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Amsterdam-based startup CarbonX has secured €4mn to industrialise a new anode material that could help Europe reduce its reliance on China for graphite, a substance which makes up half the weight of a typical lithium-ion battery. Netherlands-based VC Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam led the round. It’s an extension on CarbonX’s €10mn capital injection announced in February, capping off the funding round at a cosy €14mn. Graphite is the go-to material for lithium-ion battery anodes, which is the negative electrode responsible for storing and releasing electrons during the charging and discharging process . Its found in batteries that power everything from EVs to smartphones. The EU imports almost 100% of its graphite from China, which recently imposed restrictions on exports of the carbon-based material amid rising political tensions between Bejing and the West. The 💜 of EU tech The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now! “A resilient battery supply chain is crucial for global electrification,” said CarbonX’s co-founder Rutger van Raalten. “Yet, we don’t see sufficient alternatives for locally sourcing critical raw materials such as graphite.” CarbonX wants to offer European and American battery makers a way to source a graphite alternative that is not just locally-made, but greener and better performing. Spun out from Delft University of Technology in 2014, the company has developed an “emulsion feedstock” technology that takes carbon black — a fine, black powder made mostly of pure carbon — and processes it into a material with a complex 3D porous structure. Similar to graphite, this hexagonal formation creates spaces where lithium ions can insert themselves during charging. However, CarbonX says that its material has even more little crevices for the lithium ions to hide. That equals faster charging and longer-lasting batteries. “CarbonX’s unique 3D porous network structure improves electron and lithium-ion transfer, while it is still highly compressible to achieve high energy densities,” explained Daniela Sordi, CTO and co-founder of CarbonX. CarbonX’s feedstock technology purportedly consumes much less energy compared to synthetic or natural graphite production. This equals lower costs and less carbon emissions, it said. The company’s carbon anode material is currently undergoing “late-stage qualifications” with “several top 10 global battery cell manufacturers.” It expects to secure its first offtake agreements halfway into 2025. Graphite demand is expected to rise by 20-25 times between 2020 to 2040, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). To cater to this “enormous market pull,” CarbonX plans to scale up quickly. CarbonX is currently planning its first high-capacity facility at an existing carbon black factory in the Port of Rotterdam. Its tech can “plug-in” to existing carbon black factories, using their current equipment, so there’s no need to build new plants. The company is also undergoing a feasibility study for a 20,000 ton per annum production line in both Europe and US, it said. “The founders of CarbonX found an answer to the developing Chinese export ban on graphite,” commented Jesse In ‘t Velt, investment manager of Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam.BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Aneesah Morrow had 20 points and 18 rebounds as No. 6 LSU rallied to an 83-61 victory over Albany on Sunday. Mikaylah Williams added 18 points, Flau’Jae Johnson had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers (15-0), who tied their second-best start in school history. Morrow had a double-double – 10 points and 10 rebounds – in LSU’s 25-2 game-closing run. Albany missed its last 11 shots, failing to hit a field goal in the game’s final 8:42. Kaci Donovan scored 15 of her team-high 17 points for UAlbany (10-3). Lilly Phillips and Kayla Cooper had 14 each. Albany: The Great Danes, concerned that almost 30 of LSU’s 93.3 points per game came off fast breaks, conceded getting offensive rebounds in favor of quickly dropping back on defense. In the first half when Albany led 38-34 at the break, it had just one offensive rebound, but only allowed seven fast break points. LSU: Against the three best teams the Tigers have faced so far – a one-loss Washington and Stanford and a two-loss Albany – they have trailed at the end of the first quarter and halftime. LSU had six turnovers in its first 12 possessions against Albany followed by the Great Danes hitting their last 5 of 7 field goals in the first quarter for a 25-16 lead. Williams and Morrow produced steals that turned into their assists to Johnson for a pair of fastbreak layups to start a 25-2 run in the game’s final 7:41 that took the Tigers from a 1-point deficit to the 22-point victory. LSU won despite hitting just 1 of its 13 3-point attempts. Albany opens America East Conference play at home on Thursday vs. Vermont. LSU’s SEC opener is Thursday at Arkansas. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal eraOreshnik Stumps Ukraine Army; First Footage Of Never-Seen-Before Russian ICBM | Watch Recommended Playlist Putin 'Recruits' Houthis To Fight Ukraine Before World War 3 Begins | Iran's Proxy 'Helps' Russia Putin Declares War Against LGBTQ+ | Russia Outlaws 'Childfree Propaganda' | Watch IDF In Crisis: 6 Israeli Soldiers 'Commit Suicide | Troops Mental Health Takes A Toll In Gaza France Declares 'War' Against Russia In A Shock Move, Putin To Press Nuclear Button? | Ukraine Central Israel Under Attack: Missiles Pummel Tel Aviv Suburbs; Hezbollah Bombs North | Watch Iran's 3rd Strike On Israel: Khamenei's Shocking Diktat Amid Killing Of Israeli Rabbi In UAE Deadly Attack Near Israel Embassy In Jordan; Israeli Diplomats In Panic | Gunman Dead, 3 Cops Hurt Putin Aide Reveals Russia's World War 3 Targets In West | 'Our Nuclear Doctrine A Signal' Iran Ally 'Accurately Hits' IDF's Ashdod Naval Base; 150+ Rockets Fired At Tel Aviv, Haifa Putin's Oreshnik Sends Chills Through NATO | Why U.S. Allies Can't Intercept New Russian Missile Top Viral Videos Shocking! Lawyer rams Mercedes car into Kachori shop in Delhi, Six injured In a shocking incident, six people were injured after a lawyer rammed his speeding Mercedes car into a Kachori shop in the national capital. The incident took place at Fateh Kachori in Civil Lines area. The police have taken the lawyer into custody and seized his car. The lawyer has been identified as Parag Maini who is a resident of Noida’s Sector 79. The police have registered a case against the lawyer under Section 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing hurt by endangering life). Telangana cop punched, dragged by villagers, video goes viral On Cam: Crane drags car with senior citizens sitting inside, case registered | video goes viral Instagram influencer shot dead by husband in Rajasthan's Phalodi CCTV: Thieves arrive in car, decamp with jewellery in MP's Damoh Goons hurl abuses at toll plaza employee in MP's Chhatarpur Two goons hurled abuses at a toll plaza employee in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur. One of the assailants is reportedly the brother of an MLA. The incident was filmed by an employee of ol plaza which has gone viral on social media. The goons were upset after they had to wait in the queue. Viral: Cobra blocks road in MP's Chhatarpur district Nigeria: Lion kills zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University CCTV: Biker crushed to death by speeding bus in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district Four women steal tray full of earrings from a jewellery shop in MP's Raisen Shirtless British man punches air steward after destroying aircraft toilet, arrested A shirtless British man punched an air steward after destroying the aircraft toilet. The man was arrested. The man went berserk soon after the flight took off . He went up to smash the plane’s toilet. The incident took place on February 7 when the flight took off from Bangkok to London. A video of the incident went viral on social media. On cam: Several injured after swarm of bees attacks guests during wedding ceremony in MP's Guna On cam: Man hurls abuses at government school teacher in MP's Chhatarpur district On cam: Man thrashes youth with stick in MP's Ujjain Doctor loses cool, misbehaves with home guard in MP's Chhatarpur On cam: Goons thrash Dalit youth in MP's Betul A Dalit youth was thrashed in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul. The man was brutally thrashed and forced to squat while holding his ears. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Congress leader Jitu Patwari highlighted the plight of the Dalit man. The police have launched a probe into the matter. On cam: Govt employee consumes alcohol at work place in MP's Singrauli On cam: Goons thrash liquor shop employee in MP's Gwalior CCTV: Man thrashed, abducted in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district Fight breaks out between CHC employee and patient in UP's Barabanki Short Videos BJP Orchestrated Attack On Kejriwal During ‘Padyatra’ Campaign: Delhi CM Atishi Your Autistic Child Can Also Make A Difference Your Autistic Child Can Also Make A Difference Kejriwal Questions RSS Over BJP’s 'Dirty' Tactics Against Opposition | Watch Atishi's 1st Statement After Being Picked As Delhi CM; 'Kejriwal Made Biggest Sacrifice' Kejriwal To Give Up CM Residence; AAP's Sanjay Singh Issues Big Warning... Haryana Polls: Vinesh Phogat & Bajrang Punia Join Congress; Sakshi Malik next? Putin's Big Pledge For Russian Speakers In Ukraine; 'Will Fight For...' Ukraine’s Kursk Incursion Has Failed To Achieve Objectives, Declares Putin Putin Says Russia Will Support Kamala Harris In U.S. Elections Related Articles Putin: Stock ready for more combat tests of new missile Putin: Russia may use new missile again after attack on Ukraine Ukraine war: With new hypersonic missile, Putin sends a warning to West With use of new N-capable ballistic missile, Putin's threatening message to the West Watch: Not ICBM, Russia fired missile that travels at '10 times the speed of sound' Ukraine claims Russia fired ICBM; mid-range missile, says Putin Putin says Russia hit Ukraine with new new hypersonic ballistic missile, warns US, UK
