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. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Several aviation experts said they believe that a Russian defense system caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people on Christmas Day, according to the Associated Press. 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.This social app will match you with a group of strangers for dinnerOpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk, said he is “not that worried” about Musk’s influence in the incoming Trump administration. Altman told a New York Times conference Wednesday that he “may turn out to be wrong” but he strongly believes that Musk will do the right thing. “It would be profoundly un-American to use political power, to the degree that Elon has it, to hurt your competitors and advantage your own businesses,” Altman said. “And I don’t think people would tolerate that. I don’t think Elon would do it.” Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk recently escalated the lawsuit by asking a federal judge to stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. President-elect Donald Trump is putting Musk, the world’s richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is an outside advisory committee that will work with people inside the government to reduce spending and regulations. Musk, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, has started his own rival AI company, xAI, that Altman said he considers a serious competitor. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. Altman also addressed another pending lawsuit against OpenAI from The New York Times, host of Wednesday’s DealBook summit of business and political leaders. The Times is among several news outlets that have sued San Francisco-based OpenAI and its business partner Microsoft for copyright infringement in the use of news articles to train AI systems like ChatGPT. The companies have argued they are protected by the “fair use” doctrine of copyright law. “If an AI reads something — a physics textbook — it can learn physics, it can use that for other things like a human can,” Altman said. Lawyers for both sides gathered before a New York federal magistrate judge Tuesday for more than four hours to work out disagreements over how they would collect potential evidence from one another. Depositions are set to begin in January. A lawyer for the newspapers said in court that the publications have confirmed millions of news articles were used for AI training. “Look, I don’t believe in showing up in someone else’s house as a guest and being rude, but I will say, I think The New York Times is on the wrong side of history in many ways,” Altman told Times journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin during the on-stage interview Wednesday. “We could discuss and debate that and we’ll do that, I think, in court,” Sorkin responded, to laughter from the audience. ———- Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister in New York contributed to this report. ————- The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is in a legal dispute Since winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump has been talking One of Venezuela's most popular bands canceled its homecoming tour The outgoing year was a mix of turmoil, innovations and
Aspiring congresswoman and controversial MAGA cheerleader Valentina Gomez has sparked outrage once again after posting a video in which she appears to simulate executing an immigrant . The 25-year-old, who tried and failed to be elected as the Missouri Secretary of State earlier this year , said in the disturbing clip that undocumented persons who committed violent crimes “deserve to be ended.” In the video, posted to X on Monday, Gomez is seen firing a handgun into the back of the head of a dummy tied to a chair with a black bag over its head. “It’s that simple, public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. They don’t deserve deportation, they deserve to be ended,” she says. The video has been flagged by X as potentially violating the platform’s rules against “violent speech,” but it had not been removed as of Tuesday. “Public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American.” Gomez captioned the video. It quickly sparked outrage from other social media users, with some branding the Colombian native as a “psychopath.” “What’s wrong with these people?” one wrote. “They’re unhinged, mentally ill, and sociopathic,” replied another. Critics even included the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro , who wrote: “She is not just an American fascist. She is Colombian. And being a migrant, what she wants is to unleash hatred against migrants. Most Americans are killed by Americans.” However, others seemed to agree with Gomez’s stance, including fellow MAGA firebrand and Trump acolyte Laura Loomer who posted. “Love this.” After X started restricting the video, Gomez claimed that she was “the biggest threat to the establishment because I call it like I see it.” “I give people hope, and I don’t need their money. Remember, nobody is coming to save us. Stay strapped,” she said. The sentiment of Gomez’s video echoes that of President-elect Donald Trump , who has previously called for expanding the death penalty to those people who have arrived in the country illegally who kill a citizen or police. Trump has railed against Joe Biden’s decision to pardon the majority of federal death row inmates. Gomez has frequently shared outrageous or shocking videos on her social media pages and has consequently been banned from Instagram. In previous clips she frequently