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SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reviver ® is proud to support the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive, bringing joy to children and families in need. This past weekend, the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive in Pomona, California , brought together car enthusiasts from across Southern California to celebrate the holidays and of course, all things cars. Attendees celebrated the season by decking out their cars, motorcycles and trucks, and supporting a good cause. This year's Winter Fest supported the Community Family Guidance Center (CFGC). CFGC helps southeast Los Angeles County's under-served children and their families heal from trauma, abuse, emotional, behavioral and mental health issues through proven interventions and compassionate guidance. "We're proud to partner with our community and fellow auto enthusiasts to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most," said Reviver Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston . "Together, we can help create joy and ensure that every child experiences the magic of the season." If you missed Winter Fest or are not local to Los Angeles County , there are still many ways to give back. Reviver is inviting the community to join in spreading holiday cheer wherever they are by supporting a local toy drive . ABOUT REVIVER ® Reviver ® is a technology company on a mission to modernize the driving experience. As developer of the world's first digital license plate platform, Reviver products transform the license plate into a connected vehicle platform, enabling consumers and commercial businesses to digitize vehicle registration renewals and experience a growing set of personalization, convenience, and safety features, all managed through a mobile or web app interface. Reviver's digital license plates are legal for sale in Arizona and California , along with Texas for commercial fleet vehicles. Ten additional states are in various stages of adoption. Founded in 2009, Reviver is headquartered in Northern California , and is the official patch partner of the Sacramento Kings and the official innovation partner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden 1 Center. To purchase an RPLATE click here . To learn more about the RPLATE, click here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reviver-helps-drive-the-spirit-of-giving-this-holiday-season-302336678.html SOURCE Reviver
Longtime P.E.I. mayor resigns after a contentious vote for pickleball courts
Slamming opposition parties for propaganda against the BJP-led NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that they have “crushed” the spirit of the Constitution and rejected all norms of democracy. PM Modi, addressing party workers in Bhubaneswar, also said that the opposition has only one aim, “to somehow capture power by misleading people”. “Those who consider power as their birthright have not been in power at the Centre for the last decade,” he said in an apparent dig at the opposition. The prime minister said it is quite natural that there would be ideological differences among political parties on different issues, and that they have the right to express their views and resort to agitations. “During my tenure as Chief Minister and PM, I saw different colours of politics. I admit that a constructive opposition is normal in a democracy. There can be differences of opinion on any decision,” he said. PM Modi said everyone, however, can now feel a big difference in the manner protests are organised. “The spirit of the Constitution is crushed and all the norms of democracy are rejected.” The PM said that from the very beginning, the opposition parties were not ready to accept the fact that people gave their mandate to the BJP-led NDA. “Denied of power for the last decade, such parties are now filled with so much anger that they do not hesitate to conspire against the country and its people. They are misleading people with ‘jhoot aur afwah ki dukan’ (lies and rumours),” he said. PM Modi noted that such false propaganda is a big challenge for people of India, and BJP workers and “those who love the country and respect the Constitution should be more alert and vigilant to foil such attempts and expose the lies”. He also said the BJP dedicatedly worked for the development of Odisha even when the party was not in power in the eastern state. “The Odisha poll results surprised many big political experts, who had completely rejected the idea of BJP forming government in the state... BJP’s election success in Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra has created a new confidence in the entire country. This is the specialty of BJP and the capability of our workers,” asserted PM Modi. The BJP respects and gives priority to the rich culture and tradition of Odisha, he said. “I am happy that due to the efforts of the BJP, Odisha’s tribal daughter Droupadi Murmu ji is the President