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treasures of aztec slot (Image: Private Media) “As we have seen in the past, bad policy design leads to bad outcomes, which is why it’s important that we get these reforms right,” a spokesman for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland told the Australian Financial Review over the weekend . He was talking about the government’s promised gambling advertising reforms, which have stalled for nearly a year and a half. But Rowland hasn’t appeared to feel the same scrutiny is warranted when it comes to her proposed bill to ban under-16s from accessing social media. On every level, the two bills make for an interesting contrast in just how much time, evidence and scrutiny good policy needs. Time Labor gave the public one day to weigh in on teen social media ban. It got 15,000 responses Read More Teen social media ban: The confirmation of a delay on gambling reform came days before the first and only hearing of the snap inquiry into the bill for a social media ban for under-16s, allowing three hours to hear from 12 witnesses. The public was only given one day for submissions — which didn’t stop 15,000 of them flooding in . This followed a previous inquiry into social media use, which delivered its report earlier this month. The report did not recommend an age-based social media ban . Gambling advertising reform: The standing committee on social and legal policy affairs adopted an inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on “problem gamblers” on September 15, 2022, following a referral from Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth (a month later it was amended to change the gambling lobby’s favourite term to “those experiencing gambling harm”). There was almost two months during which the public could make submissions; 161 were received. After more than six months and 13 public hearings, the committee delivered its report in June 2023 . It unanimously recommended, among other things, “a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising for online gambling, to be introduced in four phases, over three years, commencing immediately”. No doubt extremely keen to get that policy design absolutely right, the government sat on those recommendations for more than a year , widely consulting with the industry before proposing a watered-down set of regulations. Expertise Australia’s gambling mates cost us billions Read More Teen social media ban : Macquarie University adjunct professor and clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein — who has long argued that social media contributes to anxiety disorders in the young — told Monday’s inquiry that there were “no” benefits for social media and plenty of evidence of the harms. The Office of Impact Analysis produced an analysis in support of a social media ban. The research it cited comprised two documents : A study whose co-author told Crikey that its findings do not support the case for a teen social media ban. “I think they have misunderstood the purpose and findings of our research,” University of Oxford professor of human behaviour and technology Andrew Przybylski told Crikey . A section from the US surgeon general’s advisory on social media and youth mental health. Which is based on the same “misunderstood” study. Gambling advertising reform : Apart from the intervention of former prime ministers , state premiers and Labor backbenchers , a raft of public health experts made submissions or otherwise put their name to recommending a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising. These included: Professor of public health at Deakin University Samantha Thomas Associate Professor Charles Livingstone from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Addiction treatment and research organisation Turning Point Former president of the Australian Health Promotion Association Gemma Crawford First Nations senior research fellow at the Menzies School of Health Research Dr Beau Jayde Cubillo Co-CEO of Financial Counselling Australia Dr Domenique Meyrick Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray Anglicare CEO Simon Miller Director of health promotion at the George Institute for Global Health Professor Simone Pettigrew, And many, many others . Have something to say about this article? Write to us at letters@crikey.com.au . Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey’s Your Say . We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.A new chapter in both technology and democracy began with the 2024 U.S. elections , raising questions about the impact of rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence on campaign strategies, voter outreach, and electoral discourse. The impact of artificial intelligence was such that the way campaigns connect with the voters changed quite radically. AI-fueled advanced data analysis allowed political teams to look at enormous amounts of voter data with great precision. All these insights on demographics, voting history, and behavioral patterns helped make targeted campaigns addressing concerns and preferences specific to the individual voter. This natural language processing helped AI come up with messages for various groups. This enabled campaigns to respond to voters' questions with chatbots. This helped maintain informed and engaged supporters. The personalized outreach made relationships between voters and candidates stronger, and communication between a candidate and citizens became more efficient than it was before. Artificial intelligence changed how campaigns could reach voters. Predictive analytics assisted campaigns in finding swing voters and places that needed extra work. Algorithms were applied to areas based on voters' thoughts, ensuring that resources are utilized well. AI tools created eye-catching digital ads that changed messages based on the reactions