used homophobic slurs, and in one video, set two LGBTQ-inclusive books on fire. She has characterized the literature as “grooming, indoctrinating and sexualizing.” During the 2024 election campaign she called Vice President Kamala Harris a “hoe” and “little b****”, used the word “f****t” to describe transgender people and described Democrats as “full of gay s***”, among other things. Her bold rhetoric ultimately did not play well with voters. Gomez gained only 7.4 per cent of the vote with finishing sixth out of eight candidates in the race for Missouri Secretary of State . Last week she announced that she was running for Congress in Texas and relocating to the state to challenge Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw’s seat. “I don’t fear pdfs, criminals, or the crooks in DC. I only fear God,” she wrote in a post announcing the move."Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
NextNav Co-Founder and CTO Arun Raghupathy Receives Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Maryland’s Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringWATERTOWN, Mass., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tectonic Therapeutic, Inc. (NASDAQ: TECX) (Tectonic), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutic proteins and antibodies that modulate the activity of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), today announced that Alise Reicin, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Piper Sandler 36th Annual Healthcare Conference being held in New York on December 3-5, 2024. For more information regarding one-on-one meetings, please contact your Piper Sandler representative. The live webcast can also be accessed under “ Events & Presentations ” on the Investors section of the Tectonic website at www.tectonictx.com . Once the conference has concluded, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for approximately 90 days. About Tectonic Tectonic is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutic proteins and antibodies that modulate the activity of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Leveraging its proprietary GEODeTM (GPCRs Engineered for Optimal Discovery) technology platform, Tectonic is focused on developing biologic medicines that overcome the existing challenges of GPCR-targeted drug discovery and harness the human body to modify the course of disease. Tectonic focuses on areas of significant unmet medical need, often where therapeutic options are poor or nonexistent, as these are areas where new medicines have the potential to improve patient quality of life. Tectonic is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.tectonictx.com and follow on LinkedIn . Investors: Dan Ferry LifeSci Advisors daniel@lifesciadvisors.com (617) 430-7576 Media: Kathryn Morris The Yates Network kathryn@theyatesnetwork.com (914) 204-6412
Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78Film Certification Board: Ambitious plans, lingering challenges
Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) Management presents at Jefferies Renewables & Clean Energy Conference 2024 (Transcript)Baylor staying committed to each other ahead of Texas BowlSAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 89bio, Inc. (the "Company" or "89bio") ETNB , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of liver and cardiometabolic diseases, today announced that the Company's Management will participate in a fireside chat at the 7 th Annual Evercore HealthCONx Conference on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 8:20 AM ET and participate in one-on-one investor meetings. The webcast of the fireside chat will be accessible in the investor section of 89bio's website . A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following the conference. About 89bio 89bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of best-in-class therapies for patients with liver and cardiometabolic diseases who lack optimal treatment options. The company is focused on rapidly advancing its lead candidate, pegozafermin, through clinical development for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). Pegozafermin is a specifically engineered, potentially best-in-class fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog with unique glycoPEGylated technology that optimizes biological activity through an extended half-life. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.89bio.com or follow the company on LinkedIn . Investor Contact: Annie Chang 89bio, Inc. investors@89bio.com PJ Kelleher LifeSci Advisors, LLC 617-430-7579 pkelleher@lifesciadvisors.com Media Contact: Sheryl Seapy Real Chemistry sseapy@realchemistry.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
For the past six years, Gulf countries had been starting to normalize relations with the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria, with several even reopening their embassies in Damascus, which had been shuttered after the civil war broke out in 2011. This was driven by the perceived strategic costs of keeping Assad isolated even as he seemed entrenched in power, and while Iran’s influence in the region continued to grow. Gulf countries publicly cited regional tensions and the growing role of non-Arab states in Syria as reasons for normalization. Saudi Arabia was the latest to reopen its embassy in Damascus in September 2024, following similar moves by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain in December 2018, ostensibly to “reduce Iranian influence,” according to Robert Ford , a former US ambassador to Syria. (By contrast, Qatar maintained a staunchly critical stance toward the