NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Related Articles Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms CUPERTINO, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization's broader Ignite program , which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 "CSAM Detection" technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE . "The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act," said Jane Doe , a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn't just about my story – it's about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I'm here to demand that they fulfill it." "Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims," said Margaret E. Mabie , Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. "Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple's top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims." "Apple wants people to think they are the 'responsible' tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not," said Sarah Gardner , Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. "The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud." In August 2021 , Apple announced it would implement a new "CSAM Detection" feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program . At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms– Apple reported only 267 . The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors: Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable. Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children's safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative's Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. Contact: press@heatinitiative.org View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html SOURCE Heat Initiative Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.
Syrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at home
Costco’s popular Kirkland diapers shifting suppliers
SMU owns second half in win over Longwood
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State, Faruku Fada, has commenced the sponsorship of the annual mass circumcision for children in the state, targeting a minimum of 1,000 boys. The state chairman of the party, Hon. Bello Aliyu Goronyo, while speaking to newsmen at the circumcision venue at Alhuda College of Health Technology, Sama Road, on Saturday, said that Mr. Fada is reviving the age-long tradition and culture of Hausa-speaking communities. He explained that circumcision, in a traditional Hausa setting, is conducted on boys under the age of ten during the harmattan season. Also speaking after the exercise began, Mr. Fada, stated that the initiative was aimed at assisting less privileged parents who could not afford to circumcise their children when they reached the appropriate age. READ MORE: Suspected Terrorists Abduct Two Residents In Sokoto He said: “The mass circumcision will be carried out in all communities within Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas, regardless of tribal or political affiliations. “We will do our best within our God-given resources to give back to society, especially in these times of economic hardship.”
NoneDeploy paramilitary forces for WB co-operative bank polls: SCNear Infrared Imaging Market to Reach USD3.2 Billion by 2034 with a 3.9% of CAGR 12-24-2024 06:12 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Future Market Insights Near Infrared Imaging Market The global near infrared (NIR) imaging market is set to experience steady growth over the coming decade, with its valuation expected to rise from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 3.2 billion by 2034. This growth trajectory represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% over the forecast period. The market's expansion reflects the increasing adoption of NIR imaging technology in medical diagnostics, surgical procedures, and preclinical research. The progression of the market from USD2.1 million in 2022 to a projected USD2.2 billion in 2024 highlights the significant investment and demand for advanced imaging solutions. Near infrared imaging, known for its ability to provide clear, real-time images of tissues, blood vessels, and lymph nodes, has become an indispensable tool in cancer surgery, vascular imaging, and tissue analysis. The technology's non-invasive nature, coupled with its precision, is driving its adoption in clinical and research settings. Request a Sample of this Report Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18251 As healthcare providers seek to enhance surgical precision and reduce complications, NIR imaging is gaining momentum as a vital component of image-guided surgery. The rising prevalence of cancer and the growing need for minimally invasive procedures are further propelling demand. Key stakeholders, including hospitals, research institutions, and biotech firms, are investing heavily in the development of next-generation NIR imaging systems. Key Takeaways The global near infrared imaging market is projected to grow from USD2.2 billion in 2024 to USD3.2 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 3.9%. The market's growth from USD2.1 million in 2022 to USD2.2 billion in 2024 underscores rising demand for NIR imaging technology. Near infrared imaging is increasingly being adopted for cancer surgery, vascular imaging, and tissue analysis due to its real-time, non-invasive imaging capabilities. Rising demand for minimally invasive procedures and growing healthcare investments are driving the development of next-generation NIR imaging systems. As advancements in medical imaging technology continue, near infrared imaging is set to play an essential role in improving diagnostic accuracy, surgical outcomes, and patient care. This growing market reflects the shift toward precision medicine and the development of cutting-edge imaging tools in modern healthcare. Market Drivers Advancements in Imaging Technology: Continuous improvements in near infrared imaging technology are enhancing diagnostic capabilities, making it a preferred choice in various medical applications. Increasing Demand for Non-Invasive Procedures: The non-invasive nature of near infrared imaging techniques is driving their adoption in clinical settings, particularly for surgical guidance and diagnostics. Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: The rising incidence of conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases is boosting the demand for effective imaging solutions, including near infrared technologies. Rising Awareness and Acceptance: Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits of near infrared imaging is contributing to market growth. Government Initiatives and Funding: Supportive government policies and funding for medical research are facilitating advancements in near infrared imaging technologies. Regional Insights North America: Expected to dominate the market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high rates of chronic diseases. Asia-Pacific: Anticipated to exhibit significant growth driven by increasing healthcare expenditures and a growing population. Challenges High Costs of Equipment: The cost associated with advanced near infrared imaging systems may limit accessibility for some healthcare facilities. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating regulatory requirements for new imaging technologies can pose challenges for manufacturers. Competitive Landscape in the Near Infrared Imaging Market The key players are increasingly leveraging the benefits of collaborations. Manufacturers are taking advantage of partnerships with hospitals, mergers with other manufacturers in the market, acquisitions, and more collaborative strategies. The pharmacy automation market does not feature highly dominant manufacturers. Instead, the market is fragmented, with several key players enjoying their share. Manufacturers are also receiving increasing approvals from several governments to enhance their pharmaceutical infrastructure for medical purposes. Recent Developments in the Near Infrared Imaging Market In 2023, Quest Medical Imaging launched its NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging System, providing high-resolution imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. This system offers deeper tissue penetration and reduced scattering compared to traditional NIR imaging systems. In 2022, Leica Microsystems launched its NIR Fluorescence Imaging System, designed for use in both clinical and research settings. The system offers high-resolution imaging and compatibility with a wide range of NIR dyes. In 2023, Medtronic (Visionsense) received FDA approval for its NIR Fluorescence Imaging System, designed for use in minimally invasive spine surgery. The system aids in visualizing nerve structures and blood vessels. In 2022, Stryker received FDA clearance for its SureView NIR Imaging System, designed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The system incorporates NIR technology to enhance visualization of blood flow and perfusion during surgery. Near Infrared Imaging Market Key Players Quest Medical Imaging B.V. Stryker KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG Olympus Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Mizuho Medical Co, Ltd. Shimadzu Corporation Leica Microsystems Medtronic PerkinElmer, Inc. Carl Zeiss Meditec Fluoptics Key Segments By Product Type: Devices Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Systems Near-infrared Fluorescence & Bioluminescence Imaging Systems Reagents Indocyanine Green (ICG) Other Reagents By Application: Preclinical Imaging Cancer Surgeries Gastrointestinal Surgeries Cardiovascular Surgeries Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeries Other Applications By End Use: Hospitals & Clinics Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Research Laboratories By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa (MEA) Explore FMI's Related Ongoing Coverage on Healthcare Market Insights Domain: Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/direct-to-consumer-genetic-testing-market Biotherapeutics Virus removal filters Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/biotherapeutics-virus-removal-filters-market Oncology Information Systems Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/oncology-information-systems-market About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube This release was published on openPR.
Commentary: Treasury nominee needs to embrace clean energy economyKUALA LUMPUR: On the eve of Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day, Malaysian Chinese YouTuber Wabikong released a game-show video entitled Guess the Real Chinese (Malay Version) to wide acclaim. In the video, a blindfolded guest guessed which one of the five Mandarin-speaking participants was a Malaysian Chinese. The four Malay participants spoke Mandarin fluently and demonstrated a depth of cultural knowledge of slang and eateries that matched that of a native speaker. As a result, the guest repeatedly failed, eliminating the sole Malaysian Chinese participant early. This video and its predecessor – in which the player tried to pick the sole Malaysian Chinese among mostly Mandarin-speaking Indian participants – garnered over half a million views as of November 2024. There appear to be more non-Chinese Malaysians embracing the Chinese language. While no official data exists on non-Chinese Mandarin speakers in Malaysia due to a lack of collection, anecdotal evidence suggests a rise, especially among Malays. Businesses of Chinese language centres, like Fasih Mandarin in Malay-majority Kuantan, Pahang, have boomed. Politicians like former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Members of Parliament have embraced the language, influencing and reflecting a broader trend. A reliable but incomplete proxy is the non-Chinese student enrolment in Chinese vernacular primary schools (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina, or SJKC). The non-Chinese enrolment in SJKCs soared from 17,309 in 1989 to 101,011 in 2020: A 484 per cent increase in three decades. This means non-Chinese students now account for a fifth of all SJKC students. The data indicates that Malays account for about 15.3 per cent of the total student population in SJKCs. This is significant for Malaysia’s Malay-Chinese ethnic relations, as it partly represents early-stage contact between sizeable groups in an increasingly mixed setting that was traditionally more homogenous. For instance, in 2010, Malays made up 94 per cent of national school students (where Malay is the primary medium of instruction) and Chinese, 88 per cent of SJKC enrolment. This is important as early intergroup contact and friendships have been shown to reduce prejudice and foster positive intergroup attitudes. ECONOMIC VALUE OF LEARNING CHINESE A news report featured a survey by the foremost Malaysian Chinese school federations, Dong Zong and Jiao Zong, reveal the two main reasons parents chose SJKCs for their children: The practical value of the Chinese language and the schools’ management. The former stems from China’s rise as an economic superpower and its investments in Malaysia, which in turn has increased demand for Chinese language fluency in the local job market. Malaysia’s job portal data corroborates this finding. Listings in the top job portals such as Jobstreet, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor specifying a “Mandarin” requirement account for 20.8 per cent of total jobs in Malaysia. Jobstreet by Seek Malaysia’s latest hiring report also indicated an increasing demand for Mandarin-literate employees. It makes sense, then, that job seekers’ desire for fluency in Mandarin has outpaced that for other languages, including English. Mandarin is now the core language challenge faced by job seekers in Malaysia. Notably, a paper by Lee Hwok Aun and Mohammed Abdul Khalid stated that a Malaysian Malay applicant who indicated Mandarin fluency on their curriculum vitae stood a better chance of being interviewed than one who did not. Without this advantage, Malays were five times less likely than Chinese candidates to be called back for an interview (specifically, a Chinese candidate at 22.1 per cent versus a Malay one at 4.2 per cent). However, the Chinese-speaking trend masks underlying challenges. First, Mandarin Chinese is one of the most challenging languages to master due to its tonal nature, extensive character systems, and lack of cognates. Non-Chinese SJKC students often struggle with the curriculum, leading to cases of students transferring out. Non-Chinese parents share stories of investing heavily in extra tuition and hands-on guidance to get their children through a demanding system. Second, the economic value of the Chinese language for non-Chinese students as a career-enhancing skill may be diluted after they leave their SJKC, as Chinese (or any language) proficiency diminishes without constant use. Most SJKC students, including Chinese students, transition to national or international schools after primary school. Thus, they will not have Chinese as their primary medium of instruction: Only 3.4 per cent of Malaysia’s secondary school students enrol in a Chinese vernacular secondary school. BOON OR BANE FOR ETHNIC INTEGRATION? Last, language and vernacular schools remain a political flashpoint in Malaysia. In February 2024, the Federal Court ruled on the constitutionality of vernacular schools as a result of a court case brought by conservative groups in the Islamic Education Development Council, the Majlis Ulama Ikatan Muslimin, and other parties. Although the highest court upheld the use of Tamil and Chinese in Malaysia’s schools as part of constitutional protection, such challenges indicate a continued dissatisfaction against vernacular schools by those who see them as a barrier to ethno-religious integration. Chinese vernacular schools are among the most striking features of Malaysia’s multiculturalism and will remain a site of deep political and ethnic contestation. Yet the trajectory of non-Chinese enrolment presents a dilemma for SJKC defenders. Looking ahead, SJKCs will be forced to accommodate the growing non-Chinese student population, which may challenge their raison d’etre: Cultural preservation. Lower birth rates among Malaysian Chinese mean fewer ethnic Chinese SJKC students, and this will further diminish the Chinese community’s bargaining strength. The question is whether they can accept the new reality – a Chinese school with sizeable and increasing non-Chinese enrolment – as a form of cultural preservation. James Chai is a visiting fellow at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute and a columnist for MalaysiaKini and Sin Chew Daily. This commentary first appeared on the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's blog, Fulcrum.
(Source: Nasdaq) Wall Street’s main indexes were mixed in volatile trading on Thursday, with Alphabet’s losses weighing on the benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, while the blue-chip Dow touched a one-week high, boosted by shares of cloud company Salesforce. Alphabet (GOOGL.O), slid 6.2% to touch a more than three-week low after the Justice Department argued to a judge that Google must sell its Chrome browser and take other measures to end its monopoly on online search. The stock’s losses weighed on the communication services sector (.SPLRCL), which fell 2.6%, while nine of the 11 S&P 500 sectors traded higher. Megacaps also took a hit, with Meta (META.O), down 1.2% and Apple (AAPL.O), flat. Amazon.com (AMZN.O), lost 3% after a report said it will likely face an EU investigation next year into whether it favors its own brand products on its online marketplace. Shares of Wall Street’s biggest company, Nvidia , were choppy and were last down 0.5%. The chip company surpassed expectations for quarterly results, and projected fourth-quarter revenue above estimates. However, some investors were unimpressed that the forecast was its slowest in seven quarters. “It has a lot to do with some disappointments in terms of Nvidia’s guidance on the margins, the story on Google doesn’t help (either) and that’s bringing down the entire technology complex,” said Dan Eye, chief investment officer at Fort Pitt Capital Group. The broader Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index (.SOX), was up 1%. At 11:42 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI), rose 372.11 points, or 0.86%, to 43,780.58, the S&P 500 (.SPX), gained 18.99 points, or 0.32%, to 5,936.10 and the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC), lost 48.96 points, or 0.26%, to 18,917.19. Nvidia has led much of the U.S. market rally since mid-2023 on expectations that AI integration could boost corporate profits. The stock has risen more than nine-fold in the past two years and the company boasts a market value of $3.5 trillion. Gains on the blue-chip Dow were aided by Salesforce’s (CRM.N), 4.5% advance after three brokerages lifted their price targets on the stock. On the data front, a weekly report on jobless claims showed they fell unexpectedly last week, suggesting a rebound in job growth in November. Money market bets tiled in favor of a 25 basis points interest rate cut by the Fed at its December meeting, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch. Meanwhile, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said the United States is more vulnerable to inflationary shocks than in the past, according to a media report. Comments from Federal Reserve officials Austan Goolsbee and Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr are on tap. Traders also monitored geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia, that sent crude prices higher and aided a 1.4% gain in the energy sector (.SPNY), opens new tab. Deere (DE.N), opens new tab shares gained 7.8% after reporting an upbeat fourth-quarter profit, while Snowflake (SNOW.N), jumped 32% after rais ing its annual product revenue forecast. Crypto stocks were mixed as bitcoin prices came off session highs. MARA Holdings (MARA.O), jumped 7.6%, while Coinbase Global (COIN.O), opens new tab dropped 4.4%. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 3.44-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 1.88-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 52 new 52-week highs and four new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 102 new highs and 108 new lows. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Purvi Agarwal and Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Maju Samuel)
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. On Friday: The S&P 500 rose 20.63 points, or 0.3%, to 5,969.34. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 426.16 points, or 1%, to 44,296.51. The Nasdaq composite rose 31.23 points, or 0.2%, to 19,003.65. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 42.65 points, or 1.8%, to 2,406.67. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 98.72 points, or 1.7%. The Dow is up 851.52 points, or 2%. The Nasdaq is up 323.53 points, or 1.7%. The Russell 2000 is up 102.84 points, or 4.5%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,199.51 points, or 25.1%. The Dow is up 6,606.97 points, or 17.5%. The Nasdaq is up 3,992.30 points, or 26.6%. The Russell 2000 is up 379.60 points, or 18.7%.
ROME — More than 800 turkeys were dropped off at the Rome Rescue Mission on Friday, collected and donated through the annual Rizio & Calandra Plumbing/Excavating Turkey Challenge, company officials said. Since 2020, the company has been challenging other businesses to match or exceed their turkey donations to the mission. “They like it. It’s a fun little thing to go back and forth,” said owner Joseph Calandra, with donors one-upping each other. “Without everybody else, this wouldn’t be what it is.” Calandra said the challenge started during the COVID-19 pandemic after a chance encounter with former Rome Mission Executive Director Matt Miller, who died earlier this year. According to Calandra, Miller told him they were “low on turkeys” during the pandemic for the Mission’s annual Thanksgiving meals. So Calandra said he started the challenge and was able to donate around 330 turkeys that first year. They continued to challenge other businesses and started accepting donations from individuals as well over the years. Calandra said he was considering backing off this year because his work was getting busy, but another chance encounter with the new Acting Executive Director, Lisa Patierno, put him back at it when she again said they were low on turkeys. “You’ve got to help people if you can,” said Calandra. “It’s the holidays. You should never go hungry, ever, but especially not during the holidays.” Within two weeks of posting the challenge to social media, Calandra said on Friday that they raised enough money to purchase more than 800 turkeys from Palmer Food Services and Smith Packing in Utica. They dropped off the frozen birds to the Rome Rescue Mission on East Dominick Street Friday afternoon. Joining Rizio & Calandra Plumbing/Excavating in this year’s Turkey Challenge and helping feed those in need in the community are: WoodmenLife Chapter 1026 Rome, NY; Harvey Materials Corp; Davidson of Rome; Puma Accounting-Income Tax, Bookkeeping & Payroll; LCS Janitorial Service & Supply; Hillside Seasonal Services; Ferlo’s Original Bakery; Flints Heating; Patrick Heating; American Pie of Rome; Joey’s Pizzeria; Back Nine Restaurant and Sports Bar; Stans Seafood; Makeup by Nicole Marie; Rome Collision; DiCastro’s Brick Oven Restaurant; Franklin Hotel; Toccolana Club; EJA Moving; Cycle Shack; Chubb’s Construction & Seamless Gutters; Utica Plumbing Supply Rome Division; Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Collins Farm and Creamery; Change of Season Property Maintenance; Yager Construction; Northern Wine & Spirits; Lee Bates and Sons Water Well Drilling; Amy Goetz Mellace; The Prodigal Daughter; Anthony Levadoti; Chimos Catering; Pat & Jz Kessler; The RIKO Team; Karim Madmoune; Precision Paving & Sealing; Paul Boulanger; Tricia Austin Macri; The Galiano Club; Jojos Empanadas; Theresa Anne; Natalie Lusher & Debbie Bear; The Travis’s; Joe & Jackie Fleet Cavano; The Goodman Family; Frank Sanzone; Suzanne Tagliaferri; Jackie Dominic; The Fumarolas; The Phorenecs; The Safins; and Tricia Cianfrocco. Calandra said they also share the names of all their donors on their {a style=”font-size: 12px;” href=” https://www.facebook.com/romeplumber/posts/pfbid0235vTHSLUyx52h8qVvnyE4VknEw2MvktQqxwMwWZ1YiEuN8Y641xPCC8JWCqPZ8Pvl ” target=”_blank”}Facebook page{/a}.India transforming public finance with digital identity and biometricsNone