of the viewers. Deep learning enabled them to monitor trends on social media and adjust campaign materials according to the same so they remained relevant and appealing. This adaptive approach ensured high returns on investments for the funds used in campaigns while keeping voters interested. Artificial intelligence made its presence felt in the minds of people during elections. Social media sites would suggest political content based on algorithms, thus shaping information for voters. This increased awareness of the issues also brought worries about echo chambers where algorithms would just repeat what people already believed rather than showing them alternative ideas. Generative AI tools created videos , images, and articles that blur what is real and what isn't. Most of the campaigns utilized the tools well, but they also helped spread misinformation. AI media's manipulation power had questions regarding ethics and stronger rules. Another important issue surfaced was election security, which involved artificial intelligence again. High-tech threat detection systems continuously monitor cyberattacks and other attempts to disrupt the voting process. It analyzed patterns in real time for possible vulnerabilities. Besides protecting the voting infrastructure, AI played a significant role in fighting misinformation by checking facts. AI helps find false claims and ensure voters have the right information. For this reason, people continued trusting the election process even as misinformation campaigns increased. The use of artificial intelligence also brought several ethical questions into the election process. The use of AI-based tools raised questions on whether the process was transparent or accountable. Voters were frequently unaware of how algorithms influenced their choices. It also raised questions over the privacy of data with respect to personal information that campaigns were gathering and then analyzing. As AI helped increase the efficiency of the campaigns, misuse rose. Policymakers and technologists learned to find a balance between innovation and ethics. The 2024 U.S. elections clearly portrayed how AI can change democracy for the better. These benefits brought many good things for the 2024 U.S. elections, but there are also some problems that may need more careful management in future elections as AI keeps changing. Policymakers, tech experts, and citizens must create rules to help use artificial intelligence ethically in elections. Technology should be there to help democracy, not hurt it, to ensure that there is openness, responsibility, and learning about voting. This is a very important moment in the history of democracy, as AI is now meeting politics. It will only make future elections more open, efficient, and safer than they have ever been if used wisely. Continuous discussions about its influence will determine the future of democratic machinery. Artificial intelligence has already marked its presence on the political landscape and is only just beginning to take part in shaping elections. If used ethically, AI will have the power to make voters stronger and strengthen democracy in the years ahead.

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Pour into others — a slogan wrapped around a cup from one of Duncan’s newest coffee shops will certainly brighten someone’s day. Royer’s Coffee and Pastries, pronounced roy-a, opened this past October along North Highway 81 in Duncan. The small, picturesque coffee shop and bakery sits adjacent to a home decór shop on the north side of Duncan and is ready to serve up a cup of Joe, holiday treats and smiles to its customers. With the holiday season in full swing, the new coffee shop and bakery made its way into Duncan to not only bring coffee and pastries, but also conversation and new friendships, said owner Alexis Royer. Royer, 21, said she’s enjoyed the art of baking since she was about two years old when she would bake sweet treats, like cookies, cinammon rolls and cakes, with her grandmother, Shirley Nunley. Royer has been in love with baking ever since. “I would make things with her,” she said. “I just fell in love it with from there.” That love fueled a dream to open her own bakery, and that dream has now come true. Royer said her grandmother pretty much taught her everything she needed to know about the culinary arts and baking, aside from going to school. Royer said the cinnamon rolls are one of the more complicated bakery items to make, but her grandmother loved making them and she sold them at craft shows. “The only reason I sell cinnamon rolls is because of her,” Royer said. “I use her recipe. Those are for her.” Royer, born on Ft. Sill, said her dad serves in the military and her mom works on Ft. Sill. They traveled around when Royer was young, but she’s lived in Stephens County most of her life. For a two years, Royer lived in Washington State before moving back to Oklahoma. Royer graduated Central High in 2021. It was during high school, when baking became more of a reality for Royer, who would take cake and cookie orders. After high school, Royer attended Cameron University for a year to complete a lot of her basic studies before transferring to culinary school at OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee, where she obtained her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Now, her shop is set up right here in Stephens County. “I love the small town feel,” she said. “Everybody knows everybody, so the word gets out fast and then you become friends with new friends.” In the beginning, Royer wasn’t sure if the bakery was an option for her, but she’s worked with Pam Spurlock, owner of Inside Out previously, and Spurlock brought Royer on board after opening the new décor business. While Royer only opened the coffee and pastry shop just a few weeks ago, she’s enjoyed being a business owner. Since