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nba esports battle Mountain Bike Market to grow by USD 3.78 Billion from 2024-2028, driven by mountain biking tourism, with AI driving market transformation - TechnavioFCC proposes fining Chinese video doorbell manufacturer after security concerns raised

Wall Street eyes 2025 with confidence as JPMorgan declares the U.S. will remain the global growth leader. While Europe wrestles with structural woes, the emerging markets face headwinds from high interest rates and a strong dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. is powering ahead, fueled by an AI-driven spending spree and robust capital market activity. Artificial intelligence is sparking a capital expenditure boom that dwarfs anything seen in decades. The Magnificent 7 — Amazon.com Inc AMZN , Microsoft Corp MSFT , Meta Platforms Inc META , NVIDIA Corp NVDA , Alphabet Inc GOOGL GOOG , Tesla Inc TSLA and Apple Inc AAPL — plan to invest over $500 billion into capex and R&D next year, roughly 25% of their combined sales. JPMorgan estimates the broader AI ecosystem could surpass $1 trillion in spending by the end of the year. This includes costs for infrastructure, engineering talent and data center upkeep. While this AI frenzy promises to drive earnings growth, JPMorgan analysts warn of potential pitfalls. Capital misallocation and lofty growth expectations could draw investor skepticism by late 2025. Still, the long-term AI opportunity is undeniable, and JPMorgan sees key players poised to capitalize. Read Also: 2025 US Economy Outlook ‘Cloudier Than Normal,’ JPMorgan Says: Boom, Bust Scenarios JPMorgan projects a bounce-back year for earnings growth in 2025. S&P 500 companies are projected to achieve an 11.4% earnings increase with all 11 sectors turning positive after 2024’s uneven performance. Meanwhile, small-cap Russell 2000 firms should see rebounding with double-digit earnings growth after enduring two years of declines. Even the Magnificent 7 are expected to sustain a 15% growth rate. JPMorgan analysts note a surprising upside could emerge if borrowing costs or the U.S. dollar ease. This should boost S&P 500 earnings by 1% for every 2% drop in the dollar. Here are a few of the top picks per theme, from JPMorgan’s 2025 outlook, which the firm has an Overweight (OW) rating on: AI Winners: Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Meta, Qualcomm Inc QCOM , Salesforce Inc CRM . Deregulation Darlings: Apple, ExxonMobil Corp XOM , Baker Hughes Co BKR , Bank of America Corp BAC . America First Beneficiaries: Boeing Co BA , Lockheed Martin Corp LMT , General Motors Co GM , Ford Motor Co F , Caterpillar Inc CAT , and more. With an AI boom, a broad earnings recovery, and pro-American policies potentially reshaping the landscape, JPMorgan's 2025 vision sets a bold tone for the year ahead. Read Next: JPMorgan’s Volatility Play: Long VIX Calls, Short SPY Puts Photo: Sutthiphong Chandaeng via Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

A telemedicine provider has helped patients in Wales avoid more than 58,000 unnecessary hospital visits. Consultant Connect’s technology connects NHS clinicians, such as GPs and paramedics, with hospital consultants for expert advice and guidance, aiming to ensure patients receive the right care immediately and are only referred to hospital when absolutely necessary. Before Consultant Connect was rolled out in Wales, healthcare professionals would have to call the hospital switchboard to ask to speak to either a consultant or a department. Now, they use the system to directly ‘hunt down’ a specialist consultant from a pre-defined rota for expert telephone advice. Consultant Connect found that half of all calls and messages led to the avoidance of 58,000 unnecessary hospital visits between December 2023 and November 2024. More than 28,000 of these patients avoided unnecessary A&E attendances. Jonathan Patrick, CEO of Consultant Connect, said: “By making it easier for GPs and paramedics to get expert advice, NHS Wales enables half of all patients to get the care they need immediately, rather than having to wait for a hospital appointment. "Those who do need to go to hospital are sent to the right place, first time, and with the right degree of urgency. This means that patients get better care, hospital clinicians only see patients they need to see and waiting lists are minimised." "We predict that with the support of NHS executives and the local health boards to develop a clear strategy to continue adoption over the next 12 months, it could result in 65,000 patients avoiding an unnecessary hospital visit with savings continuing to increase. Brett Denning, assistant director of planned care, NHS Executive said: "We are immensely proud of how our doctors, nurses, paramedics and other clinicians, across NHS Wales have embraced the technology."

