Golf Central to highlight notable golfers making waves at PGA Tour Q-School action in Florida and the pressure of trying to earn a PGA Tour card. Amy Rogers reports on the latest surrounding Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA Tour commissioner, where she hears from Mel Reid and Megan Khang about what they'd like to see in the next commissioner. The Golf Central crew reflects on the wild storylines that came out of the 2024 men's major golf events and looks forward to 2025. Justin Thomas had a brutal day around the greens to end the Hero World Challenge, but Golf Central thinks he's trending in the right direction after a solid tournament as a whole. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee analyze Scottie Scheffler's game at the Hero World Challenge and how he flexed his incredible overall skillset to cap a successful 2024 with a win. Tom Kim took a big leap on moving day at the Hero World Challenge, knocking in a dozen birdies and putting himself in contention for a win in the Bahamas. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee look at the birdie-filled scorecard of Tom Kim's third round at the Hero World Challenge and how he was able to put himself in position to win on the final day. Scottie Scheffler is firmly in the mix at the Hero World Challenge, just one shot off the lead, but Golf Central says he'll have to capitalize more on scoring opportunities in the final round. Golf Central breaks down what went right for Justin Thomas in Round 3 of the PGA Tour's Hero World Challenge, in which putting -- typically a weakness for him -- carried him atop the leaderboard. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Scottie Scheffler's impressive showing during Round 2 of the Hero World Challenge, breaking down what has worked for the world No. 1 in The Bahamas.
It’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center.
Subscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - Jordan's economic growth is expected to expand by 2.5% to 3% in 2025, propelled by better business conditions and increased investments, Jordan News Agency reports citing experts. Despite ongoing labor market difficulties, this rise is anticipated to marginally lower unemployment. Also Read Egypt and Jordan discuss collaborations in energy and natural gas The government's attempts to improve financial and social stability can be observed in important policies put into place in late 2024, such as tax cuts for electric cars and lighter fines for unregistered vehicles. These programs have increased economic activity and investor confidence, especially when combined with the continuing changes under the Economic Modernization Vision. Growth in GDP (current prices) between 2003-2023. 🇶🇦 Qatar: 893% 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 395% 🇯🇴 Jordan: 373% 🇪🇬 Egypt: 368% 🇴🇲 Oman: 338% 🇦🇪 UAE: 310% 🇧🇭 Bahrain: 306% 🇮🇱 Israel: 297% 🇹🇷 Turkey: 265% 🇮🇷 Iran: 131% — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) November 22, 2024 According to economic analyst Dr. Adli Kandah, Jordan's steady 2.5% growth rate over the last 10 years offers a solid basis for development. He pointed to the possible advantages of easing sanctions on Syria and emphasized the possibilities presented by regional changes, especially in trade and investment. Prof. Dr. Raad Al-Tal, who teaches economics at the University of Jordan, highlighted how the nation's political stability and structural changes have enabled it to successfully handle geopolitical problems, such as the Gaza conflict. “The tourism sector, in particular, has shown notable recovery, bolstered by improved regional security and increased visitor numbers,” Al-Tal said, as reported by the Jordan News Agency. He also acknowledged that the country's foreign reserves had been strengthened by remittances from Jordanian expats. Despite regional constraints, Jordan's economy has proven resilient, according to economic analyst Dr. Ahmad Al-Majali. He credited this to the benefits of the Economic Modernization Vision, which has promoted development in a number of industries, as well as prudent monetary measures that have preserved stability. Experts concur that while 2025 seems promising, sustainable improvement would need effective public expenditure, ongoing reforms, and capitalizing on local trends. Sustainable development will also depend on boosting export competitiveness and accelerating large projects, as Jordan Times reports. Jordan has shown resilience in the face of external problems, as seen by its strong foreign exchange reserves, shrinking trade deficit, and increasing export volumes. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Also Read Top 10 Indian Billionaires in 2022Inside Trump's plan to overhaul the Justice Department
By Funsho Arogundade E ight years ago, Omotayo Jemila ‘OJ’ Awa-Ibraheem started her journey into the world of Spa and perfumery with the formal launch of her House of Jemila on 4 June 2016. Since then, this elegant beauty entrepreneur has not looked back in her quest to dominate her sphere of business. Thanks to her passion for creativity and the guidance of a trusted mentor. From opening her first and second stores on the Lagos Mainland, the style icon has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her beauty entrepreneurship. Elegant OJ recently celebrated a significant milestone with the unveiling of her flagship store and a new luxury perfumery store in the heart of Lekki, Lagos. It was a grand event by all standards when the new perfumery outlet named ‘PerfectScents Niche Emporium’ opened its doors to the public on Saturday 7 December in Lekki Lagos. OJ’s new store —the third in Lagos— is a one-stop shop for niche fragrances exclusively sourced from around the world for all perfume lovers all over Lagos and beyond. According to OJ, the new shop will enhance the experience of perfume buffs as she introduces a dedicated pure fragrance corner where customers can explore pure fragrance oils, undiluted and authentic. This interactive space will let customers identify the notes that appeal to them, helping us suggest perfumes that align perfectly with their preferences. Not done, Spotlight learnt, OJ is expanding her fragrance business as she is starting her own niche perfume line. The Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti Political Science graduate is partnering with a world-class perfume manufacturer in Europe who she said understood her vision. With their expertise, they have finalized the bottle designs, logo, and packaging. Every step was deliberate and meticulous to deliver quality fragrances to be launched in the first quarter of next year. It will then be sold side by side with other niche fragrances stocked by the new Lekki store.
