Taiwanese Companies Tap into Hardware Expertise to Drive Innovation in Smart Mobility SectorPep in their step: Gwangju's V League team hits milestone with sixth win Published: 30 Dec. 2024, 13:38 Updated: 30 Dec. 2024, 13:41 PAIK JI-HWAN [email protected] The Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers [YONHAP] The Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers reached the milestone of the most wins in a single season at six after a 3-2 victory over defending V League champions Suwon Hyundai Engineering & Construction Hillstate at home on Sunday. Related Article Bottom-dwellers no longer? Peppers set to record winningest V League season ever Volleyball returns Saturday as Hillstate, Jumbos start long title defense Gwangju AI Peppers tie V League record for longest losing streak In the game where the lead changed hands constantly, the Peppers lost the first set 25-22, but took the second set 25-23 before losing the third set 25-19. The Gwangju side were resilient, however, tying the fourth set at 24-24 and breaking the deadlock to take the set 26-24 before winning the final set 15-12, sealing their sixth victory of the 2024-25 V League season. Peppers outside hitter Park Jeong-ah pulled off her best performance of the season by scoring the most points in a single game at 27. The veteran was still unfazed despite the historic win. “We did not really care about that,” Park said about her team’s reaction to their sixth win. “Before the season began, our team talked about our goal this season. Our goal was to record a double digit wins. I think we are not far from it, and I think we can do it, so I’ll work hard.” Park, 31, joined the Peppers ahead of the 2023-24 season after leading her former club, Gimcheon Korea Expressway Hi-Pass, to a championship victory in the previous season, but failed to save the Peppers from finishing at the bottom last season. The Peppers’ sixth win is a reflection of their improvement after their poor runs the past three seasons. Founded in 2021 ahead of the 2021-22 season, the Gwanju club were always bottom-dwellers, finishing rock bottom in the seven-team table for the third straight time with a significant level gap with older teams. The Gwangju Pepper Savings Bank AI Peppers celebrate winning a V League game against Suwon Hyundai Engineering & Construction Hillstate at Pepper Stadium in Gwangju in a phot shared on the Peppers' official Instagram account on Dec. 29. [SCREEN CAPTURE] Last season was the worst campaign for the Peppers, who set the record for the longest losing streak in the women’s V League at 21 before extending the all-time record to 23. By the end of the season, the club had only secured five wins from 36 games. But the Peppers have demonstrated improvement under new head coach Chang So-hyun since the first day of this season, winning their opening game and picking up more wins than before, although they have still racked up more losses than wins from their opening 18 games. The Peppers sit in fifth place with 19 points as of press time Monday. Hi-Pass trails four points behind them, with GS Caltex Seoul Kixx sitting at the bottom at six points. The Peppers still have a big point gap to close with No. 4 Hwaseong IBK Altos, who are 12 points above the Gwangju club. Finishing in fourth could book the Peppers a ticket to the postseason for the first time, as the fourth placed team enters the so-called semi-playoffs in the event that a point gap between the No. 3 and No. 4 teams is three points or less. The Peppers have the opportunity to narrow the point gap in their first game next year, with the club facing the Altos on Jan. 9, before facing reigning champions Hillstate again on Jan. 12. BY PAIK JI-HWAN [ [email protected] ] var admarutag = admarutag || {} admarutag.cmd = admarutag.cmd || [] admarutag.cmd.push(function () { admarutag.pageview('3bf9fc17-6e70-4776-9d65-ca3bb0c17cb7'); });
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Bringing over 15 years of coaching experience at all levels of NCAA soccer, John Ciano has been named the next head coach of the Union College men’s soccer team, Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin ’93 announced on Thursday via press release. “We are thrilled to welcome John Ciano to Union as the next head coach of our men’s soccer program,” McLaughlin said. “John stood out among a highly qualified candidate pool with his positive attitude, his connections to the Capital Region, and his track record of success at all levels of college soccer. “His enthusiasm for the role and dedication to the success of his student-athletes both on and off the field will help to advance our men’s soccer program,” he continued. “I look forward to welcoming John to campus and seeing the impact he can have beginning next season.” “I want to thank Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin, Associate Director of Athletics Beth Tiffany and the rest of the search committee for allowing me the opportunity to lead the men’s soccer program at Union,” said Ciano. “As soon as I stepped on campus, I could tell right away that Union is a special place. I feel truly blessed and grateful to be associated with such a prestigious institution and hope to build a program that our team, school, and alumni can be proud of.” Ciano brings a wide range of collegiate coaching experience to Union, having coached at all three levels of the NCAA in both head and assistant coaching roles over the last 16 years. He comes to Schenectady from St. John’s University, where he has served as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. In 2024, the Red Storm earned a share of their first BIG EAST East Division regular-season title and reached the conference semifinals, the team’s second straight postseason appearance. He previously spent one year at Stony Brook University, serving as assistant coach while also taking part in the United Soccer Coaches Coach Credentialing Program. Ciano is no stranger to the Capital Region, having spent six years as the head coach at Division II College of Saint Rose from 2016-21. The Golden Knights posted a 45-38-11 (.537) record in his time in Albany, including a stretch of four straight winning seasons for a program that had just one season over .500 throughout its first 36 years. He coached the team to the only two 10-win seasons at the school, concluding with a 10-6-2 campaign in 2021 that saw the team earn its highest finish in the Northeast-10 Conference regular-season standings and receive votes in the United Soccer Coaches national poll for the first time ever. His 2019 team also reached the 10-win plateau, earned the first postseason win in program annals, and reached the NE-10 Championship game for the first time ever. Ciano left the school with the highest winning percentage in program history by more than 200 percentage points. “The Capital Region has always held a special place in my heart. I fell in love with the community and the sense of pride that was regularly on display when I spent nine years in the area,” Ciano added. “I am really excited to reconnect with old friends, establish new relationships, and build a high achieving program on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.” Prior to his time at Saint Rose, Ciano saw success over a combined five seasons as an assistant coach at the Division I level with Siena College and New Jersey Institute of Technology. In three seasons at Siena from 2013-15, Ciano served as recruiting coordinator for the Saints and helped the squad to 25 wins and a pair of MAAC Tournament appearances, including a 10-8-2 record in 2014 that remains the second-highest win total in a season in program history. In the second season of his two-year stint with NJIT (2011-12), the Highlanders produced the most wins in their Division I history. Ciano began his collegiate coaching tenure at Division III Manhattanville College (2009-10), where he helped guide the Valiants to a combined 24-11-2 record and a MAC Freedom regular-season title in 2009. As an undergraduate, Ciano was a four-year starter in goal between his time at Central Connecticut State University and Manhattan College, starting 54-of-55 games in one year with the Blue Devils and three years with the Jaspers. He graduated from Manhattan in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Ciano takes over a Union side that posted a 6-8-5 record during the 2024 season under interim head coach Anthony Scaravillo, averaging under one goal conceded per game and allowing one goal or fewer in 15-of-19 outings. Five of the team’s losses came by one goal, including a pair to nationally ranked opponents. “I would like to thank Anthony for his stewardship of the program this season,” McLaughlin added. “The Union men’s soccer program is in a good position for future success and I look forward to seeing the team back on the field in the fall.”
Shoppers slam supermarkets after Easter Eggs go on sale in stores across the UK - just days after ChristmasAfter his team's 102-89 home win on Wednesday night over Purdue Fort Wayne, Penn State coach Mike Rhoades challenged his team's fan base to show up and make more noise. "Sweat with us," he said at one point. At 5-0, the Nittany Lions haven't had to sweat much to get off to a fast start. They might not have to expend much perspiration to make it 6-0 on Monday when they meet Fordham in a semifinal matchup at the Sunshine Slam tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla. Penn State hasn't played a strong schedule so far, but the team has been impressive. It's averaging 98.2 points per game and 13.8 steals per game, both of which ranked second in Division I through Saturday's play. The Nittany Lions were seventh per kenpom.com in turnover rate, forcing 25.3 per 100 possessions. Point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. is leading the charge, scoring 16.4 points and dishing out 7.8 assists while chipping in 2.6 steals. Zach Hicks has nearly doubled his scoring average from 8.4 last season to 15.8 this season, while Northern Illinois transfer Yanic Konan Niederhauser has beefed up the interior, tallying 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Meanwhile, Fordham (3-3) is coming off a 73-71 home loss Friday night against Drexel in New York. The Rams blew a seven-point lead early in the second half and missed a chance to force overtime when leading scorer Jackie Johnson III missed a layup as time expired. Johnson, a UNLV transfer, is averaging 19 points per game and is making nearly 48 percent of his shots as one of three Rams with double-figure scoring averages. Jahmere Tripp scores at an 11.0 clip while Japhet Medor is contributed 10.5, but Fordham is struggling to make shots, canning only 41.5 percent from the field. The Rams were picked for a 14th-place finish in the Atlantic 10 despite returning more scoring than any team in the league except for VCU. Third-year coach Keith Urgo thinks his team can defy low external expectations. "We're experienced and I think we're poised to have a tremendous year," he said. --Field Level Media
GOP congressman urges Republicans to back Mike Johnson ahead of House speaker vote