By Ifham Nizam Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT-MOBITEL), as the National Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Solutions Provider has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment through its initiatives. In this interview, SLT Chief Executive Officer Janaka Abeysinghe sheds light on the visionary strategies behind the company’s impactful projects, such as the annual calendar program. These calendars not only highlight the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage but also actively contribute to community upliftment and environmental conservation. Q: How does SLT-MOBITEL’s annual calendar initiative promote Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture? A: As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL recognizes the responsibility to create meaningful initiatives that benefit society and the environment. The annual calendar serves as a distinctive platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich natural and cultural heritage through carefully curated themes. The initiative was inspired by the country’s abundant environmental, cultural, and artistic treasures, as well as the desire to establish a unique corporate identity by celebrating the county’s national heritage. Q: How does Sri Lanka Telecom ensure authentic representation of cultural elements in the annual calendar while maintaining contemporary relevance? A: Cultural heritage is a source of national pride, valued and celebrated even in today’s modern context. Globally, we have seen that these efforts are highly appreciated. Locally, they serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural identity. SLT-MOBITEL ensures authenticity in the calendar through thorough research, collaboration with subject-matter experts, and customer feedback, guided by the theme ‘Preserving Heritage for Tomorrow.’ This approach has been extremely successful for our calendars. Q: How does SLT-MOBITEL annually select specific calendar themes related to heritage, culture, and nature? What is the process or collaboration involved? Themes are decided internally by the Marketing group based on the prevailing environmental, social, and economic climate. Over the past 19 years, after finalizing a theme, SLT-MOBITEL collaborates with resource persons who are experts in the chosen field and artists capable of executing the creative vision. The process also includes academic consultation to ensure the calendars are visually appealing and educationally accurate. Q: How do these calendar initiatives support local communities and preserve cultural heritage? These calendars serve as educational tools and collectors’ pieces while their impact extends far beyond print. Notable examples undertaken by SLT-MOBITEL include, · 2024: ‘Mangrove Ecosystem in Sri Lanka’ – Restored 4.2 hectares of abandoned shrimp farms in Pubudugam and awarded scholarships focused on blue carbon ecosystems. · 2017: ‘Traditional Rice of Sri Lanka’ – Launched a large-scale initiative promoting traditional rice cultivation by empowering farmers with seeds and organic fertilizer. SLT-MOBITEL also published a comprehensive book titled “Ape Uruma Vee Rata Saru Karavee” to explore the nutritional and cultural significance of traditional rice. · 2016: ‘Wild Fruits of Sri Lanka’ – Distributed fruit plants across the island to encourage conservation. · 2013: ‘Rush and Reed Craft of Sri Lanka’ – Empowered rural craftsmen by sourcing corporate gift items from their creations. These initiatives demonstrate SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to actively engaging and uplifting communities, educating the public while nurturing an appreciation for Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage. Q: How does SLT-MOBITEL incorporate eco-friendly practices in the production of these calendars? Are there any efforts to reduce the carbon footprint? SLT-MOBITEL is committed to sustainability and adopts eco-friendly practices in calendar production. Since 2015, all calendars are printed on FSC-certified paper, ensuring responsible sourcing. In addition, annual digital e-calendars complement our print editions, reducing material usage and the carbon footprint. Q: How does the annual calendar highlight nature conservation, and what role SLT-MOBITEL plays in promoting environmental awareness through its publications? SLT-MOBITEL’s annual calendar consistently promotes nature conservation by showcasing Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. The 2025 calendar features ‘Dragonflies of Sri Lanka,’ highlights these ‘Guardians of the Watersheds’ and their role in promoting the ecosystem’s health. Beyond the calendar, we raise environmental awareness through our monthly in-house journal ‘Amathuma,’ along with various corporate communications, all aimed at educating stakeholders about conservation and sustainability. Q: How does SLT-MOBITEL collaborate with governmental or non-governmental organizations dedicated to preserving heritage or promoting cultural initiatives in Sri Lanka? SLT-MOBITEL’s calendars consistently feature themes that highlight the importance of environmental conservation. We have ensured scientific accuracy and impact through partnerships with key organizations including the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), the National Museum, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Department of Forest Conservation Q: How has the public responded to these initiatives? Do you receive feedback from individuals or organizations who have benefited or felt inspired by the calendar’s themes? The public’s response to these initiatives has been very positive, especially from schools, universities, and