Assad regime, refusing to normalize ties.) Assad was welcomed back into the Arab League last year, attending a summit in Saudi Arabia. And the UAE even reportedly joined the United States in negotiations aimed at securing US sanctions relief in return for Assad curbing Iran’s arms smuggling through Syria. With Assad having fled to Moscow after the stunning and rapid fall of his regime this month, Gulf states that had supported Assad are now left empty-handed. But the turn of events offers these countries, which rarely act as a bloc, an immense opportunity to join forces and wield significant influence—both political and financial—over Syria’s future while adapting to Turkey’s rising prominence in the country. The Gulf’s friendly overtures Shortly after Assad’s December 8 fall, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman resumed their diplomatic activities in Damascus, and they were in turn thanked by the new Syrian government’s Department of Political Affairs in a December 12 statement . This statement followed meetings the new leadership held with the ambassadors from these countries, as well as Qatar. Also on December 12, Bahrain—which headed the Arab League this year—expressed its support for the transition via a letter to the new leadership in Syria. On December 14, the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria (which includes Arab, Western, and Turkish diplomats) highlighted Arab support for Syria’s political transition under the interim authorities. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia expressed the “strongest support” for Syria’s people after the fall of Assad’s government, commending measures taken by the new leadership in Damascus to protect Syria’s minorities and promote stability. A Saudi delegation headed by an advisor from the Saudi Royal Court met with Syria’s new leader on December 22, amid reports that Saudi Arabia will start supplying oil to Damascus. A good indicator that Saudi Arabia is serious about cooperating with Syria’s transition is that the kingdom is already cooperating at the highest level with the most influential outside player in Syria—one that is rapidly ascendant in the region—Turkey. The UAE, which started the normalization process with Assad in the Gulf, was the last Gulf country to publicly signal positive engagement with Syria’s new administration, marked by a phone call between the respective foreign ministers on December 23. It remains to be seen whether Abu Dhabi will cautiously move to fully and publicly support the new administration in Damascus by sending humanitarian or financial aid to the country in the upcoming weeks, as neighboring Qatar has already done . On December 14, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, expressed optimism about the new leadership’s language on unity. Gargash also strongly emphasized the need to remain on guard given the new leadership’s ties to Islamist factions. He also wrote in an X post that the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria’s meeting “reflected a positive Arab approach to support our brothers in the path of political and peaceful transition” in Syria. These moves across the Gulf add up to a positive signal that the countries that normalized with Assad are likely to deal pragmatically with the realities of the new Syria. Turkey’s rising influence As the country with the strongest relationship with Syria’s new leadership, Turkey is likely to hold ample leverage over Syria’s future—and even the region, given its increasingly assertive role across the Middle East and North Africa. Turkey’s gains in Syria bolster its standing vis-à-vis Iran in other areas such as the South Caucasus, where Turkey maintains close cooperation with Azerbaijan while Iran has close ties with Armenia. However, Ankara should not shoulder the role of reconstruction and state-building in Syria alone. Collaborating with the Arab states of the Gulf could bring both legitimacy and essential financial resources to Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Among the Gulf states, Qatar is likely to wield the most influence over the new leadership in Damascus, having played a central role in facilitating talks between foreign ministers from Arab states, Turkey, Russia, and Iran during the Doha Forum that ultimately determined Assad’s fate . In meetings in Doha with Atlantic Council experts (myself included) just hours after the fall of Assad had been announced on December 8, senior Qatari national security figures expressed an air of vindication for their refusal to normalize with the Assad regime. Notably, Qatar was the only country in the Gulf already hosting the Syrian National Coalition, which it recognized as Syria’s sole legitimate representative. The Trump administration’s opportunity The fall of Assad represents a massive setback for Iran, and Gulf states must seize this moment as an unparalleled opportunity to reinforce the Arab role in Syria’s future. By pressuring and guiding the new leadership in Syria to form an inclusive government, Gulf countries can safeguard their interests while minimizing the risks of renewed instability that threaten the entire region. The Trump administration also has a key role to play. As the new Syrian government faces the daunting and costly task of reconstruction, regional and international support will be indispensable to ensure that Syria does not fail again and destabilize the region. President-elect Donald Trump should lead the way alongside Turkey and the Arab Gulf states in pooling the funds required for Syria’s reconstruction and transitional governance, which would also strike a