WARSAW, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Weekday mornings hum with urgency at the shopping complex GD Poland on the outskirts of Warsaw. Electric scooters laden with crates of Chinese goods dart between warehouses and loading docks, as merchants race to load shipments - hauled thousands of kilometers by China-Europe freight trains - into vans bound for stores across Central and Eastern Europe. What appears to be a chaotic delivery hub is, in reality, the final stop in an intricate supply chain connecting Chinese factories to European storefronts. A network that turns global trade routes into local livelihoods, fueling cross-continental cooperation. MERCHANTS ON SCOOTERS Among the swift-moving scooters at GD Poland is Lin Jiangliang, a Chinese merchant who, alongside his wife Hong Meili, has spent the past decade running a lingerie business there. Drawn to Poland in 2014, three years after the launch of China-Europe freight trains, the couple saw opportunity in a country fast becoming Europe's logistical gateway, as most trains entering the European Union (EU) pass through Malaszewicze, a critical border town in Poland. "We realized soon that reselling factory-made products wouldn't set us apart," Hong said. Instead, they created their own brand, designing styles based on emerging fashion trends and customer preferences. China-Europe freight trains quickly became the backbone of their operation. Digital sketches sent to factories in China are transformed into samples and shipped within two weeks, allowing their shelves to stay stocked with the latest designs. To meet growing demand, Lin hired a local porter and a salesperson, relying on scooters to shuttle goods. Orders averaging dozens of kilograms per shipment are packed and delivered with speed, demonstrating the resourcefulness and hard work that small-scale merchants need to survive and thrive. Their story mirrors a broader picture of commerce at GD Poland, where about 900 businesses specialize in textiles, appliances, and household goods - 90 percent of which are sourced from China, according to Wang Qi, the center's deputy general manager. Similar trading hubs have flourished across Europe over the past few decades, from Aubervilliers in France to Fuenlabrada in Spain. In 2023 alone, China exported 169 billion U.S. dollars worth of light industrial products to the European Union and Britain, supplying affordable goods to consumers while supporting jobs on both sides of the supply chain. "What keeps me optimistic about the future is how connected we are - suppliers, distributors, and us. It's not just business; it's a shared rhythm that keeps products and ideas moving," Lin said. TRADE ON TRAINS Thirteen years ago, the idea of freight trains crossing the vast Eurasian continent seemed "crazy" to many, recalled Markus Bangen, chief executive officer (CEO) of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport). Today, it is a reality reshaping cross-continental trade and logistics. Since 2011, when the first China-Europe freight train left the southwestern Chinese city Chongqing, for Duisburg in Germany, the network has grown to connect 227 European and 100 Asian cities. Over the past 13 years, more than 11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods worth more than 420 billion dollars have passed through these tracks. In Duisburg, a former industrial stronghold, freight rail has spurred reinvention. The port now handles 4 million containers annually, with over 100 Chinese logistics and e-commerce firms establishing operations around it. Similar transformations have turned Poland's Malaszewicze and Spain's Valladolid into thriving logistic hubs. The network continues to grow. In November, a shipment of electric vehicles made its way from China's Chengdu to Georgia's Tbilisi via rail, sea, and road, traversing Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea. This new route launched in July runs through the Middle Corridor - a vital trade link across Central Asia and the South Caucasus - providing a reliable alternative to traditional shipping lanes amid geopolitical uncertainties. For Fan Yuliang, a warehouse manager of AUKLogis GmbH, a German subsidiary of Chinese logistics firm Western Post, the China-Europe freight trains have redefined what's possible. "I thought I'd handled all kinds of cargo, but seeing an entire vehicle loaded into a shipping container still amazed me," he recalled. By 2023, China-Europe freight trains had transported more than 50,000 types of goods, ranging from Chinese exports like textiles and industrial machinery to European exports such as motorcycles, medical equipment, and agricultural produce. Bangen described the service as a transformative transportation model that replaces traditional shipping routes and unlocks trade opportunities once out of reach. INNOVATION ON EV WHEELS As freight trains bridge continents, Chinese and European firms are joining forces to shape the future of mobility -- this time, on wheels of electric vehicles (EVs). In Berlin, Chinese EV manufacturer NIO has established a research center focused on smart driving technologies and energy solutions. Its engineers are working on adaptive driving systems, battery-swapping infrastructure, and integrated power grids to meet European standards. "Our goal is to adapt rapidly to European markets while driving the next wave of innovation," Wei Hezeng, head of NIO Europe's Smart Driving Technology Center, told Xinhua. His vision is echoed by Patrick Stumfol, senior system engineer at NIO Europe. "The combination of German engineering precision and Chinese tech innovation creates a very dynamic environment here," Stumfol said. Though the EU seeks to shield its market with protectionist tariffs, European carmakers are opting for collaboration over confrontation. The collaborative momentum extends beyond Berlin. In Spain, Chery has teamed up with Ebro to develop EVs, while BYD is building manufacturing plants in Hungary. European automakers are embracing the trend likewise: Volkswagen has invested 700 million dollars in XPeng for joint EV development, and Stellantis committed 1.5 billion euros (1.56 billion dollars) to Leapmotor for research, production, and overseas expansion. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis' former CEO, captured this partnership approach, saying the best way to compete with China was to partner with their automakers and "hop on their train." (1 euro = 1.04 U.S. dollar)Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) Lowered to “Neutral” Rating by Piper Sandler
GRAND FORKS – Property tax reform in the next legislative session could shift more responsibility for education costs to the state, according to some Grand Forks-area legislators, while others expect some kind of school choice measure to pass. Six area legislators joined members of Grand Forks Public Schools government affairs committee on Thursday to discuss the school district’s policy priorities for the next biennium and offer their own insight into the forthcoming legislative session. ADVERTISEMENT School Board members established the new committee earlier this year in a bid to lobby lawmakers on issues like state spending on public schools. District 17 Rep. Mark Sanford said he expected property tax reform to be a principal driver in the Legislature next year and discussed the prospect of a bill that would shift a significant portion of education costs currently paid by local property taxes to the state. District 43 Rep. Eric Murphy expressed concern about shifting that responsibility away from local schools, saying it could lead to Bismarck asserting more control over how schools operate and how they teach. “You guys know your students. We don’t know your students in Bismarck,” Murphy said. Murphy served on the Legislature’s education committee last year, while Sanford is part of the interim committee’s school funding task force. Both men are Republicans. Superintendent Terry Brenner appeared to express support for shifting funding responsibility away from the schools, though. “There’s a good recognition and recommendation that the state should do more to pay,” Brenner said. ADVERTISEMENT Additional state aid for public schools, particularly for multilingual and special education programs, is one of the school district’s leading priorities. MODULE HERE According to Murphy, however, the tax reform bill would only replace existing local funding for schools; there’s also talk of capping the amount political subdivisions can levy. House Minority Leader Zac Ista, a Democrat, indicated plans to push for a no-cost school meal plan for all students, expanding on a successful effort last year to provide free meals to families with incomes at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. (That’s around $62,400 for a family of four, as of 2024.) Funding to expand no-cost school meals in 2023 is only funded through the biennium, and will need to be renewed or replaced with a more expansive measure. Ista said he expects polling to be released next week showing widespread support in North Dakota for the state to be more involved in paying for students’ meals. Both legislators and school officials say some kind of school choice legislation is expected to pass into law this coming session. ADVERTISEMENT A school choice task force, which has been criticized for violating open meetings laws, has been meeting during the interim session to discuss restructuring funding for K-12 education. “School choice isn’t going away, that’s the bottom line,” Murphy said. “Like it or don’t like it, it's the darling of a certain section of the Republican Party.” Murphy opposes sending public funding to private schools, but said he is working on a bill that would give parents of students with individualized education plans to public charter schools. North Dakota does not currently have public charter schools, according to the Navigate School Choice Network. Committee chair Amber Flynn emphasized the need for state spending on multilingual programs in particular, characterizing it as a workforce issue. “When a city like Grand Forks has a workforce influx and our population of ML students increases, that increases the need for the number of staff and professionals to help those new students integrate,” she said. Grand Forks Public Schools saw its population of multilingual students more than double over the last year, which has challenged the district’s existing resources. ADVERTISEMENT She also spoke of the need for state support for pre-K funding, pointing to challenges faced by military families in the Grand Forks Air Force Base District in particular. District 43 Sen. Jeff Barta, District 18 Rep. Nels Christianson, and District 17 Sen. Mark Sickler also participated in Thursday's meeting.As the calendar flips to 2025, it’s time to embrace the new year with fresh opportunities for health and wellness, right here in Athens. From fitness classes to creative outlets to volunteering, our city offers plenty of options to rejuvenate both your body and mind. Here are just a few local ideas to help you get started: 1. Start Strong at the Cain Center YMCA The Cain Center YMCA is the heart of fitness in Athens. Whether you're looking for group exercise classes like yoga or high-energy Zumba, or prefer the 24/7 solitude of the gym’s state-of-the-art equipment, there’s something for everyone. Pickleball is readily available for those eager to explore this trending sport. For year-round water lovers, the heated indoor pool is perfect for laps or water aerobics. If you’re new to fitness, consider signing up for one of the beginner-friendly classes or make an appointment with a personal trainer to ease into your wellness journey. 