media institutions. Our calendars have become valued educational tools, inspiring both individuals and organizations. It also particular appealing to the younger audiences who value their informative content and as collectibles Q: What role does the calendar play in educating the younger generation about Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage? The calendar serves as a vital educational tool among the younger generation. While it is recognized as a collectible item, it also provides indepth information helping students understand and connect with their heritage through engaging visual and informative content. It also inspires young people to appreciate and protect our cultural and natural treasures. Q: What is SLT-MOBITEL’s role in further enhancing the visibility of Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture? Are there any upcoming projects that you can share? Looking ahead, SLT-MOBITEL remains committed to integrating technology with heritage and environmental conservation. As a responsible corporate citizen, the company, envisions launching more projects that drive awareness and action for cultural and natural preservation. Our upcoming projects will continue to enhance the visibility of Sri Lanka’s heritage and culture while ensuring relevance in the modern world.None

The Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Métis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity. Madison Fleischer says in a written statement that she self-identifies as Métis based on what she knows about her great-grandmother's heritage and is "collecting the necessary documentation to go through the application process" for citizenship with B.C.'s Métis Nation. In the meantime, Fleischer, who is the candidate in the Dec. 16 byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City, says she has removed "Métis" from her social media profile descriptions to ensure there is "no confusion" about her Indigenous status. Her response comes after the Waceya Métis Society — which describes itself as a chartered community representing Métis people in the Langley and White Rock regions of B.C.'s Lower Mainland — said in a release that it "wishes to distance itself from Madison’s claims of Métis identity." The society says it met with Fleischer over the weekend to discuss her claims of Métis identity but was "disappointed that she could not provide any evidence to support her Métis heritage." The attention on Fleischer comes after Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault left cabinet last week amid questions about his shifting claims of Indigenous heritage and his business dealings. In her statement, Fleischer says she has "always been vocal about not yet holding Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship." The Waceya Métis Society says it has asked Fleischer to "properly research and verify her Indigenous heritage before making any further public assertions." "In this meeting, Madison was unable to substantiate her claims with any documentation or historical connections to Métis communities," the society says about their Nov. 23 meeting with Fleischer. "The integrity of Métis identity is not to be taken lightly, especially in public office, where the representation of our community must be accurate, respectful, and legitimate." Cloverdale-Langley City was previously held by Liberal John Aldag, who resigned to run for MLA with the B.C. New Democrats. Aldag was defeated by B.C. Conservative candidate Harman Bhangu in the Langley-Abbotsford seat in the Oct. 19 provincial election. Fleischer, whose Liberal party biography calls her a small-business owner who operates a public relations firm in Langley, is going up against candidates including federal Conservative Tamara Jansen, who held the seat from 2019 to 2021 before losing a close race to Aldag. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Chuck Chiang, The Canadian PressDeion Sanders Threatens Violence Against Son in Recently Surfaced Video

Artificial Intelligence enhances the security of digital payments and opens up prospects we would hardly have imagined. Let's start with an assumption: For the last two years we have been witnessing the democratization of the use of AI tools. Now, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the economy and society is more than evident. Its rapid integration into our daily lives, from personal devices to industry, may lead to an even faster transformation of society. 2023 was a landmark year for Visa, marking 30 years since we started using AI models for payment security. As a happy coincidence, this anniversary coincided with the spread of Artificial Intelligence. In 1993, Visa was among the first to develop AI-based technology to manage risk and fraud in payments, and now our platform is one of the most powerful examples of the tangible benefits of this technology. Several hundred AI models power over 100 products that address long-standing challenges faced by buyers, sellers and financial institutions – such as Visa Risk Manager and Account-to-Account Protect. Over the past five years, Visa has invested more than $11 billion in technology that helps reduce fraud and enhance network security, among other things. In 2023 alone, Visa helped proactively block fraud totalling $40 billion (https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.20661.html). This investment and focus on AI-driven security measures have proven to be incredibly effective. In the UK alone, Visa identified 54% of fraudulent transactions which had already passed through the banks’ sophisticated fraud detection systems, suggesting Visa’s proven predictive AI technology is an important contribution