of the country today. This has boosted the confidence of daughters from all sections of society. Her journey will inspire many generations to come,” the PM said. On the All India DGP/IGP Conference that got underway in Bhubaneswar, he said it is being held in Odisha for the first time, though the event has been taking place since the British period. “We want to give priority to Odisha not only in the country but also on the world map,” he said, adding that after the BJP formed government in the state, it has implemented the National Education Policy and other central schemes. Besides, ‘Operation Demonstration, 2024′ will be organised in Puri on the occasion of Navy Day on December 4, and the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10. PM Modi said the BJP government has also started fulfilling the promises made during the election. “The state has launched the ‘Subhadra Yojana’, which will be a symbol of women empowerment. Under the scheme, the government promises to provide ₹ 50,000 to one crore women in five years. Similarly, the government has started procuring paddy at a price of ₹ 3,100 per quintal as was promised,” he said.iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited Reports 2024 Half-Year Unaudited Financial Results
In a scathing criticism, former Infosys Chief Financial Officer Mohandas Pai called out IndiGo airlines for allegedly treating passengers poorly. Pai detailed his ordeal aboard flight 6E 7407, where passengers were reportedly left without air conditioning while waiting on the tarmac in Bengaluru. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for "Indigo treats its passengers badly. Sitting in 6E 7407 without AC on hot tarmac in Bengaluru. No way to treat passengers. Only after protest, staff using tarmac generator for AC. Pl change your protocol," Pai tweeted, urging the airline to reevaluate its protocols. Passenger Inconvenience Sparks Commentary Pai's tweet drew attention from industry professionals, including D Prasanth Nair, a senior HR executive, who criticized IndiGo's reluctance to activate the auxiliary power unit (APU) due to cost-saving measures. "Elderly and babies can be seriously affected," Nair commented, highlighting the potential health risks caused by such practices. — TVMohandasPai (@TVMohandasPai) This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of IndiGo’s customer service. According to a recent survey by European claim-processing agency AirHelp, IndiGo ranked 103rd out of 109 airlines globally in its 2024 annual report. The survey assessed airlines on punctuality, quality of service, and claims handling. IndiGo’s score of 4.80 was the lowest among Indian carriers, with Air India ranked 61st and AirAsia at 94th. IndiGo has strongly refuted the survey’s findings, questioning the methodology and sample size used. "IndiGo has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations," the airline said in a statement. Additionally, IndiGo pointed to its performance metrics reported by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline carried over 7.25 crore passengers between January and September 2024, maintaining a dominant 61.3% market share. In comparison, Air India, its closest competitor, carried 1.64 crore passengers during the same period, capturing just 13.9% of the market. IndiGo’s Response to Mohandas Pai In response to Pai’s concerns, IndiGo commented on the tweet: "Sir, thank you for taking the time to meet our airport team. At IndiGo, customer comfort is of utmost importance to us." "We assure you that your feedback is noted and we will share it with the concerned team for necessary review. We appreciate your patience and understanding," Indigo added. While IndiGo has taken steps to address Pai’s feedback, the incident highlights a broader conversation about passenger comfort and service standards.
( ) - When I heard about AI glasses that let you "see" what people are saying, I was skeptical. But after trying them on, I was proven wrong. The give you closed captions for the real world. The right lens has a small, transparent display that shows you conversations, but you can still see the people you're talking to. "The mission is... using the technology to help others," said Ting Chen, vice president of marketing for the company behind the glasses. The glasses are lightweight but a bit thicker than your typical spectacles. They connect wirelessly to a smartphone, which uses the Hearview app to listen to what people are saying. Those conversations are transcribed in near real time using AI, and then the words are displayed on the tiny see through screen. The system seems to be very accurate and works with 13 languages - and although there is a bit of a delay, it won't necessarily matter if you can't hear the words being spoken out loud. The glasses come in one style but can be outfitted with a magnetic sunglass clip or prescription lenses. The battery lasts about 7 hours on a charge. The result is impressive and potentially very useful for the hard of hearing. "So far, overwhelmingly positive. The folks who have purchased the glasses, used it in the community, they loved it," said Chen. The downside? The price. Hearview glasses retail for about $2,000, but are often on sale for less. The company says the price could come down as the tech evolves. Various other big tech firms are working on glasses that could perform similar functionality - including Apple's Vision Pro, Meta's Project Orion and Snapchat's Spectacles. However, all of those solutions are either still in development or, in the case of Vision Pro, too bulky and pricey to be used on the go. "This is a very, very powerful new tool so that it can enrich the life of many (in the) deaf community," concluded Chen. Up next, Hearview is working on AI that can translate sign language into text. To remove this article -Peace Hopes Rise with Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jaylon Johnson had 20 points in Tennessee Tech’s 90-75 victory against Presbyterian on Wednesday. Johnson also contributed 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Golden Eagles (4-3). Daniel Egbuniwe added 16 points while going 5 of 13 from the floor, including 2 for 7 from 3-point range, and 4 for 4 from the line and also had six rebounds. Kyle Layton shot 5 for 10, including 5 for 8 from beyond the arc to finish with 15 points. Kaleb Scott finished with 14 points and seven rebounds for the Blue Hose (5-4). Jaylen Peterson added 11 points and 11 rebounds for Presbyterian. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .HOUSTON , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sterling Group, a Houston -based, operationally focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce that John Griffin and Claudine Lussier have been promoted to Partner. "We are excited to recognize the extraordinary contributions of John and Claudine," said Brad Staller , Partner at The Sterling Group. "Each has played a critical part in Sterling's success to date. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them as Partners." John Griffin , Partner, joined Sterling in 2018 from McKinsey & Company's Houston office where he focused on strategic and operational initiatives for industrial and energy companies. John has been a leader on the PrimeFlight Aviation, West Star Aviation, Fencing Supply Group, Tangent Technologies, and Lynx FBO Network investment teams. John has also been a key member of the firm's Operations Committee, which drives continuous improvement in Sterling's own value creation capabilities. Claudine Lussier , Partner, Human Capital, joined Sterling in 2017 to lead Human Capital at Sterling and its portfolio companies. During Claudine's time at Sterling, she has contributed to a significant build-out of the team and has driven a dramatic improvement in Sterling's ability to drive value creation through the Human Capital lever. Claudine is a critical business partner to investment teams and management teams alike. To learn more about a career at The Sterling Group, please visit www.sterling-group.com/careers/ About The Sterling Group Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million . Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 73 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $24 billion . Sterling currently has $9.4 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com . Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-sterling-group-names-two-new-partners-302336718.html SOURCE The Sterling Group, L.P.In the ever-evolving world of technology, Nvidia and Palantir have emerged as powerhouses, fueled by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. This year, both companies have seen their stock prices skyrocket, driven by their innovations and strategic moves in the AI arena. Nvidia , famous for its cutting-edge GPUs, has firmly established its dominance in AI-driven data center technology, catapulting its stock price astronomically by 2024. The company’s innovation with its Blackwell platform and extensive investments, such as in its CUDA software, have resulted in enviable profit margins. However, Nvidia’s dependency on external manufacturing partners makes it susceptible to market fluctuations, underscoring the fraught nature of the semiconductor industry. On the other hand, Palantir owes its success to its robust software offerings, particularly with platforms like Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and its AI Platform (AIP). Initially helping government agencies post-9/11, Palantir has expanded its reach into various domains like cryptocurrency and data protection. The company thrives on large, complex contracts with a few high-value customers, ensuring a niche competitive space but also posing systemic risks if sector dynamics shift unfavorably. Financially, Nvidia has outpaced Palantir with a 94% revenue surge in the third quarter, while Palantir reported a 30% increase. Despite Palantir’s revolutionary growth costing risk with its high valuation, Nvidia offers an attractive investment, combining growth potential with less vulnerability. In conclusion, while both companies’ futures glisten with opportunity in AI, Nvidia appears to offer a more balanced investment with its muscular growth and manageable risks. Nvidia vs. Palantir: The AI Titans and Their Future Prospects As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries worldwide, companies like Nvidia and Palantir have positioned themselves at the forefront of innovation. Let’s delve into what sets these tech giants apart and explore what the future holds for them. Features and Innovations Nvidia’s Technological Edge Nvidia has become synonymous with advanced GPU technology, essential for AI-driven data analysis and visualization. The company’s recent innovation, the Blackwell platform, represents a leap in GPU capabilities with unprecedented computational power and efficiency. Moreover, Nvidia’s CUDA software, pivotal in AI and machine learning applications, continues to expand its functionalities, solidifying Nvidia’s role as a key accelerator in the tech industry. Palantir’s Software Dominance Palantir has made significant strides with its software platforms – Gotham, Foundry, and Apollo. These tools are staple resources for government and private sectors requiring robust data analysis and interpretation. Palantir’s AI Platform (AIP) offers sophisticated data integration across numerous sectors, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability in dynamic environments. Use Cases and Market Trends Nvidia’s Expansion Nvidia’s products have transcended traditional boundaries, finding applications in diverse areas like autonomous vehicles, healthcare diagnostics, and gaming. The GPUs’ ability to process massive datasets quickly and efficiently is crucial for real-time AI applications – a trend that’s likely to continue as more industries embrace AI. Palantir’s Strategic Partnerships Palantir’s platforms are pivotal for large-scale projects requiring intensive data processing – a competitive advantage in sectors like defense, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, Palantir’s engagement with cryptocurrency analysis and data protection showcases its commitment to staying ahead of market trends and diversifying its application scope. Security Aspects Nvidia’s Security Challenges As Nvidia pushes boundaries in AI, the complexity of their solutions can expose potential security vulnerabilities. The reliance on external manufacturing introduces risks related to data breaches and intellectual theft, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to protect their technological investments. Palantir’s Data Protection Given the sensitive nature of the data Palantir handles, security is a top priority. With its roots in government intelligence, Palantir implements stringent security protocols to ensure data integrity and confidentiality, making it a trusted partner for government and corporate clients alike. Predictions and Future Outlook The Path Ahead for Nvidia Nvidia’s trajectory suggests a continued dominance in AI infrastructure markets, especially as they explore innovations in quantum computing and edge AI. The company’s strategic focus on sustaining growth and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities positions them well for future challenges. Palantir’s Forward Movement Palantir’s focus on expanding its commercial sector reach and investing in AI-driven analytics positions it for innovative growth. The company’s commitment to enhancing its platforms indicates their ambition to deepen market penetration and expand service offerings. In conclusion, both Nvidia and Palantir are poised for significant advancements in the AI landscape. Nvidia offers robust growth with its cutting-edge technology and strategic industry focus, while Palantir promises resilience and versatility through its sophisticated data management tools. For investors and tech enthusiasts alike, both companies represent pivotal players in the future of AI advancement. For more information about these companies and their innovative solutions, visit Nvidia and Palantir .
CHICAGO (AP) — Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season. Pat Bryant dashed in to score off Luke Altmyer’s 43-yard pass early in the third quarter as Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) struck for touchdowns just over 4 minutes apart early in the third quarter to open a 28-10 lead in what had been a tight game. Bryant's 10th receiving touchdown tied a school record. Altmyer, who threw for 170 yards, had a TD himself on a keeper from the 1-yard line early in the second quarter. David Olano added a field goal in the fourth to cap Illinois' scoring. Laughery, a sophomore running back, rushed for a career-best 172 yards and topped 100 for the first time. He entered with only one TD this season and two for his career. He had a career-long 64-yard run for a score early in the second half. Coach Bret Bielema said he wasn't surprised by Laughery's explosive performance as the Gibson City, Illinois product rounded back into form after being hampered by a hamstring injury earlier this season. “I thought today would be a day that could happen,” Bielema said. “Today some of those turned into big home run hits we've kind of been waiting on all year.” Laughery said he's been prepping for this kind of game, when he carried the ball 12 times for an average of 14.3 yards. “Finally, the opportunity was there,” said Laughery, who got the game ball. “You know you gotta' hit one and it came together today.” He credited the Illini offensive line with opening space for his breakout performance. “Those guys were covering them (Northwestern's defense) all day long,” Laughery said. “It was awesome running behind the looks we were getting” Northwestern’s Devin Turner intercepted Altmyer twice, including for a 13-yard touchdown return late in the first quarter. Thomas Gordon caught Jack Lausch's 15-yard TD pass with a minute left, then the Wildcats added a two-point conversion to complete the scoring. Northwestern (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) didn’t pack it in as hosted its second game this season at Wrigley Field, this time on a breezy sunny day with game-time temperature of 20 degrees. It looked like the Illini might run away after Bryant’s 10th receiving touchdown 4:52 into the third. He entered tied for the Big Ten lead. But Luke Akers kicked his second field goal of the game, a 34-yarder, with 5:35 left in the third quarter to cut it to 28-13. Lausch led the Wildcats on their next possession and finished it with an 11-yard touchdown toss to A.J. Henning to narrow the Illini lead to 28-20. Then Mac Resetich intercepted Lausch’s pass 50 seconds into the fourth quarter. Laughery powered up the middle for 31 yards and his third TD about two minutes later to quell the Wildcats' momentum. Northwestern dominated in possession time — 34:32 to 25:28 —and plays — 90 to 53. The margin was even more pronounced in the first half, but the Wildcats settled for a 13-yard touchdown return on Turner’s second pick of the game with 2:14 left in the first quarter and Akers’ 21-yard field goal that opened the scoring 6:29 in. Illinois led 14-10 at the half on Laughery’s 30-yard TD run midway through the first quarter and Altmyer’s keeper 1:39 into the second. Akers missed wide to the right on a 44-yard attempt as time ran out in the half. Wide receivers down Both teams’ leading pass receivers were injured. Northwestern’s Bryce Kirtz was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with a lower-body injury after two receptions that upped his total yards to 598. Illinois’ Bryant went to the locker room with about 5 minutes left in the first half after Turner collided with him as he plucked his second interception. Bryant returned, however, for the second half. The takeaway Illinois: Is in line for a prestigious bowl game appearance and a chance to tie the school record of 10 wins, most recently set during their 2001 Sugar Bowl season. “We wanted to put ourselves in a good position on this day to get to nine wins and see where it can go,” Bielema said. “Just a fun day overall. I don't know what the future holds. It think we're a team that can play with anybody in the country.” Northwestern: Finished its second season under coach David Braun at 4-8 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats dropped their final three and five of the last six. Up next Illinois is headed to a bowl game. Northwestern opens its 2025 season at Tulane on Aug. 30. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Johnson scores 20, Tennessee Tech beats Presbyterian 90-75Creating and maintaining an effective team, whether in business or education, has never been more important than today. After surviving the worst global pandemic in a century, and navigating economic challenges in an ever-changing political environment, ensuring you already have an effective team can be daunting. Perhaps in higher education, with the potential of lower enrollments, rising expenditures and more limited financial resources for funding higher wages, finding and keeping your IT team will be difficult. In some ways, just keeping your employees engaged has become a global challenge. According to a 2024 on the state of the global workplace, “the majority of the world’s employees continue to struggle at work and in life, with direct consequences for organizational productivity.” The study also estimated $8.9 trillion was lost in global GDP due to this problem. Given today’s nimble work population, if higher education cannot afford current salary levels, and the institutional environment is already poor, employees will simply move on to more promising job opportunities. So, to create and maintain a successful team, in your IT department and throughout your campus, you should carefully define, analyze and review your work environment from the top down. A September 2024 article on the business website Upwork titled, " ," lists a number of important and helpful steps you can take to achieve this goal. As we all reflect upon our staff and our general work environment in higher education, especially over the past several years, I pulled together a top 25 to-do list for the upcoming year. The list is in no particular order, but intended to recognize the dedication of the IT staff, which at times are forgotten or go unnoticed. The list is also intended to consider all the technological tools at our disposal, how to use them effectively, how to leverage educational technology in the future, and how to lead and manage our employees. 1. Work to recruit and retain the very best IT staff for my institution. 2. Protect my campus from a major cyber or ransomware attack. 3. Make certain all of our institutional data backups are both secure and fully tested, so we can confidently rely upon them for full operational use. 4. Before the next big decision at a meeting, ask the question, “Who should have been at the table who hasn’t been invited before?” 5. Provide special thanks to the staff at the help desk. Provide the staff with coffee, treats and make them feel they are valued. Offer them praise and validation for jobs well done. 6. Whatever direction the political winds are blowing, make sure our students, faculty and staff are thought of as essential to our country’s successful and peaceful future. 7. Ensure AI is utilized ethically and incorporate the elements of transparency, impartiality, accountability, reliability, security and privacy. 8. Continue working to ensure instruction can be supplemented and supported with educational technology which fosters individualized learning for each student. 9. Make use of technology which is translucent — meaning it’s there when you need it but doesn’t overtake the classroom or the moment, or interfere with important social interaction or conversation. 10. Make certain the CIO or CTO always has a seat at the table for administrative discussions and decisions. 11. Have all faculty, staff and students continually utilize good cybersecurity practices. 12. Create an environment where campus administrators support and practice cybersecurity protocols, and consistent cyber training occurs. 13. Ensure the IT department can communicate clearly, concisely, consistently and effectively to the campus community. 14. Work diligently to promote the concept of servant leadership throughout IT and the campus. Manage others as you would prefer to be managed yourself. 15. Foster IT leadership that leads with purpose, collaboration and teamwork. 16. When leading, celebrate successes as well as acknowledging failures. Learn from both to chart a successful course for the future. 17. Strive for a work-life balance, both for yourself and staff. 18. Provide training and professional development opportunities for team members. 19. Ensure you have developed a team atmosphere and a culture of trust. 20. Encourage IT leadership and staff to get out of the office and travel the campus to meet and greet faculty, staff and students on a regular basis. 21. Create a work environment with clear goals, measurable objectives and expectations. 22. Work to empower staff and appropriately delegate responsibility so there can be mutual professional growth and development. 23. Encourage staff to take calculated risks and learn from them. 24. Manage but don’t micromanage. 25. Continually motivate your IT staff with positivity. Tackling some or all of these items takes strong, resilient and empathetic leadership. Sam Walton, a well-known American businessperson and founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club, probably said it best: “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.” The upcoming months may bring a fair amount of uncertainty and dynamic challenges. The key for leaders and managers is to believe that positive change can pay long-term dividends. The one-word quote from the hit TV series , from the coach himself, makes for a perfect parting message: “BELIEVE.” We can achieve a great deal by following and sharing each of these wishes to ensure our mutually productive future. Believe me.The NFL issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union on Thursday after recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by the Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood. Burglars have entered through side doors, via balconies, or second-floor windows. They have targeted homes in secluded areas and focus on master bedrooms and closet areas. Players were warned to avoid updating any social media with check-ins or daily activities until the end of the day. Posting expensive items on social media is discouraged. The homes of Mahomes and Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month. The break-ins happened just before and the day of Kansas City’s home victory over the New Orleans Saints. No injuries were reported in either case.
5 Things Anyone Dealing With IVF Can Appreciate About Netflix's "Joy"
Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup'Wicked,' 'Gladiator II' bring in $270.2 million in global box officeBaker Mayfield adds to Giants embarrassment with ruthless Tommy DeVito celebration
When I first heard a podcast interview with Louise Joy Brown, the first baby born via in vitro fertilization, one detail stood out: When her father realized what the hyper-experimental procedure would cost , he went to the horse track and made a bet. I loved the fact that due to his and his wife's powerful desire to have children after unsuccessfully trying for a decade, a betting man took to the track to decide his fate. That gamble paid off, and the result is chronicled in Netflix's new film "Joy ," which culminates with Brown's birth in 1978. Starring Thomasin McKenzie as researcher and nurse Jean Purdy, Bill Nighy as obstetrician Patrick Steptoe, James Norton as biologist Robert Edwards, and Tanya Moodie as Muriel, an operating room supervisor, the movie chronicles how the group worked for several years to make the unproven a reality: that an egg can be fertilized outside the body, become an embryo then implanted back inside, and eventually result in a live birth. As someone who has experienced multiple rounds of IVF and my own fertility struggles , I cycled (no pun intended) through a lot of emotions while watching "Joy." It's always incredible to witness what cells do under a microscope and how these ideas (like the follicles) manifest in real life. Most of all, I finished the movie feeling hopeful and motivated, with an immense sense of gratitude for the revolutionary science that spurred these treatments. Below are five additional takeaways from "Joy" that anyone dealing with infertility can appreciate. 1. The Pioneers Took On Significant Risk It's hard to imagine a world before reproductive assistance was the norm. In the movie, Edwards (the scientist) faces backlash when trying to get his work recognized by the health board and is told that infertility is a "niche" problem. He discusses his work on talk shows and is booed and jeered before he can even finish explaining it. Purdy (the researcher and nurse) temporarily loses contact with her mother and the church (more on that below). I can't help but think of all the fertility workers who have faced scrutiny and threats for simply going to work. Everyone who gets into this profession is taking on some form of risk in the name of helping build families. 2. Community Helps Anyone struggling with fertility will tell you that a like-minded support system surrounding you makes all the difference. I have friends who are currently going through or have endured fertility treatments. They've been an invaluable support — whether it's thoughtfully texting at just the right time, lending me medicine storage containers, or literally helping me inject hormones into my skin. This was true in the movie as the first "class" of IVF patients called themselves the Ovum Club. Purdy would take them for trips to the beach, or simply listen to their fears and insecurities during appointments. No matter the decade, it's crucial to surround yourself with people who can relate. 3. Women Went Through Hell Until the movie's setting of 1974, in vitro fertilization was only studied in hamsters, so the bravery of these women to volunteer as patients is astounding. While advanced for the time, this medical care is still nearly 50 years old: We're talking giant needles, invasive abdominal surgeries, and harrowing statistics. True, some moments of the movie feel saccharine and Hallmark-coded, but "Joy" doesn't shy away from the intensely painful, bloody, and borderline torturous nature of these procedures. IVF is hard enough in 2024, so extreme kudos to those women who endured it in 1974. 4. Religious Zealots Are Gonna Zealot The religious dominance of 1970s rural England underpins the entire film. Purdy attended church every Sunday with her mother, who ceased speaking to her because of her work at Oldham's Centre for Human Reproduction. She also received death threats in the mail, like baby dolls painted with the word "sinner" on them. A few years later, when the first IVF baby was born in America (Elizabeth Carr), the pope called her "a child of the devil." With that as the backdrop, it is a downright miracle (ahem) that this medical work got off the ground and came to fruition. What is disheartening is how this evangelical conservatism still plays a part in reproductive freedoms today . 5. Reproductive Care Has Continued To Innovate One of the most potent emotional beats in the movie is when we discover that Purdy is unable to become pregnant due to endometriosis . Dr. Steptoe examines her and reveals that the science just isn't there yet. Today, many endometriosis patients are able to have healthy children, thanks to IVF and other fertility treatments . No longer are we using the terms "test tube" or "designer" babies — now, patients are offered pre-implantation genetic testing and frequent ultrasounds to monitor pregnancies, all to ensure the best possible outcome: a healthy, live birth. Sadly, all of these advancements are threatened by our current political landscape , in which infighting has made us lose sight of IVF's entire purpose. "Joy" reminds us of the power of couples who want a child so badly that they're willing to be a part of experimental trials, traverse country borders, and, yes, bet everything in their bank account in order to achieve it. Surely, those are parents that don't need any additional hurdles to get there. How Much Does IVF Cost? Here's What You Can Expect, According to Doctors Jess Mayhugh is the managing editor of Eater and Punch. Previously, she's worked for Thrillist, Smithsonian, and Baltimore magazine, and has written about her reproductive journey for The Atlantic and The New York Times. You can find her biking around Baltimore, where she lives with her husband and two goofy cats.
Adolescent chimps are, in some respects, rather similar to their human counterparts. They live with mum until well into their teens, are sometimes a bit cheeky and, being highly social animals, struggle to survive alone until they have been taught how to fend for themselves. So when poachers kill mother chimps for food, keep the young chained in captivity for the exotic pet trade, or the family group is destroyed when its forest home is cleared for commercial palm oil plantations, the orphaned chimps need help. In Cameroon, the NGO Papaye International runs a sanctuary for the endangered animals on three islands in the Douala-Edea national park. “The chimpanzees in the sanctuary are chimpanzees that have had a tragic past due to poaching, deforestation and groups that have been killed,” said Marylin Pons Riffet, the 57-year-old French head of the charity. “We only take in orphaned chimpanzees, who are young and therefore need the helping hand of man after having had a gun pointed at them or their habitat destroyed,” she told AFP. The charity helps the orphans become re-accustomed to surviving in semi-wild conditions, but on islands away from their only predator — the humans with whom they share 98 percent of their DNA and a good degree of behaviour. Populations of common chimpanzees, which used to roam across 26 countries in equatorial Africa, have plummeted since the 1980s, and they are at risk of extinction in the wild. Fabrice Moudoungue, a 39-year-old carer, travels by boat every day to bring food to the three rainforest-covered islands on the Sanaga river where Papaye International’s 34 chimps live “Here Water Lily! Here Star!” he calls. The chimps, who recognise his voice, scamper excitedly along the bank of Yakonzo-Okokong Island towards the boat and hug him when he wades out to offer them bananas, coconut, tomatoes and dates.Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took pot-shots at former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush among others. His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit. Democrat James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford. Serving as 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government “competent and compassionate” but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan. A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his family’s peanut business. A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement. But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent. The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly. The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit. Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carter’s willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age. He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump. He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007. Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bush’s presidency as “the worst in history”, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War. Asked how he would characterise Mr Blair’s relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: “Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient. “I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.” Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency. His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism. He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be. This was seen by Mr Carter’s critics as “deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years”. Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East. He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been “a good leader gone bad”, having at first been “a very enlightened president”. One US commentator wrote: “History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government. “In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy... bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.” In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes. Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes. In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal. Fears that Mr Carter’s health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was “not feeling well”. It would have been Mr Carter’s 39th trip to personally observe an international election. Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver. Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carter’s full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely. Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment. In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada. He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection. Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his “best wishes”. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023. She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Mr Carter said in a statement following her death. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $182 million, five-year contract. The reigning World Series champions announced the deal with the two-time Cy Young Award winner on Saturday. Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts for San Francisco this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. The left-hander struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell gets a $52 million signing bonus , payable on Jan. 20, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13 million each year will be deferred. Because Snell is a Washington state resident, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax. Snell joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation. Ohtani didn’t pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but the two-way star is expected back on the mound in 2025. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. Because he turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, the Giants were not eligible to give Snell another one and won’t receive draft-pick compensation. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBA host of rightwing politicians have been pushing a petition online calling for a general election, which has now gathered over one million signatures. The petition, started by Michael Westwood, calls for a general election, arguing that the Labour government have “gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead up to the last election”. At the time of reporting, the petition had gathered over 1.3 million signatures . While Parliament will consider any petition that gets over 100,000 signatures for a debate, this isn’t guaranteed. Rightwing MPs were seen sharing the petition on social media today, calling on voters to sign it and share it in a challenge to Keir Starmer’s government. “Let’s make this the biggest petition ever in the UK – sign, share, and spread the word,” Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, wrote on X. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith also shared the petition on X. “If this Labour government were a consumer product, after Rachel Reeves’ Budget tax rises (“we have no plans to increase tax”) people could return it under consumer mis-selling rules,” Griffith wrote on X today. The government was contacted for comment.