2. Explore the 100 acres at the East Texas Arboretum Reconnect with nature while walking the serene trails at the East Texas Arboretum. A morning or lunch stroll through the gardens offers exercise and a mental reset. Pack a journal or a book and spend some time reflecting in one of the arboretum’s peaceful nooks. Make it a weekly ritual to prioritize quiet time amidst nature. Bring the whole family and immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of the arboretum. 3. Engage your mind in community classes Athens is home to a variety of workshops and activities designed to stimulate your creativity. Pop into a class with Carolyn Tyler and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Check out one of the workshops hosted by the Arboretum. Look into adult and continuing education classes at Trinity Valley Community College and expand your knowledge. Engage in your theatrical side with a class at Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts. Book a cooking class with 6 Forks Farm and enhance your kitchen skills. These activities are not just about creating something new - they’re also proven to reduce stress and boost mental health. 4. Embrace lake life Take advantage of the beauty and recreational opportunities at Lake Athens. Whether it’s kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the fresh air, spending time by the water is a great way to reset and connect with nature. 5. Take care of your whole self Athens is home to a host of medical professionals who want to get you the healthiest you’ve ever been. Make an annual appointment and have bloodwork done, even if it’s been many years since your last one. There are several great chiropractors and wellness clinics that have your whole body's health in mind, one partnering with a yoga studio. Make an appointment at one of the many great spas that Athens has to offer and get a massage or facial more than once in 2025. Open up about your mental health with trusted friends or family, creating a space where honest conversations feel natural and supportive. Sharing your thoughts can strengthen connections and promote well-being for everyone involved. 6. Take up golf Did you know that the Athens area is now a haven for golf lovers with 3 options within 10 minutes of downtown? Been a few years since you’ve swung, never tried, or just want to see what it’s about? Stop by the Athens Country Club for the full club golf experience. Choose from hundreds of courses, train with the newest technology technology, or play a family fun round at Square Fairways indoor golf simulator venue downtown. Pitch ‘N Putt Baxter, TX is a great place to work on your short game in a beautiful country setting, and make sure to follow their Facebook to catch live music lineups. Wanna drive a little further, there are even more courses to choose from within 30 minutes. 7. Volunteer Not only does volunteering boost your mental health by giving back, but there are so many that benefit from the time you give. Join the Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Masons, Methodist Men, and more and find a group that not only serves others but also provides a form of unique fellowship. Volunteer opportunities with organizations like Henderson County Food Pantry, Athens Animal Shelter, or Keep Athens Beautiful can get you moving while connecting with the community. Helping others is a meaningful way to start the year with purpose. Start the new year with a fresh focus on your health and wellness by taking advantage of the many local resources Athens has to offer. From outdoor adventures and fitness classes to mindfulness practices and community activities, there’s something for everyone to embrace a healthier, happier 2025.
SOUTH FLORIDA 74, PORTLAND 68
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STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Keitenn Bristow had 23 points in Tarleton State's 70-60 victory over Florida A&M on Sunday. Bristow also had six rebounds and three blocks for the Texans (5-10). Bubu Benjamin added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Marty Silvera pitched in with nine points, five rebounds and six steals. The Rattlers (3-8) were led by Sterling Young with 16 points. Jordan Chatman added 11 points and Kaleb Washington totaled seven points, eight rebounds and two steals. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press
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Biden on Jimmy Carter: ‘I think he’s happy with Rosalynn’Haaland strikes as City end poor run with win v LeicesterThe NBA got viewers for Christmas, even while going up against NFL games. The NBA's five-game Christmas lineup was the league's most-watched in five years, with the games averaging about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, the league said Thursday based on Nielsen's preliminary numbers. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.