to its growing space and could potentially help save £330m for UK consumers, businesses and the economy. Artificial Intelligence is a cornerstone of all the above . It is now obvious that AI is changing the way we live, and how we work, and for companies like Visa, which is spearheading technological progress, it will change the way we create products and serve our consumers and customers. Thus, a team of international experts deployed across six continents helps our clients get to know the workings of AI while offering a range of services that support our clients in defining a responsible strategy and evaluating and designing models to achieve their business goals. To support all this, over the past decade, Visa has invested $3 billion in AI and data infrastructure. Looking ahead, Visa has committed to invest another €100 million in the next generation of companies developing technologies and applications that will shape the future of payments. In the commerce and payments ecosystem, AI is expected to have an impact creating new opportunities and challenges. Businesses can expect more potential to improve customer experience, management, and operational efficiency. At the same time, AI will have the potential to play an important role in the fight against fraud, as it can analyse and learn from a huge amount of data and solve problems. With data as the basis of AI, ensuring protection and privacy across borders is key to innovation, market penetration and economic growth. Visa's presence in Malta dates to the 1980s, when major banks in the country became Visa members. Following Malta's accession to the EU, Visa played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the financial services industry through cross-border acquirers established in the country. To further support the expansion of the payments industry, Visa established an office in Malta in 2015. Since then, the Visa team in Malta has been steadily growing, reflecting our commitment to the market. Our goal is to continue being a strategic partner and to support the growth of this sector. As Visa evolved from being a card company to a comprehensive payments company, we are dedicated to bringing innovative money movement solutions to Malta, supporting not only card payments but also a variety of financial transactions. Visa remains a leader in the field of Risk and Identity, continually adopting new technologies – from cards to contactless payments, mobile payments, tokenization, biometric authentication and real-time payments. The power of Artificial Intelligence will be leveraged to enhance security and open up new possibilities in Malta, ensuring that the country benefits from the latest advancements in digital payments and risk management. In conclusion, Visa is fully committed to implement a strategy that fosters innovation and security in Malta’s payments landscape, ensuring that both businesses and consumers benefit from the latest advancements in AI and digital payments technology. We are optimistic that Malta will continue reinventing itself as a payments and money movement hub servicing the island’s ambitious plans for growth. Visa: Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments , facilitating transactions bet-ween consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. For more information about Visa in Malta, visit . You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Landcar Casualty Company (Landcar), a subsidiary of Asbury Automotive Group (Asbury), received AM Best’s upgraded Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent). AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher, and data analytics provider which completes an annual rating review of Landcar. This refined assessment from AM Best establishes Landcar to the classification from stable to positive. “We are pleased to receive this enhanced recognition from AM Best demonstrating the financial strength of the company,” says Kimberlee Reese, President of Landcar. “We continue to work hard to ensure we conduct all business with the utmost integrity and efficiency while providing best-in-class service to our guests.” “Landcar maintains its balance sheet strength at the very strong level, supported by AM Best’s strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and solid balance sheet liquidity,” shared AM Best. “Landcar benefits from its niche business profile as a writer of auto-related insurance products through a network of affiliated automotive dealerships as a part of the Asbury group. Landcar’s expansion has diversified its geographic footprint and enhanced its growth opportunities.” About Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. In late 2020, Asbury embarked on a multi-year plan to increase revenue and profitability strategically through organic operations, acquisitive growth and innovative technologies, with its guest-centric approach as Asbury’s constant North Star. As of September 30, 2024, Asbury operated 153 new vehicle dealerships, consisting of 202 franchises and representing 31 domestic and foreign brands of vehicles. Asbury also operates Total Care Auto, Powered by Landcar, a leading provider of service contracts and other vehicle protection products, and 37 collision repair centers. Asbury offers an extensive range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; parts and service, which includes vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts and collision repair services; and finance and insurance products, including arranging vehicle financing through third parties and aftermarket products, such as extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection debt cancellation, and prepaid maintenance. Asbury is recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024 by the Financial Times and the Company is listed in World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2024 by Newsweek. For additional information, visit www.asburyauto.