decisive strategic blow to Iran’s presence in Syria. Such assistance should be tied to clear conditions that would guarantee stability and an inclusive political process to build something better than what Syrians endured under Assad. The fall of the Assad regime will have profound consequences for the region in the years ahead. And the United States and Gulf states have new leverage—both financial and diplomatic—to shape what those consequences will be. Any new administration in Damascus is likely eager to get Washington’s approval at the earliest possible moment to solidify its international legitimacy. That gives the United States and its Gulf allies the chance to positively impact the new political process in the country—and to secure any necessary changes from Syria’s new leadership—if it strays off course. Joze Pelayo is an associate director at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.MGX DEADLINE MONDAY: ROSEN, A TOP RANKED LAW FIRM, Encourages Metagenomi, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important November 25 Deadline in Securities Class Action – MGX
How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 11/26/2024None
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.AILE DEADLINE ALERT: ROSEN, LEADING INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages iLearningEngines, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important December 6 Deadline in Securities Class Action – AILE
While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global smart buildings market size is estimated to grow by USD 64.84 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 10.61% during the forecast period. Growing need for building automation to enhance business outcomes is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing integration of iot with building automation software. However, challenges in integrating building automation software coupled with interoperability issues poses a challenge. Key market players include ABB Ltd., Advantech Co. Ltd., BuildingLogiX, Cisco Systems Inc., Delta Electronics Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Johnson Controls, L and T Technology Services Ltd., Legrand SA, Panasonic Holdings Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, RTX Corp., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Smarteh d.o.o., Snap One LLC, Softdel System Pte. Ltd., Switch Automation, and Verdigris Technologies Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Smart Buildings Market is experiencing significant growth due to the integration of advanced technologies such as 5G, IoT, AI, and VR. These technologies enable resource management, energy efficiency, and improved environmental effects in both residential and commercial buildings. In urban areas, smart buildings are becoming essential components of smart cities, offering automated technologies like sensors, actuators, and microchips for space utilization and network management. Commercial segment buildings, including offices and industrial structures, are adopting AI-enabled innovations like intelligent glass, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient structures. Homeowners are also embracing smart home solutions, including smart lighting systems and home automation. Moreover, the integration of cloud computing, data analytics, and waste management solutions is crucial for effective resource management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building owners prioritize security concerns, with smart security systems like access controls, video surveillance, and intrusion detection, ensuring a secure environment. Energy management, waste management, and workforce management are other significant areas of focus for smart buildings. Blockchain technology is also gaining traction for information security. The market for smart buildings is vast and includes various applications, from energy conservation in residential buildings to fire safety in industrial buildings. Non-smart buildings rely on manual control, leading to lengthy lead times and increased operational costs. Traditional building automation faces limitations due to complex wired or slow wireless connectivity between devices. The integration of IoT into building automation enhances connectivity significantly, enabling end-users to monitor multiple systems via a central hub. This innovation creates demand for advanced building automation software, driven by the expanding IoT adoption and rising Internet penetration among specific user groups. The global smart buildings market experiences growth opportunities as a result. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The Smart Buildings Market is experiencing significant growth due to the integration of advanced technologies like 5G, IoT-enabled devices, AI, VR, and cloud computing. Commercial and residential building owners seek energy efficiency, resource management, and automated technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve space utilization. Challenges include security concerns, environmental effects, and network management. 