Verizon Frontline powers NORAD Tracks Santa initiative for 22nd yearEarly in his career, NBA point guard Lonzo Ball donned the sneakers of his family's company: Big Baller Brand. Today, Lonzo blames BBB for his years-long injury struggles and recently compared the quality to that of kickball shoes. "I was an Adidas kid since high school, so I was thinking that was going to be the route," Ball said via ESPN . "But what was told to me, I guess, wasn't what really happened. I was told that nobody wanted to partner with me, so my dad was like, 'Just rock the brand.' And I was like, 'All right.' They were like kickball shoes..." Big Baller Brand is the sneaker-apparel brand owned by Lonzo's dad, LaVar. The idea was that all three Lonzo kids would represent the company and help the family establish their own source of wealth. But, according to Lonzo, wearing the sneakers during his rookie season may have contributed to the first meniscus injury he suffered in January 2018. "I think it's a possibility for sure, to be honest with you," Ball said. "I wasn't getting hurt like that until I started wearing them." The sneakers were described as "unwearable" by Ball in the summer of 2017 and it wasn't until Big Baller Brand reached a deal with Sketchers that Ball finally conceded and agreed to wear them on the court. Of course, nobody could foresee how much he'd struggle to stay on the court. Before his rookie season in 2017-18, Ball was durable and healthy with no serious injury concerns. But after that meniscus injury in 2018, Ball's health took a nosedive. Over the next four seasons, Lonzo was in and out of the lineup with constant injuries that made him miss at least 20 or more games over months. To date, the most games that Ball has ever played in a single season is 63 in 2019-20. From 2022-2024, Ball was entirely out of the lineup, costing him two seasons in what should have been his prime. Finally, after several surgeries and countless hours in physical therapy, Ball was able to re-take the court this season for the first time in two years . With averages of 4.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game on 38.5% shooting, Ball is still working his way back to form, and it's clear that he's got a long way to go before he's in a place where he's comfortable with his game. For now, Lonzo has to be happy just to be back at all. After two years of inactivity, most fans and experts thought he'd never return but he's shown us all that hard work and dedication can help someone through the most difficult tasks. Fortunately for Ball, he no longer has to worry about wearing the wrong kind of footwear. After throwing his Big Ballers in the trash, Ball has taken to repping more recognizable brands, such as Nike and Adidas. As a member of the Bulls , Lonzo will have his next opportunity tonight, against the Spurs at Frost Bank Center at 8:00 PM EST. Tomorrow, Lonzo and the Bulls will lace up again to finish their back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers at 8:00 PM EST. Finally, the Bulls will return home to face the 76ers at 1:00 PM EST on December 8th, 2024. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine. He won a fifth term that will keep him in office until 2030 following an election with only token opposition. He tightened a political crackdown on Russian society, and his top opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison under still unknown circumstances. But gunmen massacred scores of people in a Moscow concert hall, and a bomb killed a top general in attacks that underscored security flaws. Ukrainian forces swept into the Russian region of Kursk, Putin boasted about a lethal new hypersonic missile, and a new Trump administration raised concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Russian man arrested for allegedly running LGBTQ+ travel agency found dead in custody A Russian man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers has been found dead in custody in Moscow. That's according to independent news outlet Mediazona on Sunday. According to OVD-Info, Andrei Kotov of the Men Travel agency was in pretrial detention facing extremism charges. An investigator told Kotov’s lawyer that her client had died by suicide and was found dead in his cell. Just over a year ago, Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism in a ruling that designated “the international LGBT movement” as extremist. The move exposed anyone in the community or connected to it to criminal prosecution and prison. Syria's dwindling Jewish community can visit one of the world's oldest synagogues again JOBAR, Syria (AP) — Syria's civil war left one of the world's oldest synagogues partially destroyed. Now Syria's handful of remaining Jews are making pilgrimages to the synagogue in a Damascus suburb where people from throughout the region once came to pray. Syria used to have one of the world's largest Jewish communities, but in past decades their numbers dropped to nine in the capital. The head of the Jewish community there says Jewish personalities are offering to rebuild the Jobar synagogue that dates back nearly 3,000 years. It was badly damaged by bombardment when the neighborhood was controlled by opposition fighters. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Damari Monsanto's 22 points helped UTSA defeat Southwestern Adventist 117-58 on Thursday. Monsanto added six rebounds for the Roadrunners (6-5). Sky Wicks scored 20 points while shooting 8 for 12, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds and three steals. Amir "Primo" Spears shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line to finish with 16 points. Domonique Wilkins and Orlando Gooden each scored 19 points for Southwestern Adventist. Jason Garcia had 13 points, four assists and two steals. Monsanto led his team in scoring with 16 points in the first half to help put them up 61-24 at the break. UTSA extended its lead to 87-38 during the second half, fueled by a 13-3 scoring run. Wicks scored a team-high 10 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The B2B payments landscape is at a pivotal juncture as 2025 approaches. On one hand, the imperative to digitize and integrate payment processes has never been more pressing. On the other, legacy systems and entrenched processes pose significant obstacles, creating a delicate balancing act for businesses striving to modernize. Understanding these dueling imperatives is key to navigating the future of B2B payments, as organizations grapple with how to innovate without compromising existing workflows. Success may depend on embracing a strategic approach that balances the need for innovation with the realities of legacy infrastructure. By tackling modernization incrementally, leveraging partnerships and fostering a culture that champions change, businesses can work to chart a path forward that helps ensure both operational excellence and future readiness. After all, it wouldn’t be a B2B new year without something old and something new. The Digitization and Integration of B2B Payment Processes The digital transformation of payment processes offers unparalleled opportunities for efficiency. Manual processes, still prevalent in many B2B transactions, are fraught with delays and errors. Digitized systems, by contrast, enable real-time payments, automated reconciliation, and streamlined approvals, reducing operational friction and enhancing cash flow visibility. There are two sides to any commercial transaction. Within B2B , buyers and suppliers find one another and agree on terms, funds flow, and accounts payable and receivable departments interact. “ The 2024-2025 Growth Corporates Working Capital Index ,” a PYMNTS Intelligence report commissioned by Visa , found that the integration of suppliers — through digital means, as their billing systems are linked to the buyers’ payment operations — can improve cash flow for both parties, and by extension, create B2B ecosystems that are efficient. Top performers integrated twice as many suppliers into their systems as lesser performers, as there was an overall 34% boost in supplier payment integration. As the calendar year’s worth of PYMNTS Intelligence studies have shown, accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) automation are increasingly becoming key areas of focus for businesses looking to eliminate manual B2B processes and corral their disorganized tech stacks. That’s why we dug into the how, why, and where this transformation is taking place across B2B payment processes. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in virtual cards over recent years,” Widad Chaoui , vice president and general manager, corporate program product management at American Express , told PYMNTS, noting that fundamental to the promise of virtual cards is their ability to deliver enhanced fraud protection, automation and flexibility compared to traditional methods, such as checks — three qualities that resonate strongly. “They are dynamic digital payment methods that deliver better fraud protection and enable greater spend controls [than legacy B2B payments]. At their core, virtual cards provide businesses with flexibility, security and efficiency,” Chaoui said. Keo World is expanding access to its B2B payments platform Workeo in Brazil through a partnership agreement with investment bank BTG Pactual Bank S.A. This partnership will help medium and large businesses in Brazil digitize their B2B invoice payments with Keo’s Workeo solution, in collaboration with the Amex Business Link platform, Keo said Monday (Dec. 16). Embracing Emerging Technologies Despite the clear benefits of digitization, legacy systems and processes remain significant hurdles. It’s known that old systems can create big problems, and organizations are grappling with the dual challenges of their legacy infrastructure and rapidly evolving technological demands to operate. With the news that London’s Metropolitan Police is eyeing a sweeping upgrade of its core operational and financial systems, per a recent procurement request, PYMNTS looked into how the sheer scale and complexity of the requirements provide a window into the broader challenges of digital transformation in legacy-heavy organization. “The middle to back office, they’re no longer just a cost center ,” Meghan Oakes , vice president of customer success at FIS , told PYMNTS this week. “They’re a value-added partner for everybody within the business. There are many different aspects of that middle to back office that are now at the forefront of how companies operate.” “Clients cannot boil the ocean,” she added. “They fully understand that it’s a transformation journey.” For finance teams, PYMNTS covered on Tuesday, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are no longer on the horizon — they’re here, and they’re ready to transform the way businesses operate in a world where traditional tools and manual processes are increasingly proving they just don’t cut it. After all, OpenAI’s latest update for ChatGPT is taking aim at business workflows, while Basis on Tuesday (Dec. 17) raised $34 million in a Series A round to expand its deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) agents designed to help accountants. Also on Tuesday, Parafin raised $100 million in a Series C funding round to grow its embedded finance infrastructure that powers financial services for marketplaces, vertical software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers and payment platforms. And, lastly, are B2B wearables on the horizon for 2025? Only time will tell. For all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter .
Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Heidenheim - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
Surrogacy Market Size: Strong Growth Ahead (2024-2032) 12-19-2024 08:26 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Surrogacy Market Latest Market Overview The global surrogacy market is anticipated to reach USD 45.1 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2024 to 2032. Surrogacy, as a method of assisted reproduction, has become increasingly popular due to advancements in reproductive technologies, changes in societal norms, and rising infertility rates. The market is driven by the growing demand for surrogacy services, especially in developed countries, alongside the expanding acceptance of non-traditional family structures. Rising awareness of reproductive health issues and the increasing willingness to explore assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have further fueled market growth. The Surrogacy Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. 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Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/surrogacy-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Surrogacy Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/surrogacy-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Surrogacy market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Surrogacy market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. 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For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/surrogacy-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.Mukhyamantri’s mantra
Geode Capital Management LLC Increases Position in Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:GDYN)
(Bloomberg) — Canada’s largest banks all are poised to pay their employees more in variable compensation for 2024, with stock-market favorites Royal Bank of Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and National Bank of Canada increasing bonus pay the most. The country’s Big Six lenders set aside 12.2% more on average in fiscal 2024 compared with the previous year, with bonus pay rising across the board despite a generally challenging environment for dealmaking and capital markets during the year. While there was decent activity in debt capital markets this year, there was a dearth of Canadian initial public offerings — a dry spell that finally ended when Groupe Dynamite Inc. went public last month — and mergers and acquisitions were muted for most of the year. Still, that didn’t lead to a wave of job cuts, said Bill Vlaad, managing partner and chief executive officer of Toronto-based recruitment firm Vlaad & Co. “We haven’t had a bloodbath in 2024,” he said. “Things haven’t been good, but there’s been really good management of personnel. Yes, there’s been some cleaning up and yes, there’s been a little restructuring, but for the most part it hasn’t been catastrophic.” Incentive pay at Canadian banks is based on performance, and the figures the firms report in their quarterly filings reflect the amount reserved, not paid out. The fiscal year ended on Oct. 31, but bonuses are typically distributed in December. The trend in Canada echoes what bankers south of the border are expecting. Investment bankers, traders and asset- and wealth-management professionals are all poised to see increases in year-end incentive pay reaching into the double digits, according to a report last month from Johnson Associates Inc. Bankers who help companies sell debt may see the biggest gains, with payouts set to rise as much as 35%, the compensation consultant said. Variable compensation is particularly important to capital-markets professionals — including investment bankers, analysts, salespeople and traders — who typically count on a large portion of their take-home pay coming from bonuses. But employees in other divisions, such as wealth management, insurance and asset management, also receive incentive pay on top of their base salaries. RBC, CIBC, National Bank Bonus pay at Royal Bank and CIBC increased by 16.2% and 19.1%, respectively, in 2024. While Royal Bank’s dominant capital-markets franchise saw profit increase by more than 10% last year, net income at CIBC’s equivalent unit was little changed. Canada’s fifth-largest bank has been on a winning streak in recent quarters, however, with its stock routinely hitting new all-time highs on strong financial performance. “We pay competitively and have a pay-for-performance philosophy that aligns compensation to our bank’s financial and non-financial performance,” CIBC spokesperson Tom Wallis said in an email, adding that non-financial metrics including environmental, social and governance progress are also a factor. Royal Bank Chief Executive Officer Dave McKay cited the bank’s strong capital-markets results on an earnings call this week and noted the lender has a “robust pipeline that continued to build as we progressed through 2024.” National Bank, which has also enjoyed a run-up in its shares for most of the year and is poised for growth if it completes its acquisition of Canadian Western Bank as planned, increased bonus pay by 13.9% during the year. Its capital-markets business saw profits increase about 19% in fiscal 2024. “Our variable compensation is in line with revenue growth and the solid performance of our teams across business lines,” spokesperson Alexandre Guay said. BMO, Scotiabank Bank of Montreal and Bank of Nova Scotia both boosted the size of their bonus pools — with increases of 5.1% and 4.2%, respectively — despite capital-markets profit declining at both companies. The slump at Bank of Montreal was largely due to higher provisions for potentially bad loans — an issue that has plagued the bank overall — while Scotiabank said in its latest quarterly report that profit at its capital-markets business slipped on higher expenses. “Our compensation framework is designed to deliver long-term shareholder performance, is a reflection of business results and is competitive with the market,” said Bank of Montreal spokesperson Jeff Roman. Scotiabank employees are its “most important asset and recognizing them through performance-based compensation is one of the many ways we reward their valued contributions,” Chief Financial Officer Raj Viswanathan said. “This year’s all-bank performance-based compensation reflects early progress against our strategy amidst continued challenging market conditions, and confidence in our execution,” he said, referring to a strategy the bank put in place about a year ago. Toronto-Dominion Bonuses were up a healthy 10.2% at Toronto-Dominion Bank, despite a rough year for the lender, which reached a $3.1 billion settlement with US authorities over money-laundering charges in October. It said Thursday it’s suspending its guidance on growth as it undertakes a sweeping business review. Still, on the capital-markets front, the bank is enjoying momentum following its takeover of US investment bank Cowen Inc. But its 45% profit increase for the division is outsize partly because last year’s figure included significant costs related to the Cowen integration. “This year’s incentive compensation reflects a combination of factors including year-over-year annual salary increases and higher business specific incentives reflecting strong performance in wholesale banking (including a full fiscal year of TD Cowen) and wealth management,” spokesperson Elizabeth Goldenshtein said in an email. —With assistance from Melissa Shin.John Calipari faces familiar foe as No. 23 Arkansas hosts OaklandCathie Wood’s Ark Innovation ETF is blazing trails in the artificial intelligence sector, thanks to its forward-thinking investments made long before AI became mainstream. The fund’s strategic moves have positioned it for remarkable success, especially in 2024. Palantir Technologies: A Data Powerhouse Palantir Technologies stands as a pillar in the Ark Innovation ETF, dazzling investors with a 380% stock surge in 2024. This phenomenal growth is driven by Palantir’s strong revenue performance and its strategic positioning within key stock indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100. Major government contracts continue to bolster its long-term potential, as the company embodies a shift towards data-driven efficiency and security. Nvidia: At the Core of AI Advancements Despite trimming Nvidia shares, Cathie Wood maintains a strong connection to the company through her other funds. Nvidia’s graphic processing units (GPUs) are crucial to AI applications, a fact reflected in a 180% rise in stock price this past year. CEO Jensen Huang sees broader opportunities for Nvidia in accelerated computing, expanding beyond AI and setting the stage for future growth. Tesla: Driving AI Innovations Tesla remains a flagship investment for Wood, marking more than an 80% increase in share value since November 2023. Market optimism about AI initiatives, including a potential robotaxi service, keeps Tesla in the spotlight. While valuations raise some eyebrows, the company’s commitment to leveraging AI reinforces its pioneering status in the automotive industry. As AI propels these companies forward, 2025 promises further exciting opportunities, with continued advancements in technology and market dynamics to watch closely. Investors keen on riding the AI wave should keep an eye on these transformative leaders. Investing in AI: Unpacking Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in 2025 In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Cathie Wood’s Ark Innovation ETF continues to set the benchmark for strategic investments in the artificial intelligence sector. The fund’s foresight in capitalizing on AI-related opportunities has created substantial market buzz, with significant implications for 2025 and beyond. Market Analysis and Predictions As 2024 paved the way for unprecedented growth in AI, 2025 holds the promise of transforming market dynamics further. Investors and analysts are closely monitoring how key players like Palantir Technologies, Nvidia, and Tesla will adapt to, and drive, the next wave of AI innovations. The burgeoning growth in AI solutions, from machine learning models to AI-driven automation, indicates a robust market trajectory where the integration of AI into various industries becomes not just beneficial but essential. Features and Innovations Palantir Technologies stands at the forefront, celebrated for its advanced data analytics platforms that cater specifically to government and large enterprise needs. The integration of AI in Palantir’s offerings allows for unprecedented data interpretation abilities, providing clients with actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and security. Nvidia , renowned for its cutting-edge GPUs, is not just an AI enabler but also looks to broaden its horizon through accelerated computing beyond traditional AI applications. CEO Jensen Huang’s vision indicates a diversification strategy that could redefine sectors such as healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and finance. Tesla , synonymous with innovation in the electric vehicle market, continues to harness AI for transformative initiatives like the anticipated robotaxi service. Tesla’s strategic AI endeavors underscore its goal to remain a vanguard in automotive technology, spotlighting its pioneering role in the integration of AI with mobility solutions. Challenges and Security Aspects Despite these advancements, the AI sector faces critical challenges, particularly in balancing rapid growth with ethical considerations and security concerns. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into business processes, safeguarding data integrity and addressing potential biases in machine learning models become paramount. Companies must navigate these intricacies to foster trust and maintain innovation momentum. Sustainability and Future Trends Sustainability in AI development is emerging as a key pillar, with enterprises seeking ways to reduce the ecological footprint of AI solutions. Companies are investing in energy-efficient data centers and cleaner production processes, aligning with global sustainability goals. As AI evolves, its applications in environmental monitoring and resource management offer promising avenues for sustainable growth. Looking ahead, the trend toward democratizing AI technology will redefine accessibility, allowing smaller businesses and startups to harness AI for niche applications, thus fostering an inclusive technological ecosystem. In conclusion, as Cathie Wood’s Ark Innovation ETF captures the essence of AI potential, investors should remain attentive to shifting market landscapes, emerging technologies, and the ethical considerations that influence this dynamic sector. The heightened focus on innovation and sustainability will undoubtedly shape the contours of AI’s future. For those interested in the broader implications of these trends, learn more about the broader strategies by visiting the Ark Invest official website.
Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth straight gain. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat with a gain of less than 0.1% as of 3:07 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 1.5% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.4% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.3%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December. Damian J. Troise And Alex Veiga, The Associated PressAce Baldwin Jr. collected 23 points and 10 assists as Penn State topped visiting Penn 86-66 on Sunday in University Park, Pa. Yanic Konan Niederhauser chipped in 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Nittany Lions (11-2) ended the calendar year by winning their third straight game. Penn State shot just 4 of 18 from 3-point range, but the hosts authored a crisp 22-of-26 showing from the foul line, including 12 of 12 by Baldwin. Nick Kern added 13 points, while Puff Johnson and Fred Dilione V each contributed 11 points for the Nittany Lions. Michael Zanoni recorded 27 points for the Quakers (4-9), while Nick Spinoso pitched in with 13 points. Penn shot just 38.6 percent (22 of 57) from the floor and committed 17 turnovers, including nine by Spinoso. The Quakers were 11 of 12 from the free-throw line. Penn State led by two early in the second half when Konan Niederhauser and Dilione combined for all the offense in a 7-0 run that opened a 45-36 lead. With about 11 1/2 minutes left, AJ Levine's 3-pointer drew Penn within 51-44 before Penn State scored 16 of the next 18 points to end any chances of an upset. Johnson had a three-point play early in that sequence before he capped the run with a 3-pointer to make it 67-46 with 6:29 to play. Baldwin's two free throws with 3:02 left increased the lead to 25 for the first time. The Nittany Lions led by as many as 26 points down the stretch in improving to 8-0 at home. The first half was tight throughout, as neither team led by more than four points until Johnson's layup gave Penn State a 32-27 lead with 2:18 left in the half. Penn responded with buckets from Spinoso and Zanoni, but Konan Niederhauser's dunk in the final minute sent the Nittany Lions into the break with a 34-31 lead. The score remained close early in the second half. Spinoso's 3-pointer drew the Quakers within 38-36 with 17:40 remaining, but that was the end of the highlights for Penn. --Field Level Media
Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there's a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here's a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: Hollywood stars and child influencers California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. Social media limits New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads. School rules on gender In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification. The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Abortion coverage Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible, copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. Gun control A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with "binary triggers" that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Medical marijuana Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes. To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wages Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Safer traveling In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn't banned texting while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tax breaks Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent, thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona's nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. Voting rights An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. "I think it's very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens," Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.Tips for staying safe and healthy during the winter season - Vancouver Coastal Health
Having concluded the nonconference portion of its schedule with four consecutive wins, No. 15 Houston will open Big 12 play with something of a clean slate. The Cougars (8-3) resemble the squad that claimed the regular-season Big 12 title in their first year in the league last season as they head to Stillwater, Okla., to face Oklahoma State on Monday. Their balanced offense was on full display in an 87-51 home victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Dec. 21, with Emanuel Sharp (18 points), L.J. Cryer (17), Terrance Arceneaux (13) and Milos Uzan (12) sharing the load as Houston made a season-high 14 3-pointers. The offensive display provided a complement to the Cougars' usual brand of stifling defense and tenacious rebounding, and Houston coach Kelvin Sampson found it worth celebrating for a team whose shortcomings are too often overanalyzed. "You can't always just focus on things you've got to get better at," Sampson said. "You'll never focus on the things you're good at." Oklahoma State will represent a step up in weight class, with the depth and athleticism to challenge the Cougars' emerging offense. That comes as no surprise for the Cougars, who quickly became accustomed to the rigors of the Big 12, especially when the stakes are highest on the road. "Being able to get shots at the goal and taking care of the ball in the hostile environment is always going to be a challenge when you go on the road in this league," Sampson said. "That's what we'll be challenged with." The Cowboys (8-3) improved to 5-0 at home with their 86-74 victory over Oral Roberts on Dec. 22. Senior forward Abou Ousmane paired a season-high 19 points with a team-high seven rebounds in the victory, further validating the need for Oklahoma State to run more of its offense through its second-leading scorer. Ousmane averages 12.2 points per game for the Cowboys, second to Marchelus Avery (13.0). "It helps when we get him the basketball," first-year Cowboys coach Steve Lutz said of Ousmane. "We don't throw him the basketball enough. To his credit, he runs in transition, he seals for the most part darn near every time and our guards have to do a better job as they come across halfcourt of getting their head up and reading where the big is and (determining) can we get him the basketball. "That's going to be our quickest and best opportunity to score. We've got to continue to focus on throwing the ball inside to him." Oklahoma State enters conference play with momentum, having won four of its last five games. And while nonconference losses to Florida Atlantic, Nevada and Oklahoma proved disappointing, the setbacks showed the Cowboys have room for improvement. "We still have a lot of work to do," Lutz said. "We still have a lot of growth. I don't ever like to look ahead at the beginning of the season and say our record should be X and X. I try to focus more on the day-to-day progress of our team, and there are days where I think we make progress and days where we slip back a little bit. "We've got to continue with the process and get better and better each day." --Field Level MediaIn a groundbreaking move, Tesla is merging automotive innovation with the digital entertainment sphere, aiming to transform how we perceive gaming. With its cutting-edge technology and visionary approach, Tesla has rolled out a software update that integrates gaming platforms directly into its vehicles’ infotainment systems. Enhanced In-Car Entertainment Elon Musk’s vision for Tesla has always been about more than just electric cars; it’s about redefining the driving experience. The recent update introduces a seamless gaming platform, allowing drivers and passengers to access a rich library of video games. This initiative not only positions Tesla vehicles as a hub for entertainment but also makes long drives more enjoyable. Advanced Graphics and Real-Time Playability Leveraging its powerful GPU capabilities, Tesla’s infotainment system can now support high-performance graphics, creating an immersive gaming experience on the go. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or parked for a recharge, you can indulge in a session of your favorite titles. The responsiveness and visual quality rival those found on dedicated gaming consoles. Paving the Future of Gaming This move hints at the emerging trend of integrating technology into everyday activities, blurring the lines between automotive and digital sectors. As self-driving technology progresses, the potential for a fully immersive gaming experience during autonomous rides looms on the horizon, setting a precedent for how we might entertain ourselves in future transport. Tesla’s innovation is not just changing how we drive; it’s revolutionizing how and where we game. Revving Up the Game: How Tesla is Leading the Charge in In-Car Entertainment In the rapidly evolving world of automotive technology, Tesla is at the forefront once again with its groundbreaking foray into digital entertainment. This trailblazing move sees the integration of gaming platforms directly into Tesla vehicles’ infotainment systems, redefining the boundaries of in-car entertainment. While the original announcement highlighted this innovation, there is more beneath the surface that points to Tesla’s expanding influence in merging mobility with multimedia. Revolutionizing the Road Trip with Game-Changing Updates Tesla’s latest software update brings a new dimension to road trips and daily commutes, as it enhances the in-car experience by offering a rich library of video games. By introducing high-performance gaming capabilities, Tesla vehicles are positioned not just as transport machines, but as sophisticated entertainment hubs for drivers and passengers alike. Evaluating Performance: Pros and Cons of In-Car Gaming Pros: – Convenience and Entertainment: Tesla’s system allows passengers to enjoy immersive games during long drives, making journeys more enjoyable and less monotonous. – Seamless Integration: The gaming platform is integrated directly into the Tesla interface, ensuring a superior user experience without the need for additional devices. – Advanced Graphics: With powerful GPU capabilities, games run smoothly with impressive visual enhancements. Cons: – Safety Concerns: There may be concerns about driver distraction, emphasizing the importance of using these features safely and perhaps restricting access to games while the vehicle is in motion. – Battery Drain: Extended use of high-performance gaming could potentially impact the vehicle’s battery life. Harnessing Innovation: The Potential and Limitations Tesla’s move is emblematic of innovative trends where automotive experiences intersect with personal digital demands. Although obstacles like safety concerns and battery consumption need addressing, the potential for enriching the driving experience is significant. For instance, autonomous driving technology could open up opportunities for entirely new forms of in-car entertainment, where passengers are not limited by manual driving demands. Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Future of Mobility and Entertainment As Tesla continues to pioneer new territories in both electronic vehicle design and entertainment, predictions for the future suggest a more integrated lifestyle, where the car becomes an extension of the home. Innovations like in-car gaming offer insights into how our interactions with vehicles will evolve, potentially transforming car interiors into versatile living spaces. For more information about Tesla’s innovations and updates, visit Tesla . By reshaping the traditional concepts of mobility and leisure, Tesla is not only capturing the hearts of tech enthusiasts but setting a precedent for other manufacturers. The prospects of further weaving technology into every aspect of everyday life appear limitless, heralding a new era in which driving is not just about the destination, but the journey itself.