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical fact, and may include statements relating to goals, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations and assumptions, projections regarding Asbury's financial position, liquidity, results of operations, cash flows, leverage, market position, the timing and amount of any stock repurchases, and dealership portfolio, revenue enhancement strategies, operational improvements, projections regarding the expected benefits of Clicklane, management’s plans, projections and objectives for future operations, scale and performance, integration plans and expected synergies from acquisitions, capital allocation strategy, business strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, adverse outcomes with respect to current and future litigation and other proceedings, including, without limitation, our inability to realize the benefits expected from recently completed transactions; information and cybersecurity, and other issues related to technology; our inability to promptly and effectively integrate completed transactions and the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business and regular business responsibilities; our inability to complete future acquisitions or divestitures and the risks resulting therefrom; any supply chain disruptions impacting our industry and business, market factors, Asbury's relationships with, and the financial and operational stability of, vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers, acts of God, natural disasters, acts of war or other incidents and the shortage of semiconductor chips and other components, which may adversely impact supply from vehicle manufacturers and/or present retail sales challenges; risks associated with Asbury's indebtedness and our ability to comply with applicable covenants in our various financing agreements, or to obtain waivers of these covenants as necessary; risks related to competition in the automotive retail and service industries, general economic conditions both nationally and locally, governmental regulations, legislation, including changes in automotive state franchise laws, and Asbury's ability to execute its strategic and operational strategies and initiatives, including its five-year strategic plan, Asbury's ability to leverage gains from its dealership portfolio, Asbury's ability to capitalize on opportunities to repurchase its debt and equity securities or purchase properties that it currently leases, and Asbury's ability to stay within its targeted range for capital expenditures. There can be no guarantees that Asbury's plans for future operations will be successfully implemented or that they will prove to be commercially successful. These and other risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements are and will be discussed in Asbury's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information, visit www.asburyauto.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209397997/en/ CONTACT: Morgan Irwin Head of Corporate Communications, Asbury Automotive Group mirwin@asburyauto.com | (678) 537-6593 KEYWORD: GEORGIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING INSURANCE SOURCE: Asbury Automotive Group Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 06:00 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 05:58 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209397997/enPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has been blasted for his decision to prioritise playing tennis in Perth over making a visit to a Melbourne synagogue after it was torched in a terror incident. The Addas Israel Synagogue of Melbourne in Ripponlea was set ablaze on Friday morning, with emergency services initially called to the fire about 4.10am. It's believed at least three offenders were present at the time of the fire, with the investigation on Monday transitioning from the Arson and Explosives Squad to the Joint Counter Terrorism Team. Mr Albanese is set to visit the synagogue on Tuesday for the first time since the incident, after spending a busy weekend in Perth. It was revealed on Monday the Prime Minister attended the Federal Labor Business Forum’s “End-of-Year Networking Event” for 90 minutes at the Perth CBD's Chevron building on Friday night, as the Jewish community was reeling from the attack. The following day, Mr Albanese had several appointments before playing tennis for a couple of hours at the Cottesloe Tennis Club on Saturday afternoon. Sky News host Steve Price said he was "staggered" the leader stayed in Perth for the whole weekend, instead of flying back to Melbourne during a devastating time for the Jewish community. "Forget the tennis, even if he wasn't playing tennis. I couldn't understand why... this happened Friday morning, very early, as we know... he should have come straight back to Victoria and should have gone there on the Friday," he told Sharri Markson on Monday night. "But then he doesn't go there on the Saturday. Then you get two days of he doesn't even give a media conference, doesn't talk about it. "And then when he was asked about playing tennis today, he said, I didn't play tennis on Saturday morning. And then someone said, 'what? We've got it wrong have we?' But he then admitted that he was playing tennis in the afternoon for two hours. I mean, it's such a bad, bad look. These people and the premiers know better." Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie also raised the question on the program why the Prime Minister didn't send Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles or Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to make an appearance at the synagogue while he was in Perth. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan said the response to the synagogue incident was "not the first time the Prime Minister has been missing in action at a time of national crisis". "You would expect when something of that significance happens, the Prime Minister would drop everything to show national solidarity, to calm and comfort those that have been affected by this disaster," he told Peter Stefanovic on First Edition. "Instead, we've seen the pictures, he's doing the tennis... and look it is not a good justification for why it's taken the Prime Minister four days to (visit). "It comes with the job of being Prime Minister that at times like this, you've got to be there for people and the Prime Minister just hasn't been there this week for the Jewish community of Australia." Mr Albanese released a statement on Friday condemning the attack on the synagogue. On Sunday he fronted the media where he announced new funding of $32.5 million to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) to enhance security at Jewish community sites including synagogues and schools. After declaring the attack on the synagogue an act of terror, the Albanese government set up AFP Special Operation Avalite, a taskforce devoted to investigating antisemitism in Australia.An2 therapeutics director Joseph Zakrzewski buys $2,800 in stock

Colombia shares higher at close of trade; COLCAP up 0.45%Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramsey’s killing

Ahmedabad: For Gujarat, 2024 turned out to be a year of drug hauls and deadly accidents, with security agencies seizing Rs 6,450 crore drugs, a game zone fire in Rajkot claiming 28 lives and a dozen children drowning in a boat capsize in Vadodara. The total drug haul in the state during the year was 4,862 kg which included charas, mephedrone (MD drug), cocaine and hashish. Three persons lost their lives after a Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Porbandar in September. The year began with the boat accident in Vadodara in January, in which 14 people, 12 of them school children, lost their lives, while in May, 28 people, most of them youngsters, were killed in a fire at a game zone in Rajkot. These tragedies revealed how business operators cut corners, did not have safety equipment in place and slipped under the radar of the authorities. The children and two teachers died after their boat overturned in Harni Lake on the outskirts of Vadodara city during a school picnic on January 18. A probe later revealed that an inexperienced firm had received the contract for boating activities at the lake and that the boat involved in the accident was old and unsafe. The victims were not provided life jackets, and no lifeguards were at the water body. In another deadly incident, a fire at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot on May 25 claimed 28 lives, the majority of them youngsters, on a weekend during the summer holidays. The amusement area was in temporary structures with tin roofs and two floors. The premises did not have enough fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Shockingly, the structure also did not have a fire NOC and building use approvals from the authorities. These lapses raised questions about how the authorities allowed the establishment to function despite knowing it violated all state rules and the Gujarat High Court’s directive on fire safety. Citizens staged protests, demanding accountability, and the Gujarat High Court took a tough stand against the state government. Three crew members went missing after their Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the Arabian during a rescue operation in September. Their bodies were recovered later. The police and anti-narcotics agencies remained on their toes this year with five big drug hauls, most of them in the Arabian Sea. In February, more than 3,300 kg of narcotics were seized from a boat in a joint operation by security agencies. A month later, on March 13, a seizure of 60 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 420 crore was made off the coast of Porbandar. In August, authorities uncovered a massive mephedrone manufacturing operation in Bharuch and Thane, seizing 800 kg of the drug, valued at Rs 831 crore. Later, in October, a staggering Rs 1,814 crore worth of drugs and manufacturing materials were seized from a factory in Madhya Pradesh, and in November, about 700 kg of drugs were seized off the coast of Porbandar. On the political front, the BJP’s total domination in all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat ended after the Congress bagged one seat in the general elections held in April-May. The saffron party lost the Banaskantha seat to the Congress after an intense campaign and a series of defections in the run-up to the elections. The ruling party had retained all 26 seats in 2014 and 2019 and clinched a record 156 out of 182 seats in the 2022 state assembly elections. Before the elections, four MLAs, including three from the Congress and an independent, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress, resigned from their posts and joined the BJP. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, which passed briefly through the state before the general elections, did little to dent the BJP bastion, while the BJP’s campaign was marred by former Union minister Purshottam Rupala's remarks about the Rajput community. 