she opened her doors, sugar cookie decorating for every season have become a popular hit, along with her quiche, cookies and muffins. “Eventually, I’m going to get into doing croissants,” she said. For the Christmas season, Royer will sell gingerbread cookies and potentially gingerbread kits for families to decorate together. “Christmas time is going to be very fun in here,” she said. Royer’s Coffee and Pastries offers regular drip coffees, cold brews, lattes and macchiatos. Royer said they have a variety of flavors for the coffees and alternative milk options, as well as sugar-free options for customers. Coffee enthusiasts can choose from different fall flavors, such as pumpkin, toasted marshmallow and toffee nut for the fall. Closer to Christmas, the shop will add peppermint to the mix, along with a few other fun flavors. The support in the days since opening has been overwhelming and humbling, Royer said. “Didn’t realize how big of a support group I had, until I opened this place up,” she said. “Just seeing every face, every face I know that I’ve seen before, just come in and support — it’s amazing. I make a new regular almost every day. I love it.” She said people from the community come in, sit and talk and meet people here as well. One reason she wanted to open the bakery and the coffee shop is to give customers a place to go, sit and relax, grab a sweet or a cup of coffee while shopping or take break before shopping some more. In addition to grabbing a coffee or a sweet treat, those who come to the shop can add a prayer request to the wall. As faith-based workers, Royer said she wanted to provide the prayer wall to help recognize those people who are in need of prayer. Royer said they’ve already have a few prayers added to the space. She said each day they look at the wall, they say those prayers. “Hopefully, eventually someone will put a red heart on their prayer that it was answered,” she said. Aside from the prayer wall, Royer’s Coffee and Pastries utilizes Grounds 4 Compassion to make the coffee. Royer said Grounds 4 Compassion does a lot of mission work. Founded in 2011, G4C is a missional coffee company with the desire to give back. Every Sunday in Oklahoma City, the group operates a church under the bridge for anyone who wants to come and for anyone who needs something to eat. They host church services with fresh coffee and a meal. “They kept growing and growing,” she said. Royer said the owners are “super, super sweet.” The company is also veteran-owned. “I wanted to use someone in that service, because of my parents,” she said. Royer’s Coffee and Pastries is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and closed on Sundays. The coffee shop is located adjacent to Inside Out at 5410 N. Highway 81 in Duncan.

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Expert explains science behind personal guides to well-beingPrimior to Launch Gaia - A Revolutionary Platform for Asset TokenizationAll the signs Samantha Armytage's marriage to Richard Lavender was on the rocks as news of their split emerges READ MORE: Samantha Armytage splits from husband Richard Lavender on the eve of four-year wedding anniversary By KATE DENNETT FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:26 GMT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 21:51 GMT, 5 December 2024 e-mail View comments News of Samantha Armytage 's split from her husband Richard Lavender emerged this week, but there were signs pointing to their separation. The TV presenter, 48, and the equestrian businessman, 61, have gone their separate ways on the eve of their four-year wedding anniversary. The couple tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year's Eve in 2020. A source revealed news of their split exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, with Samantha then confirming that they had 'amicably' gone their separate ways. However, there were signs pointing towards trouble in Samantha's marriage in the weeks before the news became public as she was last photographed with Richard over three months ago. The couple were last sighted together on September 5, when they arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Noosa together. News of Samantha Armytage 's split from her husband Richard Lavender emerged this week, but there were signs pointing to their separation They both flashed big smiles as they appeared to be in good spirits after the trip, which had been to celebrate Samantha's 48th birthday. However, their jovial outing was to become the last time they were publicly photographed together after their marriage hit the rocks. Samantha has instead made a string of solo appearances in recent weeks, including at the 2024 Melbourne Cup, despite Richard working in the equestrian business. The former Farmer Wants a Wife host made a very glamorous appearance at Flemington Racecourse's world-famous Birdcage, but posed for photographs without her husband. Stepping out on Melbourne Cup Day, Samantha cut an elegant figure in a vibrant red gown as she worked the angles for the camera during the solo outing. It is not known if Richard was in attendance at the races, but Samantha was notably seen stepping out by herself as she mixed with the stars at the glitzy event. While the couple do not normally walk red carpets together, Richard's involvement in the equestrian business sparked speculation they would attend the races as a couple. The pair have previously made very rare public appearances together at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse, stepping out holding hands at the races back in 2021. The couple were last sighted together on September 5, when they arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Noosa together (pictured) Samantha also made some cryptic comments about everything in her life 'changing' in recent weeks, following her departure from Channel Seven and amid her marriage split. Before news of their separation emerged, Samantha penned a candid column for Stellar in which she referenced the many changes in her life she was dealing with. 'All of a sudden, everything is changing: hair colour, waistlines, sleep patterns, pelvic floors, skin texture, friends, colleagues, houses, jargon, clothing styles,' she wrote. Though she was talking about her career change in moving from Seven to Channel Nine, Samantha went on to speak about 'loving' and 'losing' in a poignant segment. 'I’ve loved and lost. I’ve laughed and cried,' she penned. 'I’m stronger, yet more vulnerable. I have learnt discernment, acceptance and patience (to a degree).' Samantha concluded her column by revealing she is happy with the person she has become and looked ahead with excitement to her 'new adventures'. Amid the huge period of change in her life, Samantha has seemingly been looking for a new companion in recent weeks as she hinted that she was looking for another dog. Samantha has since made a string of solo appearances in recent weeks, including at the 2024 Melbourne Cup, despite Richard working in the equestrian business The couple have previously made very rare public appearances together at Sydney's Royal Randwick Racecourse, stepping out holding hands at the races back in 2021 (pictured) The former Sunrise host tragically lost her faithful four-legged companion Banjo in February after he was bitten by a snake. But she appeared to be on the lookout for another dog after spending an afternoon at a Guide Dogs NSW pop-up shop in Paddington, Sydney, with her sister Georgina. One photograph showed Samantha, beaming broadly as she rested her head on one adorable pooch, called Ginger, as Georgina cuddled the dog tightly. However, it appeared that Georgina was the one who was keen to take Ginger home, with Samantha captioning the image: 'Georgie Armytage, home!' A second image showed Georgina clearly bonding with the adorable pooch, holding the dog tight as she smiled blissfully with her eyes closed. Samantha's social media pages have also signalled towards her split as she is no longer followed on Instagram by Richard's two daughters, Sascha and Grace. However, she is still followed by her now-ex-partner Richard on the platform after she insisted their separation was 'amicable'. Samantha also pulled her beautiful home on the NSW south coast off the market just hours before her and Richard's split made headlines. Samantha has seemingly been looking for a new companion as she hinted that she was looking for another dog while spending the day with her sister Georgina at a Guide Dogs pop-up Samantha also pulled her beautiful beachfront home on the NSW south coast off the market just hours before her and Richard's split made headlines The three-bedroom, two-bedroom beachfront property had been languishing unsold since last December. Samantha slashed the original $3million asking price on the Hyams Beach property in September and relisted it with a $2.5million-$3million guide. But on Thursday morning, the Illawarra Mercury reported that the house had been dropped from the agent's listing and was no longer for sale. Though news of Samantha's split from Richard emerged this week, it is understood that her television presenter friends have been comforting her behind the scenes for some time. The couple's separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper on Friday but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance. 'Yes Richard and I have separated. All break-ups are hard, but it’s somewhat lessened by the fact it’s amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Samantha then told media late Thursday evening. 'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won’t be making any further comment.' It's understood she has moved out of Richard's sprawling Southern Highlands home and is now living in an apartment located in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Though news of Samantha's split from Richard emerged this week, it is understood that her television presenter friends have been comforting her behind the scenes for some time The couple first started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June 2020 before tying the knot at his property in rural NSW six months later. The intimate ceremony only featured a small number of guests due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Richard's daughters believed to have attended. Amid her marriage breakdown, Samantha has also undergone a huge career change after stepping down from Channel Seven after 21 years with the network. Describing the departure as 'sad and bittersweet,' she said she felt her time had come to an end. 'I'm big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: 'I've done what I can do here' and I move on,' she said. 'This is not the end. It's just the end of this chapter.' She has instead moved to rival network Nine and been signed up as the host of brand new reality dating show The Golden Bachelor . The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor series, but differs in that the contestants of the reality dating show are singletons in their 50s and 60s. 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[KUALA LUMPUR] As Malaysia gears up to assume the chairmanship of Asean in 2025, the launch of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) stands to underscore the region’s commitment to economic integration and dynamism. Mak Joon Nien, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, highlighted the longstanding economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore, with Singapore being Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and Malaysia ranking as Singapore’s third-largest. “The introduction of the SEZ will further strengthen this relationship, and allow both countries to leverage their strengths collaboratively,” said Mak, the first Malaysian CEO of the country’s oldest operating bank, which has been present since 1875. Mak described the SEZ as a “win-win” opportunity, where Malaysia offers key resources such as renewable energy, land and emerging talent, while Singapore contributes technology and expertise. He likens this partnership to a successful marriage. “Much like my wife, who hails from Singapore, and I, from Malaysia, we grow collaboratively by leveraging our individual strengths.” With its strategic vision and collaborative framework, the JS-SEZ holds the promise of unlocking new growth opportunities for Malaysia, Singapore and the broader region. He noted that the SEZ is a game-changer, potentially bolstering both economies and driving strategic cooperation that has a multiplier effect across the region. “Prospects for Asean remain attractive in light of the ongoing global political uncertainties, and the SEZ is well-positioned to capitalise on it, with Malaysia’s 2025 Asean chairmanship providing further impetus,” he said. He envisions the SEZ will drive seamless connectivity between the two countries, which will create a robust and interconnected economic corridor that enhances the movement of goods and people. “For instance, moving goods from Changi to Johor should be no different to moving goods from Changi to Jurong,” he said. Mak acknowledged the Malaysian government’s efforts to support the success of the JS-SEZ. These include realigning Johor’s weekend holidays, the 4-km Rapid Transit System Link, and the introduction of a passport-free immigration clearing QR code system – all of which are improving cross-border movement. The InvestMalaysia portal and Johor Super Lane further showcase the commitment to facilitating investments and trade. However, he noted that the long-term success of the SEZ hinges on the seamless integration of regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and the free movement of people and goods. “The zone offers a unique proposition. Malaysia will maintain independence in its financial sector, focusing on becoming a regional Islamic banking hub while attracting global business services and family offices to the JS-SEZ, via the special financial zone (in Forest City),” said Mak. For foreign banks such as StanChart, which has deep roots in both Malaysia and Singapore, the anticipated influx of fresh investments and robust economic activity presents a significant opportunity. With operations across 52 markets, StanChart is “well-positioned” to foster cross-border initiatives, such as one-stop banking, and services as a platform for inbound and outbound investment, he added. Since an official memorandum of understanding was signed in Johor Bahru to formalise the establishment of the JS-SEZ in January this year, Johor has garnered strong interest from investors and business owners. For instance, Johor’s property sector has already witnessed steady growth. In the first half of 2024, total property transaction values in Johor rose more than 40 per cent from a year earlier, reaching nearly RM22 billion (S$6.7 billion), dominating Malaysia’s overall transaction value. StanChart Malaysia, meanwhile, received a significant number of inquiries from its international network, said Mak, who is optimistic that this interest will continue to grow. With rising interest from investors and business owners, the JS-SEZ is expected to drive significant economic benefits, including higher income levels and job creation, which will in turn address the persistent brain-drain issue faced by Malaysia. “It will also drive greater cost efficiencies for Singaporean – or other international – businesses operating in the JS-SEZ, as there will be higher margins arising from Malaysia’s lower operating expenses,” he added. The JS-SEZ is expected to drive growth in several key sectors. Among the most promising are the electronics and semiconductors sector; healthcare and wellness; and technology services. He noted that the relocation of supply chains to Johor, particularly for electronics and electric, as well as semiconductor industries, could create a broader ecosystem supporting data centres and high-tech industries. With enhanced accessibility between the two borders, Mak also sees good potential growth for Malaysia’s healthcare and wellness sectors, tapping cost-effective advantages, while advanced healthcare facilities continue to attract medical tourists. Additionally, with Singapore’s ageing population, Johor could become a hub for senior-living and retirement services, he added. Both Malaysia and Singapore have seen substantial investment growth over the past five to 10 years, with Malaysia experiencing strong double-digit increases in total approved investment in 2023. “The establishment of the JS-SEZ will provide clarity and focus for both foreign direct investments and domestic investments across the value chain, facilitating the next phase of growth for both countries,” he added. To continue developing, Singapore must address its capacity constraints and high living costs, which place it among the world’s most expensive cities. He noted that this will involve shifting its business focus towards research, development and services to attract new investments that optimise resources. For Malaysia, the opportunity lies in leveraging its renewable energy, land, and skilled workforce to attract and cultivate new industries – particularly in manufacturing and services. Mak said this strategy will enable Malaysia to diversify its economic portfolio and ascend the value chain, creating a spillover effect that promotes knowledge transfer and employment opportunities, ultimately helping to reverse the brain-drain issue.Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro is part of a rising group of Democrats who are proudly showing their faith