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
Alberta’s AIMCo shakeup could mean government control of pension fund assets
HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work and wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory claiming all birds are actually government surveillance drones. Peters said she and some other former employees are upset and think the relaunch was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, 74, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. But Sherron Watkins, Enron’s former vice president of corporate development and the main whistleblower who helped uncover the scandal, said she didn’t have a problem with the joke because comedy “usually helps us focus on an uncomfortable historical event that we’d rather ignore.” “I think we use prior scandals to try to teach new generations what can go wrong with big companies,” said Watkins, who still speaks at colleges and conferences about the Enron scandal. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The president of South Korea early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed on the country hours earlier, bending to political pressure after a tense night in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appeared likely to be impeached over his actions, imposed martial law late Tuesday out of frustration with the opposition, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against opponents who control parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote to overrule the president, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Parliament acted swiftly after martial law was imposed, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.” In all, martial law was in effect for about six hours. The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party. Lee Jae-myung , leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted his order. Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote. “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo said. While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors. He said lawmakers had engaged in “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.” Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment. Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers’ vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state. When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts. The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. Following Yoon’s announcement of martial law, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violated the decree could be arrested without a warrant. In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea. The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. Soon after martial law was declared, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions. All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. At one point, television footage showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. The leader of Yoon’s conservative party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.” Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon — whose approval rating dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. His party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the central Seoul prosecutors’ office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens.” He did not elaborate. Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement. Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Sydney Seiler, Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament. “He has nothing to lose,” said Seiler, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in American football, with a slim chance of success. Now Yoon faces likely impeachment, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold move, Seiler said. Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy" that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022. South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye, the country’s first female president, who was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017 . Associated Press writers Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Matt Lee, Didi Tang and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip has revealed he snubbed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's press conference on the Woollahra vandalism attacks due to the government's lack of action on antisemitism. Mr Albanese attended the Jewish Museum on Wednesday following the antisemitic defacement of homes in the eastern Sydney suburb where at least one car was set on fire and two homes vandalised with antisemitic graffiti. It was the second antisemitic attack in the prominent Jewish suburb in three weeks. Mr Ossip told Sky News Australia on Wednesday evening he declined to attend Mr Albanese's appearance due to his government's "incendiary, demonising and provocative rhetoric" on Israel. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President said while he respected the office of the Prime Minister and the government funding to the Jewish Museum, he could not listen to Mr Albanese deliver a speech on antisemitism given one of his senior Minister's stance on Israel. "I couldn't bring myself to go and hear the Prime Minister talk about antisemitism whilst his government continues to plot further policy moves against the state of Israel," he said. "And whilst he fails to rein in his Foreign Minister, who continues to use incendiary, demonising and provocative rhetoric which in my opinion endangers the Jewish community." Instead, Mr Ossip sided with NSW Premier Chris Minns due to his "strong and unequivocal" stance on social cohesion. The contrast between Mr Albanese and Mr Minns was "very much a tale of two leaders", he claimed. After the prominent Jewish suburb of Woollahra was attacked on Wednesday morning, Mr Minns immediately fronted the media to speak out on the matter, slamming the actions of people who have "hate in their hearts". Mr Ossip said the Premier and the state government "couldn't have been any stronger" on antisemitism in the 14 months since the October 7 terror attack on Israel last year. "(Mr Minns) was on the phone to me in the early hours of the morning express solidarity with the Jewish community. He called the Israeli ambassador. He immediately coordinated additional security resources for the community, and he dropped everything on his plate to go to Woollahra immediately and to demonstrate his absolute abhorrence at what had taken place," he said. "This has been the approach he's demonstrated over the past 14 months. He's been there every single time, strong and unequivocal. Standing side by side with the Jewish community. "I think the Prime Minister and his colleagues would do very well to learn from Premier Minns." The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President also highlighted Mr Minns' decision to push back against controversial comments by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Wednesday. Senator Wong had used an address at the University of South Australia to compare Israel with Russia and China over its war in Gaza and Lebanon, saying Australia could not "pick and choose which rules we are going to apply" depending on the country involved. “We expect Russia to abide by international law and end its illegal full-scale war on Ukraine. We expect China to abide by international legal decisions in the South China Sea. We also expect Israel to abide by international law," she said on Monday. Speaking to Sky News Australia on Wednesday, the NSW Premier said he was not aware of the comments, but declared "the answer is no" if he was asked to equate the actions of Russia with Israel. Mr Ossip explained the Jewish community was "extremely frustrated and upset" at the federal government for its "slow" response to antisemitism since the shocking attack on Israel last year. He said the Albanese government seemed more "determined to demonise and abandon Israel" and to "play domestic politics" than to deal with the social cohesion crisis. Antisemitism in Australia had "festered" on the Albanese government's watch, Mr Ossip added, and it had now reached a "crisis point". "The Jewish community has been jumping up and down and warning the government throughout this period," he said. "It's not a surprise that we've now mounted up in a position like this."
Former prime minister Stephen Harper delivers the keynote address at a conference in Ottawa, on March 22. Adrian Wyld Steven Globerman is a senior fellow and Tegan Hill is director of Alberta policy at the Fraser Institute. Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner on Wednesday officially appointed a new board of directors for AIMCo, the $169-billion asset manager that handles the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and several public pensions including the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Premier Danielle Smith’s government had fired the previous board earlier this month to “reset the investment corporation’s focus.” The new appointees include the Smith government’s own deputy minister of finance and former prime minister Stephen Harper as chair. Indeed, the provincial government will now have a permanent representative on the board; this is a stark departure from past AIMCo boards, which have operated independently from government since 2009, a year after AIMCo was created. Clearly, the Smith government’s overhaul could pave the way for more government control of AIMCo activities. Perhaps Albertans shouldn’t be surprised. Just a few months ago, Ms. Smith said she might use income from the Heritage Fund – managed by AIMCo – to “assist in de-risking projects” in the oil and gas sector (in other words, funding projects that can’t secure financing from private lenders). Any such interventions by the provincial government would be bad news for Albertans invested in AIMCo’s funds, particularly if the government’s goal is to increase the fund’s share of assets invested in specific Alberta companies, projects or industries – including the oil and gas sector. Here’s why. For starters, politicians and bureaucrats are not omniscient. While private investment managers are also imperfect, they are presumably more adept at investment strategies than government officials. If specific investments in the province promised above-average risk-adjusted returns, AIMCo’s independent investment managers would likely make those investments without the advice or direction of government. Thus, government-directed investments are necessarily in those projects likely yielding lower returns (risk-adjusted). Secondly, the incentives of private investment managers are closely aligned with those of their investors, as the compensation of investment managers is typically linked to the returns earned by investors. Conversely, politicians and political parties are primarily concerned with winning elections and staying in power. To do so, politicians promise benefits to certain voters to gain their support, which may not align with the best interests of AIMCo’s investors. If the government uses AIMCo pension-fund assets to make investments in the province to win political support – at the expense of reduced investment returns of the pension fund – AIMCo investors will effectively subsidize other Albertans who have not put their savings at risk. Put differently, if the priority of AIMCo – to maximize risk-adjusted returns for its investors – becomes subordinate to the government’s attempt to woo specific voters, the likely result will be an inefficient allocation of capital in the eyes of AIMCo investors. To be sure, some Albertans will likely benefit from AIMCo investments directed by the government to local companies or select industries in the province. For example, if you work for an oil company and the government mandates that AIMCo invest more of its funds in the oil industry, you may benefit from a job promotion with increased compensation. However, the expanded hiring and increased growth of your local company (and other oil companies) will likely be accompanied by reduced hiring and slower growth in other local companies and sectors that did not receive government-directed investment. Put differently, as non-financial inputs (e.g. labour and physical capital) shift from one set of companies to another and to the extent that the government-favoured companies are less productive on average than other local companies (a reasonable assumption – otherwise the private market would already be allocating capital to them), the reallocation will result in an overall decline in productivity, as the government’s investment priorities are dictated by political considerations – not by investment return and productivity concerns. Put differently, if AIMCo investors bear the cost of government-directed investment strategies, while other Albertans enjoy indirect benefits (e.g. higher salaries), the government’s AIMCo strategy would amount to an indirect and unlegislated effective tax increase on one set of Albertans to benefit another set. As the AIMCo shakeup continues, Albertans should keep a close eye on the Smith government. Albertans invested in AIMCo funds would pay a price for any government-led efforts to direct more investment to specific companies or industrial sectors in the province. Government involvement in AIMCo might also hurt the provincial economy.Commentary: When it's necessary for judges to hold police accountableCricket Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australia captain Alyssa Healy has confirmed she won’t keep in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, with the opener to play as a specialist batter as she continues to recover from the knee injury that ended her WBBL season. Healy missed the recent 3-0 series win over India where Georgia Voll shone on her international debut with a century in the second ODI in Brisbane. Voll starred at the top of the order alongside Phoebe Litchfield but did leave the field in the third match with a knee injury, although early reports suggest she is in no doubt for the first game in New Zealand on December 19. Georgia Voll's currently off the field due to an injury, suffered in the field here ð Hoping there's nothing to worry about ð¤ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zLPOPuIJbp — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 11, 2024 As for Healy, she’s on track to return for the first ODI, but she’ll hand the wicketkeeping gloves to Beth Mooney given she’s unable to bend down for 50 overs due to the left knee injury that ended her season with the Sixers. “I think ‘Moons’ probably spilled the beans and suggested I wouldn’t be keeping, so that secret has gone,” she told the Willow Talk Podcast. “I’m keen to play and I’ll be doing everything to get on the field, (but) I won’t be keeping. That’s where my knee’s at and what the problem is with the knee is getting down into those positions. “I’m doing everything I can to get on the park as a batter and an excellent first slipper. “I’m terrified by the prospect because I overrate my fielding. I think I’m really good, but I’m not. I’m not Beth Mooney, and I know that, so I’ve just got to put myself in not hotspots. “We’ll keep progressing and hopefully I can play a part because there’s not a lot of cricket between now and the Ashes, so If I can get a hit out there, that’d be great.” Alyssa Healy performed well in the field for the Sixers in the WBBL, with the skipper set to field in the slips against New Zealand. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images Healy didn’t keep in her final game for Sydney against the Heat but did take two good catches in the field, with the veteran hoping to be fully fit in time for the Ashes that start next month in Sydney. It’s been a frustrating few months for Healy, who suffered a tournament-ending foot injury at the T20 World Cup and had to watch on as the Aussies were bundled out in the semi-final. The 34-year-old was asked on the podcast if it was a concern to be picking up these injuries at this stage of her career. “I think there’s an element of stress to it, but at the same time I’m really blessed that I can play multiple roles for the side,” she said. “I’m really lucky in that regard that if I can play a role, it might be with the bat first and then we manage it from there. “We’ve also got incredible depth within our squad, so if something does go wrong and something blows up again and I need an extra day off, we’ve got the coverage there. “The stress side of it is probably removed in that regard, but I want to be a part of everything. Later in my career, I want to still be playing as much cricket as I can. Unfortunately, my body is saying ‘no’.” Originally published as ‘That secret has gone’: Alyssa Healy confirms major change when she makes her return for New Zealand ODI series More related stories SuperCoach BBL BBL late mail: Maxwell drops SuperCoach bomb Melbourne Stars’ coach has revealed whether Glenn Maxwell will play in Sunday’s season opener. Get the latest selection and and squad news here. Read more Cricket Indian great’s ‘heated’ claim for third Test An Indian cricket great is predicting tensions to once again boil over following a spiteful confrontation that unfolded in Adelaide. Read moreClaudia Sheinbaum Assures a Good Relationship with Trump Sheinbaum and Trump Discuss Collaboration Mixed Reactions on Social Media About Mexico’s President «There will be time.» Claudia Sheinbaum assures that there will be a good relationship with Donald Trump’s administration. The president of Mexico refrained from specifying a date for a meeting with the U.S. president-elect. Meanwhile, Trump posted on social media about a very productive meeting with Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada. «We have discussed many issues that will require both countries to work together to address, such as the fentanyl and drug crisis,» he stated. Sheinbaum Talks with Trump Over the Phone Claudia Sheinbaum Assures a Good Relationship with Trump – PHOTO: Screenshot from X It is worth noting that on Wednesday, November 27, Claudia Sheinbaum had a phone call with Donald Trump, as reported by Aristegui Noticias. The president of Mexico shared that this conversation did not specifically address the topic of tariffs. YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Sheinbaum says that she never asked Trump to close the border «It was a very cordial conversation between us; we agreed that there will be a very good relationship,» she declared. She clarified that there will not be a tariff war with the U.S.: «One tariff will bring another in response,» she added. Sheinbaum made these comments during the inauguration of the IMSS Family Medicine Unit No. 73 in San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León. «I am convinced that the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. will be good and respectful and that dialogue and collaboration will always prevail,» she said. Sheinbaum was also asked about Trump’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to Infobae. «We’ll see; there will be time to meet. We’ll coordinate for a meeting. There will be a good relationship,» she added. In addition to the meeting with Trump, Sheinbaum discussed the contributions Mexican migrants make to the U.S. economy. It is said that for every 10 immigrants in the U.S. workforce, one or two jobs are created for U.S. citizens. «If Mexican workers stopped consuming in the U.S., their economy would shrink by more than one percentage point of its Gross Domestic Product.» Lastly, she noted that eliminating the consumption of Mexican workers would be equivalent to erasing the value generated by the entirety of agriculture, fishing, and forestry. CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO LISTEN TO NATALIA RAMÍREZ AND THE TRUTH ABOUT THE NEW SEASON OF BETTY LA FEA PHOTO: MundoNOW if(typeof custom_paginate == "function")custom_paginate()