2024 also brought to the fore a scam in the healthcare sector that shook people’s trust in the essential service. In November, the Khyati Hospital in Ahmedabad was found performing unnecessary angioplasties on healthy patients to get monetary benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY). The deaths of two persons following the procedure revealed the extent of the medical malpractice. The education sector also had its challenges this year with a student’s suicide at a premier management institute and the assault on students from foreign countries at Gujarat University. In September, a student of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) committed suicide allegedly due to the stress of organising an event on the campus, while in March, tensions escalated when students from foreign countries were assaulted by a group at Gujarat University’s hostel in the city for offering namaz, sparking controversy. Gujarat also hosted international dignitaries this year, with visits from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez. The UAE president attended the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January and held a roadshow and bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In October, Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL)-Airbus facility in Vadodara, which will manufacture C-295 military aircraft in India. The Tata-Airbus facility is the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in the country. The state signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for 41,299 projects with investment proposals worth Rs 26.33 lakh crore at the 10th biannual Vibrant Gujarat summit in January.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save ALTOONA, Pa. — After UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was gunned down on a New York sidewalk, police searched for the masked gunman with dogs, drones and scuba divers. Officers used the city's muscular surveillance system. Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door-to-door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later, those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian's instincts. A Pennsylvania McDonald's customer noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos that New York police had publicized. Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry speaks during a press conference regarding the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa., in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested Monday in the killing of Brian Thompson, who headed one of the United States’ largest medical insurance companies. He remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. He's expected to be extradited to New York eventually. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Northfield intersection to become four-way stop These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Pleasantville man accused of murdering girlfriend Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders District overspending main focus for new Atlantic City school board member Ron Bailey Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Who are The Press 2024 Boys Soccer All-Stars? High-scoring St. Augustine senior is The Press Boys Soccer Player of the Year Saquon Barkley on pace to set Eagles rushing record against Panthers, eyes Dickerson's NFL record It’s unclear whether Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday's arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after the McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Police in Altoona, about 233 miles (375 kilometers) west of New York City, were soon summoned. This booking photo released Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections shows Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via AP) They arrived to find Mangione sitting at a table in the back of the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said at a news conference in Hollidaysburg. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a Manhattan news conference that Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and $10,000 in cash — $2,000 of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a midtown Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson’s body. The words mimic a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry. A poster issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a wanted unknown suspect. (FBI via AP) From surveillance video, New York investigators gathered that the shooter fled by bike into Central Park, emerged, then took a taxi to a northern Manhattan bus terminal. Once in Pennsylvania, he went from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, “trying to stay low-profile” by avoiding cameras, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Mangione was valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, where his 2016 graduation speech lauded his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Luigi Nicholas Mangione worked for a time for the car-buying website TrueCar and left in 2023, CEO Jantoon Reigersman said by email. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of Honolulu tourist mecca Waikiki. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back," Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. NYPD officers in diving suits search a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Although the gunman obscured his face during the shooting, he left a trail of evidence in New York, including a backpack he ditched in Central Park, a cellphone found in a pedestrian plaza, a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper. In the days after the shooting, the NYPD collected hundreds of hours of surveillance video and released multiple clips and still images in hopes of enlisting the public’s eyes to help find a suspect. “This combination of old-school detective work and new-age technology is what led to this result today,” Tisch said at the New York news conference. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images

Middle East latest: Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to holdNEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global mechanical connectors market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.77 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for mechanical connectors in automotive industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards product launches. However, fluctuating raw material prices of mechanical connectors poses a challenge.Key market players include 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Aluminum, Copper, Brass, and Others), Application (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace and defense, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Mechanical Connectors market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for fixed broadband connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber optic connectors and coaxial cables are popular choices for high-speed data transfer in various sectors. Internal cables & connectors are essential for electronic systems integration in industries like Telecom, Defense, and Oil & Gas. External cables & connectors are crucial for power and signal transmission in Infrastructure Development and Data Centre Investments. Miniature connectors find applications in consumer electronics, automotive sector, and automation technology. Factors like urbanization, raw material prices, and governmental policies impact the market. Fiber optic connectors, copper, and high-speed connectors are key products driving the market. Emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and autonomous vehicles also provide opportunities. Industries like Aerospace and Defense, Energy & Power, and Submarine Communication are significant consumers. The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth as key players are strategically expanding their product portfolios through new product launches. In February 2022 , Nexans introduced a new mechanical power connector to their GPH cable connectors and cable lugs range for medium-voltage cables. Likewise, HellermannTyton launched cast resin cable joints in May 2022 , featuring a cable connector and constant force springs with straight ends for effortless installation. These new offerings enable companies to cater to diverse end-user requirements and boost their market presence. International and local players dominate the market, with new product launches being a popular growth strategy. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This mechanical connectors market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Aluminum- Aluminum connectors are cylindrical components used for terminating electrical wires in machines and electrical equipment, particularly in applications where vibration is a concern. These connectors are commonly found in military, automotive, industrial, and medical equipment. Military-grade aluminum connectors have metal outer shells for sealing. Commercial-grade aluminum connectors are also widely used in industries and automotive applications. TE Connectivity Ltd. And 3M are notable vendors offering aluminum connectors like the AMPLIMITE Ultra-Lite D-Subminiature connector and the metal D-SUB aluminum lightweight connector, respectively. The increasing demand for lightweight miniature connectors is driving market growth, making aluminum connectors a significant segment in the overall market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, finding extensive applications in various industries. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in numerous systems, including those used in Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Electronic systems, and Electrical systems. Signal transmission and power transmission are the major applications for mechanical connectors. Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Automotive segment, Advanced safety features, Autonomous vehicles, and the Telecom sector are some key areas driving the market's growth. The market is also influenced by raw material prices and technological advancements such as 5G technology and IoT technology. Market Research Overview The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, with the former gaining popularity in telecommunications, data centers, and infrastructure development due to their superior signal transmission capabilities. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in various industries, including Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Submarine Communication, Digital Data Storage, Automotive Sector, Electric Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development. The market is also driven by the growing demand for High-Speed Data Transfer, Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Autonomous vehicles, Telecom sector, 5G technology, IoT technology, Miniature connectors, PCB connectors, and Quick connectors. Raw material prices, Electronic systems integration, Copper's electrical conductivity, Industrialization, Governmental policies, High-speed connectors, and applications in Aerospace and defense are other factors influencing the market's growth. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mechanical-connectors-market-to-grow-by-usd-4-77-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-demand-in-automotive-industry-ai-transforming-the-market-landscape---technavio-302313566.html SOURCE Technavio