5G technology and IP enable seamless connectivity, while AI innovations optimize energy management, home automation, and waste management solutions. Smart lighting systems, intelligent security systems, fire safety, and access controls enhance the security of building premises. Energy-efficient structures, smart thermostats, intelligent glass, and smart elevators are essential components of smart buildings. Urban environments and industrial areas benefit from smart cities, smart homes, and smart lighting systems for energy conservation. Blockchain ensures information security, and smart waste management systems minimize waste. Working from home necessitates advanced network systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Sensors, actuators, microchips, and automated technologies are crucial for effective resource management and space utilization. Smart buildings cater to the commercial and residential segments, addressing the needs of urban areas and providing a secure environment for workforce management. Energy management, waste management, and network management are key areas of focus. Smart solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting systems contribute to a comfortable and productive work environment. Building automation systems in smart buildings involve intricate software integration to manage multiple subsystems effectively. The complexity increases with larger structures, necessitating technical expertise. Compatibility between various hardware devices is crucial for efficient operation. Integrating legacy systems with new software can pose challenges, potentially leading to faulty installations and security vulnerabilities. Professionally managing these complexities is essential for optimizing energy usage, enhancing occupant comfort, and ensuring safety in smart buildings. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This smart buildings market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 BMS 1.2 HVAC 1.3 Lighting control 1.4 Security and access control 1.5 Others 2.1 Software 2.2 Hardware 2.3 Services 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 BMS- The Building Management Systems (BMS) segment, also known as Building Automation Systems, is the largest and leading segment in the global smart buildings market. BMS integrate various standalone control and monitoring systems, including HVAC, lighting, and emergency control systems, at a single point for efficient building management. The BMS market consists of software, servers, sensors, and major components. The cost of implementing BMS ranges from USD2.50 to USD7.0 per square foot, making ROI a significant challenge. Europe and APAC are major contributors to the BMS market's growth due to increasing industrial development, commercialization, and energy efficiency awareness. In the forecast period, the BMS segment will witness high adoption in the commercial sector, high-end residential buildings, and the services sector. Rapid technological innovations, such as IoT, analytics, and cloud computing, will further fuel the adoption of BMS for effective monitoring, controlling, and operating building facilities. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Smart Buildings Market is experiencing significant growth due to the integration of advanced technologies such as 5G, IoT enabled devices, AI, and VR. These technologies enable energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved occupant comfort in both commercial and residential buildings. Cloud computing and data analytics facilitate remote monitoring and management of smart homes and offices, enabling working from home and waste management solutions. Energy-efficient structures, intelligent glass, smart thermostats, and smart elevators are some of the innovations that contribute to energy conservation. Smart cities are also integrating smart lighting systems, fire safety, and security systems, including intelligent access controls, video surveillance, and intrusion detection, to enhance safety and productivity. Overall, the Smart Buildings Market offers numerous benefits, from automating mundane tasks to improving energy efficiency and enhancing safety and security. Market Research Overview The Smart Buildings Market is experiencing significant growth due to the integration of advanced technologies such as 5G technology, IoT enabled devices, AI, and VR. These technologies are transforming commercial and residential buildings into energy-efficient structures with improved resource management and space utilization. In urban areas, smart buildings are contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing energy consumption and waste management. Cloud computing and data analytics enable real-time monitoring and automation of home automation and working from home systems. Intelligent glass, smart thermostats, and smart elevators are becoming standard features in modern buildings. AI-driven innovations are revolutionizing network management, energy management, and workforce management. Smart cities are integrating smart buildings into their infrastructure for secure environment and efficient resource management. Building owners are investing in automated technologies such as sensors, actuators, microchips, and blockchain for information security. Smart lighting systems, energy conservation, and intelligent security systems are essential components of smart buildings. Fire safety, video surveillance, access controls, theft detection, and intrusion detection are critical aspects of intelligent security systems. HVAC systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, are being optimized for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The residential and commercial segments are driving the growth of the smart buildings market, with industrial buildings following closely. The environmental effects and security concerns of smart buildings are being addressed through advanced technologies and regulations. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product BMS HVAC Lighting Control Security And Access Control Others Component Software Hardware Services Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL