AfCTA: How Oyo govt is harnessing economic potentialsA judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge's order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. ____ Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.Aussie super influencer and ‘s have officially surrounded by friends, family and fellow influencers. After months upon months of rumours of a , Tammy and Matthew have hushed the haters by officially putting rings on it, if ya catch my drift. According to the Daily Mail, the highly-anticipated wedding took place over the weekend in NSW’s Byron Bay at the oh-so-fancy Chateau Du Solei. In cheeky paparazzi photos obtained by the publication, Tammy can be seen sporting a divine blush pink gown, that gave major vibes. IYKYK. As for the host, Matt was sporting the regular tux, but regardless, the ‘fit absolutely matched the romantic set-up the pair had prepared for their big day. Peep the lush wedding photos right . What was really interesting about the set-up was that the guests seemed to be seated around a pool with the seats slightly angled towards the couple during the ceremony. Maybe this is a rich people thing, but this is definitely a unique seating plan to what I usually see at the weddings I go to. But hey, we’re in totally different tax brackets, so who knows? The publication also reported that an insider source shared that Tammy’s father, , missed the ceremony due to a “last-minute injury”. Some notable guests included fellow influencer , and Matthew’s podcast co-host . Prior to the nuptials, Matt received a shit tonne of criticism from Tammy’s fans after on the beloved influencer. However, the former reality TV star clapped back at the rumours after an influencer sleuth page accused him of cheating after he was spotted at an event speaking to other women without a ring. “I don’t normally comment on this stuff, but thought I’d jump in here. They are my mates and we have the same management so we have met at many events before,” Zukowski wrote in response to the scathing post. “I was invited to this event weeks ago and would have gone whether my fiancée was in Australia or not.” The podcaster went on to slam the anonymous internet sleuth, telling them to “get a life”. “You guys need to get a life. Seriously it’s so strange how obsessed you are with people you have never met and know only from on social media,” he wrote. “Also you know the man gets a wedding band after the marriage? Some of us don’t wear engagement rings.” Tammy never addressed the cheating rumours. However, fans noticed that the pair would unfollow each other on Instagram every now and then, which fuelled rumours of a breakup. Now that they’ve officially tied the knot, I guess those rumours can be officially put to bed. And honestly, I love this for her. She truly deserves her fairytale ending!
After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.Guadiz says public transport modernization sped up in 2024Jimmy Carter’s great acts: Fighting inflation by deregulation and appointing Paul Volcker
From digital to doorstep, insurtech startups take the offline route, will it work?
The Giants were a no-show against the Bucs after releasing quarterback Daniel Jones
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Story continues below video The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLCostco, Walmart and more: 10 companies that offer part-time jobs with full-time benefits, according to a report
TRON (TRX) continues to dominate Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH) in terms of low transaction fees, solidifying its reputation as a cost-effective blockchain. However, when it comes to gains, Lightchain AI is stealing the spotlight from all three. With its innovative Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), Lightchain AI is setting new benchmarks for blockchain and AI integration. As the Lightchain AI Presale gains momentum, investors are positioning themselves for significant returns, making it a top contender for exponential growth in the crypto space. TRX's Fee Dominance Over SOL and ETH- Key Factors Driving Its Success Tron (TRX) has made a name for itself as a top choice in cheap fees, beating Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). This benefit comes from Tron's special way of using resources which uses Bandwidth Points and Energy for deals and smart͏ contracts. Users get a daily share of free Bandwidth Points allowing lots of deals to happen without extra costs. For more hard tasks needing power, folks can keep TRX tokens to make the needed stuff, cutting costs down. On the other hand, Ethereum's gas fees have been known to jump up when there is a lot of network traffic that leads to higher transaction costs. Also while Solana has good fees it does not give the same way of sharing resources as Tron. This smart fee setup has made Tron very appealing for stablecoin deals helping its rank in blockchain world. Lightchain AI- Revolutionizing Gains and Outperforming Blockchain Giants Lightchain AI (LCAI) is revolutionizing the blockchain landscape by seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with decentralized technology. Its innovative Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism rewards nodes for executing valuable AI computations, enhancing both network security and efficiency. The Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) further enables real-time AI task execution on-chain, facilitating advanced applications across sectors like healthcare, logistics, and finance. Currently in its presale phase at $0.004 per token, LCAI has garnered significant attention from investors, with projections suggesting substantial growth by 2025. This unique fusion of AI and blockchain positions Lightchain AI as a formidable competitor to established platforms such as Ethereum and Solana, offering scalable, intelligent solutions for the future. Comparative Analysis- Fees vs. Gains Across TRX, SOL, ETH, and Lightchain AI TRON (TRX), Solana (SOL), and Ethereum (ETH) are often compared for transaction efficiency, with TRX consistently dominating in terms of low fees. TRON’s minimal transaction costs make it an attractive option for microtransactions and decentralized applications. Solana offers higher scalability with relatively low fees, while Ethereum, despite its robust ecosystem, often faces criticism for elevated gas costs during network congestion. However, when it comes to gains, Lightchain AI outshines all three. Leveraging its unique Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism, Lightchain AI rewards nodes for performing AI-specific computations, combining utility with scalability. With the Lightchain AI Presale gaining traction, its potential for exponential growth positions it as a leader in both innovation and profitability. This positions Lightchain AI as a formidable competitor to established platforms such as Ethereum and Solana, offering scalable, intelligent solutions for the future. Invest today in Lightchain AI , the next generation of blockchain and AI integration. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Eureka teen recovering steadily after near-fatal ATV accidentAfter weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants organization got exactly what it deserved in getting blown out by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants were embarrassed in Sunday's 30-7 loss , taunted by Mayfield after a touchdown run just before halftime. And then they saw their fans walk out on them again when the Bucs extended their lead to 30-0 and sent New York (2-9) to its sixth straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for the Giants since 2019, when they dropped a franchise-record nine straight games to finish 4-12. That led to the firing of coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Third-year coach Brian Daboll is clearly in trouble, with the Giants guaranteed a second straight losing season. They were 6-11 in a 2023 season that featured a lot of injuries. Daboll, who denies he has lost the team, isn't the only one whose job is in jeopardy. General manager Joe Schoen is on the hot seat and so is this entire franchise, which is celebrating its 100th year. It's one thing to lose. It's quite another to give up, and that's what the organization did when it decided to bench Daniel Jones a week ago and then release him on Friday after the 27-year-old asked co-owner John Mara to let him walk away. While he wasn't playing well, Jones was the Giants' best quarterback. He gave them more a of chance to win than either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock. Removing him from the picture was all but certain to make the Giants worse, even if it was a good business decision. If Jones was hurt and unable the pass his physical before the 2025 season, the team would have been on the hook for a $23 million cap hit. The problem is the players care about now. By getting rid of Jones and elevating DeVito to the starting role, the front office was telling the team it didn't care about winning with seven games left in the season. So the players gave a lackluster effort. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called the team soft. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers said he was sick of losing. Left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said he saw a lack of effort by some players. What they all were saying was they were angry at being betrayed. Money is never more important than winning, and the Giants made that mistake. At this point in the season? Nothing. The offense once again. The Giants have scored a league-low 163 points, including only 60 in six games at MetLife Stadium, where they are winless this season. They have scored in double figures at home twice. Daboll's team has been held scoreless in the first half in three of 11 games and it has been held without a first-half touchdown seven times. Daboll said he will continue to call the offensive plays. S Tyler Nubin. The rookie has had a team-high 12 tackles in each of the last two games. His 81 tackles for the season are just two behind team leader Bobby Okereke. RB Tyrone Tracy. The rookie leads Giants running backs with 587 yards on 116 carries — a 5.1-yard average for the fifth-round pick. But holding onto the ball has been a big issue. Tracy's fumble in overtime cost New York a chance to win in Germany against Carolina. He also lost the ball in the third quarter at the Bucs 5-yard line with New York down 23-0. It earned him a seat on the bench. LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) left Sunday's game in the first quarter. Chris Hubbard filled in at tackle and the Giants luckily got back DL Kayvon Thibodeaux this past week after he missed five games with a broken wrist. DeVito was banged up but Daboll expects him to start against the Cowboys. 10 — The Giants have gone 10 consecutive games without an interception, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland — now Las Vegas — Raiders. The Giants and Raiders now share the single-season mark. A national showcase on Thanksgiving Day for the NFC-worst Giants at Dallas. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector underwent a major transformation in 2024, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. The market saw significant changes, fueled by unprecedented investments and key policy reforms. As a result, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification within the real estate industry. Since its launch in 2016, Vision 2030 has served as Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for economic diversification, with real estate playing a central role. By 2024, the Kingdom had invested SR4.9 trillion ($1.3 trillion) in infrastructure, significantly boosting residential, commercial, and hospitality capacities. Notable projects aim to introduce over a million residential units, as well as expand retail and office spaces by 7 million sq. meters each. “Saudi Arabia’s policy reforms and investment under Vision 2030 have transformed the Kingdom’s real estate landscape, making it one of the most dynamic markets in the region,” said Tarek Lotfy, president of Mercer in India, Middle East, and Africa, in an interview with Arab News. He emphasized that these reforms have accelerated the sector by aligning with broader initiatives to increase homeownership, improve livability, and attract foreign investments. This has been achieved through eased ownership regulations and the creation of Special Economic Zones. According to Sally Menassa, partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, these reforms have included “easing foreign ownership restrictions, enhancing transparency in real estate transactions, introducing incentives for green building practices, and establishing a national framework for smart city development.” The establishment of a real estate transaction registry has been a particularly significant step in boosting market confidence, as it reduces the risks of fraud and increases investor trust. Menassa further highlighted the role of mega-projects in fostering investor confidence: “The involvement of the PIF in major development projects such as the Diriyah Gate Development reassures investors of the Kingdom’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable development and the stability of such developments.” Lotfy added that alongside these advancements, the rapid pace of development has also created challenges, including increasing competition for skilled labor in construction and smart city infrastructure. Recruitment and retention will be key themes in 2025, as companies will need to focus on developing long-term talent strategies, investing in training, and fostering a culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent, according to Lotfy. Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, led by the Public Investment Fund, underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to large-scale innovation and ambitious transformation. High-profile projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Global are set to redefine urban living, culture, and tourism. NEOM alone spans 28,000 sq. km and is envisioned as a smart city powered by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. Menassa emphasized the uniqueness of NEOM, pointing to initiatives like Oxagon, a floating industrial complex designed for sustainability and advanced technologies. “This is expected to attract high-tech industries and global talent, driving demand for residential and commercial properties,” she said. Meanwhile, Qiddiya is being developed as a world-class entertainment hub, featuring theme parks, cultural centers, and sports complexes. Menassa added that Qiddiya’s growth as a major cultural and entertainment destination would further boost tourism and the hospitality sector, creating demand for mixed-use assets that combine retail, leisure, and residential components. The Red Sea Project is another transformative initiative focused on sustainable tourism. According to Menassa: “Focusing on eco-friendly concepts and incorporating sustainable practices in its development, starting from construction, it (The Red Sea Project) will set new standards for regenerative and sustainable tourism and real estate development.” Saudi Arabia’s residential sector saw substantial growth in 2024, driven by government-backed initiatives and strong demand. Programs like Sakani and the National Housing Program have been essential in advancing the Vision 2030 goal of achieving 70 percent homeownership. Menassa underscored the significance of these efforts: “The addition of over a million homes as part of Saudi Arabia’s residential expansion efforts, aligning with the goal of achieving a 70 percent homeownership rate under Vision 2030, is expected to significantly impact homeownership rates and affordability, creating a big socio-economic shift in the nation.” A 38 percent increase in real estate transactions during the first half of 2024, valued at SR127.3 billion, highlights the sector’s dynamic growth. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have seen rising property prices, with Riyadh expected to reach a population of 10 million by 2030. Tourism, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, has already surpassed expectations. The Kingdom achieved its target of 100 million visitors in 2023 and now aims to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030. “The 2034 FIFA World Cup will play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the short-term rental market in Saudi Arabia over the next 10 years,” said Anna Skigin, CEO of Frank Porter, in an interview with Arab News. “We will see a significant increase in the number of properties being developed as savvy investors look to capitalize on the announcement. We will also see more people buying properties and converting these into short-term rentals,” she added. Short-term rentals are reshaping the tourism landscape, creating new opportunities for various types of travelers. Skigin noted: “There is the opportunity for larger groups to travel — potentially multi-generational family travel and other large groups of family and friends.” She further explained, “Short-term rentals can cater to a variety of different budgets while offering more space than hotel rooms. These rentals also provide more privacy for travelers.” Menassa also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and eco-friendly accommodations as part of its broader tourism strategy. Developments like Jeddah Al-Balad, Diriyah, and Qiddiya are generating demand for integrated, mixed-use assets, boosting both tourism infrastructure and the overall quality of life, she explained. Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation has positioned proptech as a key component in the evolution of its real estate sector. Innovations such as digital mortgages, AI-driven property recommendations, and virtual tours are revolutionizing the home-buying experience. “Digital mortgages will allow streamlined processes, expediting the buying process by automating many of the steps involved, enhancing accessibility, and increasing transparency. Buyers can now compare rates, get pre-approved for loans from their homes, and explore homeownership opportunities with greater ease,” said Menassa. She also highlighted the integration of smart city infrastructure like NEOM’s, which incorporates advanced technologies to enhance urban living. “This also extends to urban planning and management, including advanced surveillance systems, smart street lighting, emergency response, traffic forecasting, and energy consumption management,” Menassa added. Despite its rapid growth, the Saudi real estate sector faces challenges such as economic volatility and rising project costs. Lotfy warned that as the Kingdom moves towards smart cities and sustainable development, the demand for advanced technical skills will increase. However, the opportunities outweigh these challenges. Skigin concluded: “The Kingdom has been significantly pushing tourism for both international and domestic tourists,” and these efforts will continue to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector in the coming years.Alec Baldwin goes off on ‘uninformed’ Americans, female directors and wife’s ‘trauma’Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby
Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
RFK Jr. was on the losing side of California vaccine fights. Now, Trump wants him in his cabinetNEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global medical equipment maintenance market size is estimated to grow by USD 51.21 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.64% during the forecast period. Rising focus on preventive maintenance of medical equipment is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing adoption of advanced medical technologies in emerging countries. However, high cost of medical equipment maintenance poses a challenge.Key market players include Agfa Gevaert NV, AlphaSource Group, Althea Group S.p.A., Aramark, B.Braun SE, Boston Scientific Corp., Canon Inc., Carestream Health Inc., Dragerwerk AG and Co. KGaA, Edwards Lifesciences Corp., FUJIFILM Corp., General Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., HOYA Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Medtronic Plc, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, Stryker Corp., and Terumo Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF The Medical Equipment Maintenance Market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the sector of Diagnostic Imaging Procedures. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) play a crucial role in supplying equipment to Healthcare Organizations. Preventive maintenance is key to ensuring Patient Safety and Care Quality. Asset Management Solutions, including IoT (Internet of Things) and Biomedical Engineers, are essential for maintaining precision and accuracy in Medical Devices. Device types include Diagnostic Imaging Equipment, Dental Equipment, Endoscopic Devices, Surgical Equipment, Laboratory Equipment, Ophthalmology Equipment, Medical Lasers, Electrosurgical Equipment, Radiotherapy Devices, and Durable Medical Equipment. Service Providers offer various types of services, such as Operational Maintenance and Corrective Maintenance, to Multi-vendor and Single-vendor OEMs. Market trends include ISOS (International Organization for Standardization) compliance, In-house Maintenance, and regulatory frameworks for Medical Devices. Chronic Conditions, such as Cancer and Diabetes, and Lifestyle Disorders drive demand for advanced medical equipment. Market challenges include Trade Regulations, Import-Export policies, and competition from Domestic Market Players. Key players include Canon Medical, Agfa Solutions, and various Medical Manufacturing Technologies using processes like Balloon Forming, Thermal Bonding, and Folding and Pleating. The market ecosystem also includes Ventilators and various types of Medical Equipment. The medical equipment maintenance market is experiencing significant growth due to the introduction of innovative medical technologies and devices. Regenerative medicine, surgical robots, liquid biopsy, and wearable medical devices are some of the latest advancements in healthcare. Regenerative medicine is a promising field that utilizes therapeutic stem cells, tissue engineering, and artificial organ production to repair or replace damaged human cells, tissues, and organs. 3D bioprinting or additive manufacturing is a key technology in regenerative medicine, enabling researchers to produce customized products with precise control over size, shape, and mechanical properties. These advancements offer new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and driving demand for medical equipment maintenance services. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! The Medical Equipment Maintenance Market faces several challenges in the healthcare industry. Diagnostic imaging procedures require constant uptime for patient care, making preventive maintenance crucial. OEMs provide solutions, but healthcare organizations grapple with multi-vendor and single-vendor scenarios, affecting asset management. Patient safety and care quality depend on precision and accuracy of equipment like dental, endoscopic, surgical, laboratory, ophthalmology, medical lasers, electrosurgical, and radiotherapy devices. IoT and asset management solutions enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime. Biomedical engineers play a key role in maintaining medical lasers, electrosurgical equipment, and radiotherapy devices. Market ecosystem includes service providers, durable medical equipment, and regulatory frameworks. Chronic conditions like cancer and diabetes drive demand for medical devices. Market hindrances include trade regulations, import-export challenges, and domestic market players. ISO certifications ensure quality, and in-house maintenance versus outsourced service is a common debate. Operational and corrective maintenance types are essential, with hospitals and dialysis centers as major consumers. Precision and accuracy are vital for patient epidemiology, especially in imaging equipment like computed tomography and nuclear imaging. Medical manufacturing technologies like balloon forming, thermal bonding, and folding and pleating support equipment production. Ventilators from Canon Medical, Vantage Fortian, and Agfa solutions cater to various needs. Medical equipment maintenance programs are essential for healthcare providers to effectively manage and monitor the condition of their equipment. These programs facilitate efficient utilization and maximum uptime, which is crucial in the current cost-conscious environment. Advanced asset management solutions are a key component of these programs, utilizing modern technologies to optimize maintenance. However, the initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance expenses for these solutions can be substantial. Similarly, the annual service contracts for advanced medical equipment add to the overall cost. Consequently, the total service cost throughout the equipment's lifespan often surpasses the initial purchase price. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This medical equipment maintenance market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Healthcare systems 1.2 Pharmaceutical diagnostics 1.3 Others 2.1 Public sector organizations 2.2 Private sector organizations 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 Asia 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 Healthcare systems- The healthcare systems segment is a significant market focusing on maintenance services for medical equipment in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Hospitals rely on meticulous maintenance for diagnostic imaging devices like X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, as well as life support systems such as ventilators and anesthesia machines. ASCs require upkeep for endoscopy equipment, surgical instruments, and monitoring devices to ensure optimal patient care. Vendors like Siemens Healthineers offer comprehensive maintenance services, including preventive care, calibration, and repairs. Notable collaborations, such as Anregiomed's ten-year agreement with Siemens Healthineers and Drager, demonstrate the importance of these partnerships in maintaining reliable medical equipment and driving growth in the healthcare systems segment. Belfast Health and Social Care Trust's 20-year Value Partnership with Siemens Healthineers further this trend. These collaborations ensure access to advanced technology and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics The Medical Equipment Maintenance Market is a significant sector within the healthcare industry, focusing on ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of medical devices. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) play a crucial role in providing maintenance services for their medical equipment, while healthcare organizations rely on these services to maintain precision and accuracy in patient care. Preventive maintenance is a key strategy to minimize downtime and ensure the continued functionality of medical devices. Patient epidemiology, including chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes, as well as lifestyle disorders, drive the demand for medical equipment maintenance. The pipeline for new medical devices, including imaging equipment like Computed Tomography (CT) scanners from Canon Medical and Agfa Solutions, requires ongoing maintenance to meet regulatory frameworks and deliver accurate results. With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and lifestyle-related disorders, the medical equipment maintenance market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The Medical Equipment Maintenance Market encompasses various types of equipment used in healthcare settings, including diagnostic imaging procedures such as computed tomography and nuclear imaging, as well as dental, endoscopic, surgical, laboratory, ophthalmology equipment, medical lasers, electrosurgical equipment, radiotherapy devices, and durable medical equipment. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) play a crucial role in supplying these devices, with healthcare organizations relying on them for both preventive maintenance and repairs. Asset management solutions, IoT (Internet of Things), and biomedical engineers are integral to maintaining the precision and accuracy of these devices, ensuring patient safety and care quality. The market ecosystem includes multi-vendor and single-vendor OEMs, service providers, ISOs (Independent Service Organizations), and hospitals and dialysis centers. The patient epidemiology, with a focus on chronic conditions like cancer and diabetes, and lifestyle disorders, drives the demand for medical equipment maintenance. The market is subject to regulatory frameworks and trade regulations, and domestic market players often face hindrances in import-export. Medical manufacturing technologies, such as balloon forming, thermal bonding, folding and pleating, and stent crimping, are essential in producing high-quality medical equipment. Ventilators, Canon Medical's Vantage Fortian, Agfa solutions, and other diagnostic imaging equipment are key devices in the market. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Healthcare Systems Pharmaceutical Diagnostics Others End-user Public Sector Organizations Private Sector Organizations Geography North America Europe Asia Rest Of World (ROW) 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix 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. 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
A mother and daughter were estranged — then Thanksgiving came. Here’s how they spent it.
Textile industry in Pakistan: Challenges, opportunities and future prospects In 2024, Pakistan’s textile industry, once cornerstone of national economy, stands at critical crossroads In this picture taken on July 20, 2023, a worker operates a machine preparing fabric at a textile mill in Lahore. — AFP The textile industry in Pakistan is a testament to the country’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global economic slowdown triggered by the increased production costs. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In 2021, the sector achieved a landmark, with textile exports reaching a record $19.9 billion, accounting for more than half of Pakistan’s total exports. This milestone highlighted the industry’s critical role in the national economy and showcased its potential as a global player in the textile market. However, the journey has been far from smooth. Amidst the global economic slowdown triggered by the increase in energy expenses, Pakistan’s industrial manufacturing sector has been adversely affected, mirroring the situation in other parts of the world. The textile industry, which has been a crucial sector of Pakistan’s economy since its inception, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, employment, and exports, faces additional challenges due to the country’s struggling economy and prolonged periods of political instability. In 2024, Pakistan’s textile industry, once a cornerstone of the national economy, stands at a critical crossroads. Once globally competitive, it now faces unprecedented challenges threatening its global standing. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, a major competitor in the textile sector, is grappling with a severe crisis, prompting international buyers to seek alternative suppliers. This presents a potential opportunity for Pakistan. Textile industry is well-positioned to absorb Bangladesh’s displaced orders provided the government eases stifling policies. Bangladesh’s textile industry, known for its low-cost garment production, has been hit by political instability, energy shortages, rising labour costs, and environmental challenges. Global brands that once depended on Bangladesh are now searching for alternative suppliers. Unfortunately, Pakistan is unable to fill this gap due to its own set of challenges. High energy costs, heavy taxation, lack of technological investment, and supply chain disruptions have restricted the growth pace. Global conditions are generally favourable for exports, with American and European brands shifting away from China and Myanmar. This is the time to re-design export strategies to grab these huge export opportunities that will lead to economic prosperity for the country. Resolving Pakistan’s energy crisis is crucial. Stable and affordable energy could be a game-changer for the industry as high energy costs are a significant burden, directly affecting the competitiveness of Pakistani textiles in the global market. Power tariff has exceeded a critical threshold of over 14 cents/KWh, which is almost twice the average faced by competing economies like Vietnams, India, and Bangladesh. Similarly, gas/RLNG tariff for industries has reached to $13.5 per mmbtu, which makes the industry unviable within the region. Gas is the basic fuel for the export-oriented textile value chain. However, gas supply to highly efficient captive co-generation power plants will be discontinued from January 1, 2025. This move will hamper the industrial manufacturing leading to a large-scale industrial closure and massive unemployment. Huge investments of billions of rupees will become sunk cost as additional investments will be required for grid connectivity. DISCOs inability (outages/fluctuations) to maintain stable and consistent power will enormously damage the highly automated machines leading to heavy losses. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM) units with power demands exceeding 10 MW per hour, will be required to install own grids, which is a time-consuming process that requires billions of rupees in investment. Unwarranted delay in payment of outstanding refunds is inflicting a severe strain on the highest growth-oriented and employment providing textile industry. This poses a substantial financial burden on exporters as a significant portion of exporters’ working capital (more than Rs300 billion) remains trapped in the refund regime on account of Sales Tax, Income Tax, Duty Drawback etc, resulting in the burden of paying interest on outstanding refunds. The advance income tax on exporters has doubled in the last federal budget, including 1pc minimum tax (advance under Section 154) and an additional 1pc advance tax under Section 147. This has severely affected exporters’ cash flow. Manufacturers involved in domestic textile trade pay only 1.25pc advance tax, while exporters bear a heavier burden. Since exporters already pay 29pc income tax on earnings, we recommend that individual exporters’ Q1FY25 reviewed accounts by the chartered accountants be analysed by FBR. Exporters with low profitability whose tax liability is covered by Section 154, advance tax should be exempt from Section 147 advance tax. The Sales Tax Act 1990 holds exporters responsible for the GST input across the entire supply chain. This is both illogical and unfair, as exporters can only be accountable for their direct business partners and have no access to FBR systems to track the supply chain origin. Exporters are one of the most compliant sectors, providing detailed monthly disclosures under the sales tax regime. The 12pc sales cap and Form H already provide a complete accounting of materials and finished products. We request this anomaly be corrected, and that a regulatory framework be established to prevent harassment. In terms of subsection 7 of Section 3, a registered person can be made liable to withhold sales tax charged by his supplier on his supplies to the extent and manner prescribed in 11th schedule of the Sales Tax Act 1990. The exporters maybe declared as withholding agent in terms of subsection 7 of Section 3 and extent of withholding against all of their purchases may be notified in the 11th schedule of the Act. The EFS scheme was launched after thorough deliberation to document the export value chain and support export-oriented businesses. However, the recent budget removed the scheme for domestic trade, despite being revenue-neutral (due to zero-rating of GST on exports). This withdrawal has negatively impacted the textile value chain’s cash flow and is a major obstacle to achieving double-digit growth. Rationalising the scheme will help address these concerns. Expanding export markets beyond traditional regions will reduce reliance on a few large buyers and tap into emerging markets in Africa and Latin America. Pakistan’s textile industry is at a pivotal moment. While Bangladesh’s crisis has created an opening, Pakistan’s internal struggles have hindered the sector’s ability to capitalise on it. However, with the right mix of investment, government support, and a focus on sustainability, Pakistan still has the potential to re-emerge as a global leader in textiles.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have no intention of relocating from their Californian base, prepared to contest any potential deportation bids, as disclosed by Express.co.uk. A source with close connections indicated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have firmly entrenched California as their residence and are resolved to stay despite any risk of expulsion from the United States. "There are no plans [for the Sussexes] to move from the US," asserted one insider. Another source commented: "Harry and Meghan feel at home in California, and they won't be leaving there without a fight." Adding that, "They have a very good legal team, and they have a lot of support behind them to ensure that they will be able to remain in the United States." Currently, Prince Harry, aged 40, is embroiled in legal action regarding his immigration status in the US. In his autobiography 'Spare', he confessed to previous substance use which includes cocaine, cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms; such admissions might lead to a rejection of his visa application. The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing policy institute, is demanding to see Harry's visa documents, insisting that his drug use should have prevented his entry into America, reports the Express . Although a court has recently decided Harry's visa files are to remain private, this aspect could undergo change were Donald Trump to assume the presidency once again. President-elect Trump, who is 78, previously hinted this year he may contemplate deporting Harry should visa-related complications arise. "I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable. He would be on his own," the president-elect remarked at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February. Following Donald Trump's victory, reports have come out suggesting that his past comments about deporting Harry might have worried the Sussexes. However, insiders claim that "Harry and Meghan are not fazed by the comments Trump made because they believe they have done everything correctly," adding, "Meghan is a US citizen, and Archie has just started a new school, so to leave the place they call home isn't even an option." Settled in Montecito since stepping down from Royal duties, the couple has allegedly bought a lavish £3.6 million villa in Portugal, not far from Princess Eugenie's holiday spot. But sources say, "The villa in Portugal is more an investment than anything else and construction hasn't even been completed yet," clarifying that the property is intended as a second home, a haven for vacations, and a wise fiscal endeavour rather than a main residence.