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Police release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO NEW YORK (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose." The official were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke Thursday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Police also released photos of a person they say is wanted for questioning in the ambush the day before of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are bringing Trump's DOGE to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s DOGE time at the U.S. Capitol. Billionaire Elon Musk and fellow business titan Vivek Ramaswamy arrived on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. The two are heading up President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with its plans to “dismantle” the federal government. Trump tapped the duo to come up with ways for firing federal workers, cutting government programs and slashing federal regulations — all part of Trump's agenda for a second-term at the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson said there's going to be “a lot of change” in Washington. Hegseth faces senators' concerns not only about his behavior but also his views on women in combat WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But senators in both parties have also expressed concern about another issue — Hegseth’s frequent comments that women should not serve in frontline military combat jobs. As he meets with senators for a fourth day Thursday, his professional views on women troops are coming under deeper scrutiny. Hegseth said this week that “we have amazing women who serve our military.” Pressed if they should serve in combat, Hegseth said they already do. Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus ISTANBUL (AP) — A Hamas official says that after a weekslong hiatus international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended its talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States over frustration with a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political wing, said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press that there has been a “reactivation” of efforts to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Why the rebel capture of Syria's Hama, a city with a dark history, matters BEIRUT (AP) — One of the darkest moments in the modern history of the Arab world happened more than four decades ago, when then-Syrian President Hafez Assad launched what came to be known as the Hama Massacre. The slaughter was named for the Syrian city where 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in a government attack that began on Feb. 2, 1982, and lasted for nearly a month. Hama was turned into ruins. The memory of the assault and the monthlong siege on the city remains visceral in Syrian and Arab minds. Now Islamist insurgents have captured the city in a moment many Syrians have awaited for over 40 years. France's Macron vows to stay in office till end of term, says he'll name a new prime minister soon PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027 and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days. In his address to the nation on Thursday, Macron came out fighting, laying blame at the door of his opponents on the far right for bringing down the government of Michel Barnier. He said they chose “not to do but to undo” and that they “chose disorder.” The president also said the far right and the far left had united in what he called “an anti-Republican front.” He said he’ll name a new prime minister within days but gave no hints who that might be. 7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National Weather Service has canceled its tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey on Thursday, at least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the earthquake struck. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president has replaced his defense minister as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Opposition parties are pushing for a vote on motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday evening. They hold 192 seats but need 200 votes for the motion to pass. Yoon’s office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kim earlier apologized and said he ordered troops to carry out duties related to martial law. The Foreign Ministry also worked to mitigate the backlash and concern over South Korea's democracy. The US government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its “rape club” women’s prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement. The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and its deactivate minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities. The closures come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin burst on the scene after trust had withered in the financial system and Washington’s ability to protect people from it. Now, it’s Washington’s embrace of bitcoin that’s sending it to records. Bitcoin briefly surged above $103,000 after President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Paul Atkins, who's seen as friendly to crypto, to be the Securities and Exchange Commission's next chair. The crypto industry, meanwhile, did its part to bring politicians friendly to digital currencies into Washington. It's a twist from bitcoin's early days, when it was lauded as a kind of electronic cash that wouldn’t be beholden to any government or financial institution.As technology markets rapidly commoditize, new research insights from Info-Tech Research Group highlight how smarter, more agile procurement methods enable quicker, more efficient purchasing decisions in a market defined by constant innovation and disruption. The recently published resource from the global research and advisory firm offers IT leaders actionable strategies to streamline procurement, reduce evaluation timelines, and maintain a competitive edge. TORONTO , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group explains in a new industry resource that traditional procurement processes are proving inadequate for IT leaders tasked with navigating rapidly commoditizing technology markets. In the firm's new blueprint, Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services , Info-Tech highlights how outdated methods, lengthy evaluations, and resource-intensive approaches can hinder organizations from adapting to fast-paced innovation. The resource will equip IT leaders with the tools needed to streamline procurement cycles to save time, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in a landscape being rapidly shaped by exponential technological change. As technology markets accelerate toward commoditization, Info-Tech's resource emphasizes the need for IT leaders to evolve their procurement strategies. The blueprint details how hyperchange affects traditional approaches, urging organizations to embrace