Oklahoma's Zac Alley joins Rich Rodriguez's West Virginia staff as defensive coordinator
Amid some Republican Party infighting, one GOP congressman is seeking to unite his caucus behind House Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of a pivotal vote that will decide whether he retains the gavel in 2025. Appearing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Rep. Mike Lawler of New York said Republicans are "playing with fire" if they are considering replacing Johnson as speaker of the House, pointing to the chaotic removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year. RELATED STORY | Trump endorses Speaker Johnson to retain House gavel in 2025 "The fact is that these folks are playing with fire," Lawler said. "And if they think they're somehow going to get a more conservative Speaker, they're kidding themselves." "We can't get anything done unless we have a Speaker — including certifying President Trump's election on January 6th," Lawler added. "So, to waste time over a nonsensical, intramural food fight is a joke." RELATED STORY | Upcoming Congressional committees take shape on Capitol Hill Johnson won a unanimous voice vote during nominations for House GOP Conference leadership in November, but now faces a formal vote in the House when the next Congress begins in January. He will need to secure 218 votes, which means he can't afford many defections from Republicans, who are currently projected to hold a slim majority with 220 seats.Expect some drama when the Seattle Seahawks host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Because there always seems to be plenty when these teams meet. ADVERTISEMENT To wit: Jan. 4, 2004: In an NFC wild-card game in Green Bay, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck told the referee after winning the overtime coin toss that "we want the ball and we're going to score." The Packers won, however, after Hasselbeck threw a pick-six. Sept. 24, 2012: The host Seahawks triumphed on rookie quarterback Russell Wilson's "Fail Mary" pass into the end zone with replacement officials — being used during the referee lockout — split on whether it was a TD or an interception. The lockout ended days later. Jan. 18, 2015: The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks trailed 16-0 at halftime in the NFC Championship Game before scoring on a fake field goal in the third quarter. Seattle still trailed 19-7 with less than three minutes to play before rallying to take the lead. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers guided the Packers to a tying field goal before Wilson threw a TD pass to Jermaine Kearse on the first possession of overtime to win it. Sunday's game is important for both the Packers (9-4) and Seahawks (8-5). The Packers are third in the NFC North behind Detroit (12-1) and Minnesota (11-2), but they have a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Rams for the conference's final wild-card berth. "The main thing is getting into the dance for sure," Packers center Josh Myers said. "Would we like to be higher up? Absolutely. But we'll live with where we're at, and we'll make the most of it." ADVERTISEMENT The Packers had a three-game winning streak snapped with a 34-31 loss last Thursday at Detroit. Green Bay is relatively healthy, with only safety Javon Bullard (ankle) missing practice time this week. "I think every team that can realize their potential needs to be as healthy as they can be. And injuries are a part of this business," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "It is what it is in terms of the next man up, but obviously, you want the guys that are your starters to be available -- especially as you get closer to the end of the year." The NFC West-leading Seahawks, who opened the season with three consecutive wins before losing five of their next six, have gone 4-0 since their bye week. Their recent success is largely because of a much-improved defense that has allowed an average of 15.5 points per game over that span. Seattle defeated host Arizona 30-18 last Sunday as Zach Charbonnet rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns in place of the injured Kenneth Walker III (calf). Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said this week that further tests indicated no significant injury for Walker, who is day-to-day. Walker sat out practice this week, as did cornerback Tre Brown (hamstring) and safety Jerrick Reed II (quad). The Seahawks designated two members of their secondary as returning to practice off injured reserve — safety K'Von Wallace (ankle) and cornerback Artie Burns (toe). ADVERTISEMENT Even with the injuries, the Seahawks seem to have adopted a different mindset since their bye week. "Every game's a championship game, and if you really take that approach then when you get to the big game, it won't feel different," quarterback Geno Smith said. "I think we're developing it as a team, and I think the mindset is what's really setting us apart right now." Offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson put it more succinctly: "We're in playoff mode, man."