agile evaluation methods to stay competitive. "There's a new word in the IT dictionary – hyperchange. It's not a new concept, though – Moore's Law led to the law of accelerating returns, which very naturally led to what is being called hyperchange," says Mark Tauschek , Vice President of Research Fellowships at Info-Tech Research Group . "It means that the lifecycle time from innovation to commodity in most mainstream technology markets is rapidly shrinking. There have been many examples over the past 20 years, including cloud computing, smartphones, and countless applications. Innovations are even being commoditized from the outset, particularly at the consumer level." In a recent Forbes article , Tauschek elaborates on the challenges posed by hyperchange and the accelerating commoditization of technology markets and stresses the critical role IT leaders play in recognizing and adapting to these rapid shifts. The article reinforces the importance of rethinking traditional procurement methods to streamline decision-making and align purchasing strategies with business objectives. These insights align with the strategies detailed in the firm's blueprint, which guides IT leaders in developing more efficient procurement processes for commoditized products and services. The firm's insights demonstrate that effective procurement in commoditized markets requires more than just cost-cutting; it demands a strategic shift toward smarter, faster decision-making aligned with business goals. "Evaluating and procuring technology solutions has become increasingly time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially in markets where products quickly transition from innovation to commodity," Tauschek explains. "This is where IT leaders need to adopt more agile evaluation methods to prioritize value and eliminate unnecessary complexity." Six Stages of Technology Market Evolution Info-Tech's blueprint, Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services , identifies six distinct stages of technology market evolution, providing IT leaders with a clear framework for navigating the lifecycle of commoditized products and services: Stage 1 – Nascent Market: Emerging technologies with compelling use cases show potential but remain underdeveloped and niche. Stage 2 – Features Arms Race: Rapid innovation defines this stage as new entrants compete for differentiation and market share. Stage 3 – Feature Parity: As products achieve similar functionality, differentiation through features becomes negligible. Stage 4 – Consolidation: Smaller vendors either scale up or are acquired by larger competitors, reshaping the vendor landscape. Stage 5 – Commoditized Market: Price becomes the primary differentiator as larger vendors dominate the market through low-margin strategies. Stage 6 – Oligopoly: The market stabilizes, leaving a few dominant players controlling the majority share. As technology markets continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Info-Tech advises that IT leaders must rethink their procurement strategies to stay ahead. By applying the proven methodologies outlined in Info-Tech's blueprint, IT leaders can significantly streamline decision-making, reduce evaluation times, and align procurement practices with business goals. Through the adoption of more agile and targeted approaches, IT teams can navigate the challenges of hyperchange, optimize resource allocation, and drive long-term success in markets that are rapidly becoming commoditized. For exclusive and timely commentary from Mark Tauschek , an expert in IT infrastructure and operations, and access to the complete Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services blueprint , please contact pr@infotech.com . About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com . For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperchanging-tech-markets-demand-smarter-procurement-and-agile-evaluation-says-info-tech-research-group-302320029.html SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
By Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse A recent survey conducted by the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey highlights the influence of the recent U.S. elections on Americans’ international travel plans for 2025. The findings show a mix of enthusiasm and caution among travelers regarding their future global itineraries. Approximately 30% of respondents indicated they expect to increase their international trips next year, while 7% foresee scaling back on foreign travel. However, the majority — 55% — anticipate no significant changes to their plans despite the election outcome. The reasons behind increased international travel are varied. Some respondents cited dissatisfaction with the election results as a driving factor, expressing a strong desire to spend more time abroad. One traveler remarked, “I want to spend as much time as possible outside the U.S. over the next four years.” For others, optimism about a potential post-election economic boost played a pivotal role. “The economy should show signs of improvement, and if the new administration can make peace deals around the world, then travel will be as good or better next year,” shared another participant. Conversely, those who reported no change in their travel plans pointed to stable financial conditions. With inflation at its lowest point in three years, many travelers have already secured their 2025 travel arrangements. “I have a general feeling of being better off and secure. I anticipate increased disposable income available, and I’m already booked for 2025,” stated one respondent. Economic factors appear to be bolstering travel confidence overall. Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member, explained: “With inflation at a three-year low, fewer travelers are canceling or postponing trips. In 2024, travelers embarked on their long-postponed dreams of global travel, fueled by a stabilizing economy and a renewed focus on meaningful experiences over material possessions.” Still, a small proportion of respondents (7%) plan to travel less internationally in the coming year, citing personal safety concerns tied to the U.S. elections. “The change of U.S. administration makes me more apprehensive about being in a foreign country with the risk of anger and animosity toward Americans being higher,” one participant admitted. Others attributed their hesitance to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts and terrorist threats worldwide. ©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Bahawalpur royal state once thrived under the embrace of the Sutlej River. Today, just a division of Punjab, its vibrancy has dimmed, replaced by a grim tapestry of poverty and disease. This transformation is no natural consequence but the direct outcome of human intervention: the drying up of the Sutlej, a casualty of the Indus Waters Treaty and years of mismanagement. Dr. Hassan Abbas, an acclaimed water management expert, recently offered insights that illuminate both the depth of this crisis and a way out. The Sutlej River, historically a source of life and prosperity, was once a blessing for Bahawalpur and its adjoining regions. The river’s seasonal flooding deposited fertile alluvium, enabling agriculture with minimal input. Natural lakes brimming with fish and vast grazing pastures sustained both human and animal populations. The local economy flourished, with goods flowing through trade routes that connected this state to the wider Rajputana regions. However, the partition of British India in 1947 and the subsequent signing of the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 disrupted this harmony. The treaty allocated the Sutlej entirely to India, leaving Bahawalpur deprived of its lifeline. The impact was devastating. Without the Sutlej’s water, the fertile lands of delta turned to dust. Agriculture dwindled, forcing people to migrate or switch to less productive means of livelihood. Those who stayed battled not just the loss of income but a rising tide of diseases caused by polluted and saline groundwater. Today, Bahawalpur’s hospitals overflow with patients suffering from gastrointestinal, liver, and heart ailments, all tied to the poor quality of water. Dr. Hassan Abbas, who recently led a research initiative in Bahawalpur with a team of international researchers, believes the region’s plight stems from this environmental degradation. “The unusually high numbers of beggars I see in Bahawalpur are the descendants of once-prosperous communities who thrived along the Sutlej. The river’s absence has stripped them of both dignity and livelihood,” he remarked. His assessment aligns with grim statistics: Bahawalpur now suffers from one of the highest malnutrition rates in Pakistan, with 60 percent of its children facing stunted growth due to food insecurity. ‘The river may have dried, but beneath its sands lies the key to renewal.’ Dr. Abbas research offers both a diagnosis and a prescription. His focus has been on the groundwater reserves beneath the Sutlej’s dry riverbed. The floods of 2023, which brought an unprecedented about 7 MAF of water to the area, revealed a silver lining. Half of that water percolated into the ground, replenishing aquifers under the ancient river channel. “These reserves are a hidden treasure,” Dr. Abbas explained. “They hold clean, drinkable water that can meet the needs of the region’s population, livestock, and even sustainable agricultural activity.” He proposes a practical solution: a sustainable water extraction system powered by solar technology. This method, known as Riverbank Filtration (RBF), is already a success in developed countries. By tapping into the groundwater near riverbanks, the system delivers clean water to communities while preserving ecological balance. For Bahawalpur, this approach could transform lives. Dr. Abbas suggests starting with “Smaller Cholistan,” a region situated 20-40 miles from the Sutlej’s course. From there, the model could expand to serve cities, towns, and villages along the river’s path. But his vision does not stop at water. He envisions integrating this water supply into a broader strategy for food security. Rehabilitated pastures could once again support livestock, and the water could irrigate high-value crops, reducing the region’s dependence on external food aid. Dr. Abbas is critical of current government plans, particularly the proposed canal systems aimed at diverting floodwaters from the Chenab River to Bahawalpur. “The planned canals, costing 221 billion rupees, are an outdated and inefficient approach,” he argued. “What happens when there’s no floodwater? Will they take water from central Punjab’s farmers or the perennial canals feeding Cholistan?” This system, he believes, would exacerbate conflicts over water allocation without offering a reliable solution. Instead, he advocates for harnessing Sutlej aquifers through RBF systems. Solar-powered pumps could bring water directly to where it’s needed, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure that depends on unpredictable flood cycles. Additionally, this method would address the pressing issue of groundwater contamination. Water in towns near the Sutlej has become saline, while agricultural runoff has polluted areas where farming persists. Clean water from the aquifers would not only improve public health but also reduce healthcare costs, alleviating some of the economic burden on already struggling families. Cholistan, a region of unparalleled historical and ecological significance, stands at a crossroads as modern agricultural practices threaten its unique heritage. This vast desert is home to the majority of Indus Valley Civilization sites, many of which remain unmapped and unprotected. These archaeological treasures, remnants of one of the world’s earliest urban societies, face the dual threats of plunder and destruction as irrigated agriculture expands. The loss of these sites would not only erase irreplaceable chapters of human history but also diminish Pakistan’s cultural and scientific legacy. Beyond its historical significance, Cholistan serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds, including Siberian cranes and the prized houbara bustard. These species depend on the region’s wetlands and seasonal water bodies, which are increasingly jeopardized by unsustainable irrigation practices. The desert’s ecosystem also sustains rare camel breeds and cows adorned with jingling bells, forming the backbone of local pastoral life and culture. Striking a balance between development and conservation is crucial to preserving its ecological richness and archaeological wealth, ensuring that this national In Bahawalpur, once a symbol of self-reliance and prosperity, the absence of the Sutlej has forced people into desperate circumstances. Small landowners, squeezed by population growth and shrinking water resources, can no longer sustain themselves. Many families have abandoned their ancestral homes, migrating to urban slums in Karachi, where survival remains a daily challenge. Dr. Abbas’s findings offer a glimmer of hope. If implemented, his vision could reverse decades of decline. It’s a plan rooted in modern science but guided by the wisdom of nature. By recognizing the Sutlej’s hidden bounty and using it judiciously, Bahawalpur can regain some of the prosperity it once knew. As Dr Abbas left Bahawalpur, his words lingered: “The river may have dried, but beneath its sands lies the key to renewal.” It’s a reminder that while the Sutlej’s surface may no longer flow, its legacy remains – waiting to be rediscovered, harnessed, and shared for the benefit of those who call its banks home. The writer is an Islamabad-based veteran journalist and an independent researcher. He can be reached on Twitter @riazmissenPresident-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction