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casino extreme codes KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missile

Washington maintains stand on Pakistan’s missile programme restrictions Patel says US is committed to maintaining global non-proliferation regime and Pakistan is an important partner in that The United States has described Pakistan as an "important partner" that shares its commitment to upholding the global non-proliferation regime. However, at the same time, it reaffirmed its long-standing policy of denying support for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme. The US statement came hours after Pakistan's forceful response in reaction to the State Department's December 18 announcement of additional sanctions on entities contributing to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme. Earlier today, Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said Islamabad's conduct raised "real questions" about its intentions, saying nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets outside of South Asia, including the United States. "Candidly, it's hard for us to see Pakistan's actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States," Finer said in a speech to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Earlier today, the US reiterated that it would continue to use sanctions and other tools to protect its national security. "The US is committed to maintaining the global non-proliferation regime and Pakistan is an important partner in that. However, we have been clear and consistent about our concerns about Pakistan's long-range, ballistic missile programme," Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department said, addressing a weekly press briefing on Thursday. "It is long-standing US policy to deny support to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme. The Department of State will continue to use sanctions and other tools to protect our national security and ensure that US exporters and US financial systems cannot be abused by proliferators." The spokesperson said that the US hoped to continue to engage constructively with the Pakistani government on these issues. Replying to a question, Patel said that the US had concerns regarding Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme, but they don't affect great deal of other bilateral areas of cooperation. The US State Department said on December 18 that it was imposing additional sanctions related to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities that it said were contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons. The statement, issued on the State Department's website, said that the decision was taken “in light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan’s long-range missile development”. It added that the four entities were being designated for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13382, which targeted proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. "Pakistan’s National Development Complex – which is responsible for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program and has worked to acquire items to advance Pakistan’s long range ballistic missile program – and Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise – which have worked to supply equipment and missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long range missile program – are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 Section 1(a)(ii) for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items, by Pakistan," read the statement. However, Islamabad reacted strongly to the development, terming the the decision as "biased" and stressing that the step from the US has "dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond". "Pakistan’s strategic capabilities are meant to defend its sovereignty and preserve peace and stability in South Asia. The latest installment of sanctions defies the objective of peace and security by aiming to accentuate military asymmetries. Such policies have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond," Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. The Foreign Office stressed that the county's strategic programme is a sacred trust bestowed by 240 million people upon its leadership, adding that the sanctity of this trust, held in the highest esteem across the entire political spectrum, cannot be compromised. In September this year, Washington targeted five entities and one individual with sanctions, which were involved in the expansion of ballistic missiles and controlling missile equipment and technology to Pakistan. Similarly, the US — in October 2023 — imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. The sanctions also affected China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co. Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national were sanctioned for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions. White House official says Pakistan long-range missiles can target US Rangers official injured during PTI's November 26 protest passes away Imran gives govt new deadline to meet demands or face civil disobedience movement Non-bailable arrest warrant issued for six cops in Dr Shahnawaz killing case

The NBA's Last Two Minute Report confirmed that officials made the correct call when was assessed a personal foul on on a loose ball scramble, resulting in Green hitting the winning free throws during the ' 91-90 win over the on Wednesday night. A livid Steve Kerr said after the game that the officiating crew, led by crew chief Bill Kennedy, had made an "unconscionable" call that the Warriors head coach had never seen in his NBA career. Kerr argued that the officials had allowed physical play up until that foul call with 3.5 seconds left. Green's free throws sent the Rockets to Las Vegas to play in the NBA Cup semifinals against on Saturday. "I'm pissed off," Kerr said, echoing how his team also felt on late Wednesday night. "I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup and we aren't going because of a loose ball foul, 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line. I've never seen anything like it in my life, and that was ridiculous." On the possession that Kuminga fouled Green, missed a 3-point attempt. A chaotic scramble for the loose ball ensued. was able to gain possession of the ball on the floor as dove for the ball, too. Payton then tried to pass the ball to Kuminga, resulting in Green diving on the ball. The NBA said Kuminga "reaches over Green in an attempt to get to the ball and pulls his shoulder down." As for Payton and VanVleet, the NBA determined it was a correct non-call as both made "incidental contact with each other in pursuit of the loose ball." "I've never seen a loose ball foul on a jump ball situation, 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line," Kerr said. "I've never seen that. I think I saw it in college one time 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is ... unconscionable. I don't even understand what just happened. Loose ball, diving on the floor, 80 feet from the basket, and you're going to give a guy two free throws to decide the game when people are scrambling for the ball. Just give them a timeout and let the players decide the game. That's how you officiate. Especially because the game was a complete wrestling match. They didn't call anything. "So you've established you're just not going to call anything throughout the game. It's a physical game. And call a loose ball foul on a jump ball situation with guys diving on the floor? With the game on the line? This is a billion-dollar industry. You got people's jobs on the line." This is the second loss in eight days in which the NBA confirmed a late call was correct that Kerr believed cost the Warriors a game. At the end of a 119-115 loss at on Dec. 3, Kerr argued that Denver's signaled for a timeout after securing a loose ball while Denver had no timeouts left. The officials said they did not see Braun clearly signal for a timeout, which would have resulted in a technical foul and possession for the Warriors with 1.9 seconds left down four. The officials called for a jump ball instead. "I am stunned," Kerr said after the Houston loss. "I give the Rockets credit. They battled back. They played great defense all night. But I feel for our guys. Our guys battled back, played their asses off and deserved to win that game or at least have a chance for one stop at the end to finish the game. "And that was taken from us by a call that I don't think an elementary school referee would've made because that guy would've had feel and said, you know what? I'm not going to decide a game on a loose ball, 80 feet from the basket."

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

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By DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump looms large over Beacon Hill with new legislative session set to start National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump continues tradition of Christmas attacks, takes aim at ‘Radical Left Lunatics’ National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.

New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — The outgoing chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Dickon Mitchell, in his end of year statement, says the regional body has held true to the commitment to decisive leadership and collective action as intrinsic pillars to propel the prosperity and well-being of citizens of the region. Mitchell, who is also the prime minister of Grenada, noted that Caricom’s strong sense of community was especially evident during this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, “when Caricom member states rallied to support those who were adversely affected by Hurricane Beryl and other weather systems”. Concerning Haiti, he said the leaders also focused on resuming functional governance and security in the French speaking Caricom member state, through engagement with Haiti’s political leadership and facilitation with political, religious, private sector and civil society stakeholders by the Caricom Eminent Persons Group (EPG). “These engagements with key Haitian stakeholders led to consensus on the formation and installation of a Haitian-owned and led Transitional Presidential Council; selection of a prime minister and a cabinet of ministers; and the arrival of the first troops of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. The consensus remains very delicate and will require much effort in 2025.” He noted that this year, Antigua and Barbuda hosted the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from May 27-30, where a new ten-year programme of action, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, was articulated. There were also key high-level international meetings to address the ongoing challenges of the impact of climate change. “On digital resilience, I was pleased to champion the Strategic Digital Resilience Framework 2030 at the July Meeting of Caricom Heads of Government. This was supported by existing plans for the Caricom Single ICT (information and communication technology) Space, including digital skills and artificial intelligence. Further bold and decisive action is particularly crucial as we prepare for 2025 and beyond, where the pace of regional and global change will demand a Caricom that is digitally capable and resilient.” In the area of food and nutrition security, the Grenadian Prime minister said a regional agricultural insurance product was launched to assist Caricom farmers. “We ensured the involvement of women and young people with Caricom BOOST, a two-year, $1.6 million project to enhance sustainable production, climate resilience, and profitability for women and youth farmer groups across ten Caricom member states; and with a Regional Youth in Agriculture Strategy focusing on education, capacity-building and market linkages.” “Allied to the objective of reducing our food import bills has been our effort to increase air and maritime connectivity to support, among other things, the regional transportation of food.” He noted that the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) is now in force in almost all member states and there has been significant increase in regional airlift and connectivity. In addition, progress has been made on sea transportation following the announcement from Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago of a new ferry service. The outgoing chairman said that underpinning all these activities has been attention to health and well-being, human and cultural capital development, youth participation, empowerment and development, and crime prevention and justice reform. He said that key activity was the Second Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence, hosted by Barbados in Guyana in November, which advanced critical knowledge sharing on successful preventative interventions for crime and violence in the Caribbean. In the area of partnerships with third states, Mitchell pointed to the hosting of several successful high-level engagements to discuss cooperation including a Summit with the Republic of India, an engagement with Brazil, meetings with Canada and Japan, and representation in critical international fora such as the Fourth International SIDS Conference, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, COP29 in Azerbaijan, the United Nations Summit of the Future, and the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. “Through it all, our modus operandi has been to speak with one voice and to premise all our interactions on the vision of a Caribbean Community, which is truly “a community for all”. “I extend my sincere appreciation to my colleagues of the conference which now includes the new premier of Montserrat and the prime minister of Curaçao, the newest associate member of the community, for their unstinting support and commitment. Thanks are also due to public and private sector leaders of the community, representatives from labour and civil society, regional institutions, international development partners, my team in Grenada, and the secretary-general and staff of the Caricom Secretariat for their commitment to the vision of an integrated and thriving Caribbean Community.” Mitchell who is passing on the chairmanship to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, said he has every confidence that “she will enjoy the same stellar support that I have received, and that under her astute leadership, our community will decisively further our integration goals”. “I wish for all Caricom a happy and meaningful holiday season, and peace and prosperity in 2025.”

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Zimbabwe pushes for digital transformation across key sectorsThe Supreme Court of Ghana has intervened in the ongoing election petition saga by ordering the reassignment of petitions filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a different High Court judge. This ruling comes after the Supreme Court quashed earlier orders issued by the original judge, citing concerns about potential bias. The NPP had filed mandamus applications in the High Court, requesting the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine constituencies where they believed irregularities had occurred. Initially, the High Court granted the NPP’s request, leading to the re-collation of results in seven constituencies. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged these orders, arguing they were illegal and procedurally flawed. On Thursday, December 27, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the NDC’s challenge, emphasizing that while the petitions themselves remain valid, the previous orders were quashed due to procedural concerns. The Supreme Court’s ruling also directed that the petitions be heard by a different High Court judge in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. This reassignment is expected to have significant implications on the ongoing election disputes. Given the time constraints imposed by the national electoral calendar, the Supreme Court has expedited the process, setting a deadline for the new judge to hear and determine the petitions by December 31, 2024. The outcome of these petitions will have a critical influence on the final results of the parliamentary elections in the affected constituencies.

NoneQatar tribune Pakistan Engineers Forum (PEF) Qatar organised an event titled ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on education, work, and cybersecurity’, at The Next Generation (TNG) School, Al Wakra. The event brought together professionals, industry leaders, and AI experts to share insights, spark discussions, and explore the challenges and opportunities of AI in today’s fast-changing world. The event began with a welcome address by Ahmad Javaid, PEF Vice President, who emphasized the significance of AI as a game-changer across industries and its potential to redefine the future. “AI is not just a tool; it is a catalyst for innovation and progress. Through events like this, PEF aims to facilitate meaningful conversations that drive knowledge-sharing and collaboration,” remarked Javaid. The audience was captivated by a keynote speech delivered by Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, Advisory Council Member of PEF, titled ‘The Future of AI: Transforming Education and Beyond.’ Bakali highlighted how AI is revolutionizing educational methodologies, making learning more accessible and personalized while addressing broader implications for industries and societies worldwide. “Education is the foundation of innovation, and AI is the engine propelling it forward,” he noted. The event featured two engaging panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of AI’s impact. The subject of the first panel discussion was ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work.’ The panelists were Muhammad Ovais, expert in audit and financial reporting; Dr Khurram Iqbal, expert in structural integrity, particularly offshore structures; Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, expert in the field of education; and Dr Akmal Rana, expert in petrochemicals and quality management systems. The subject of the second panel discussion was ‘Navigating the Gray Area – Ethical AI in Cybersecurity.’ The panelists were Ahmad Javaid, expert in AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy; Omar Faheem, expert in educational technology and data; and Zia ur Rehman, expert in frauds and forensics. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Hamid Rasool, Chairman of the Advisory Council, PEF. He expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, panelists, attendees, and TNG School for their invaluable support and participation. Copy 04/12/2024 10Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Detroit Lions, coach Dan Campbell confirmed Thursday. Bridgewater, 32, appeared in one game (three snaps) for the Lions last season. He announced his retirement in February and spent the 2024 season coaching his alma mater Miami Northwestern High School to a Class 3A Florida state championship. A first-round pick by Minnesota in 2014 and a Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings in 2015, Bridgewater also played for the New Orleans Saints (2018-19), Carolina Panthers (2020), Denver Broncos (2021) and Miami Dolphins (2022) before joining the Lions in 2023. Bridgewater owns a 33-32 record as a starting quarterback, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 15,120 yards with 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions in 79 games. He has also rushed for 844 yards and 11 scores. He would provide experience and depth behind starter Jared Goff as the Lions (13-2) chase the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs. Hendon Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023, is Goff's current backup. Campbell told reporters Thursday that Bridgewater adds "professionalism" to the roster going into the postseason. Campbell said the move is not due to a lack of confidence in Hooker, adding that the playoffs are "a different world." The Lions also waived veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander on Thursday. Alexander played in two games for the Lions since being signed off the Denver Broncos' practice squad in late November. He had four tackles. Earlier this season, Alexander had eight tackles in three games (two starts) for the Broncos. Alexander, 30, has played for seven teams in 10 seasons since entering the NFL in 2015. He was a Pro Bowl selection for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. Alexander has had injury issues throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2018 with the Buccaneers, a torn pectoral with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, a torn right Achilles in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints and a torn left Achilles in 2023 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, Alexander has 643 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, nine interceptions - including one pick-six -- and six fumble recoveries in 109 games (92 starts). Detroit also signed linebacker DaRon Gilbert to the practice squad. He split his college career between Lafayette and Northern Illinois. Detroit visits San Francisco (6-9) on Monday night before ending the regular season with an NFC North showdown against the Minnesota Vikings (13-2) in Week 18. --Field Level Media

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The Weyburn Red Wings are carrying on with their season, despite their hometown rink being temporarily shuttered, thanks to the generosity of those in Assiniboia, Sask. "It was honestly, almost unbelievable to think, within 18 hours, we had about 23 billet beds. We had ice time. We had accommodations for coaches, we had meals,” explained Red Wings Head Coach and General Manager Cody Mapes. “It was pretty, pretty extraordinary." Due to mechanical issues with the ice plant at the Red Wings' home rink in Weyburn, the team was searching for new home ice on short notice. A Facebook post by Assiniboia's recreation and community wellness manager, Stephanie Van De Sype, quickly gained traction. "It was insane. I think the post had 550 shares. The whole province was talking about it. Everyone knew about it. You couldn't walk down the street without somebody saying, well, I could take someone in, or I know somebody who could take someone," Van De Sype told CTV News. The town ended up with more billet families than necessary – something Mayor Sharon Schauenberg, believes speaks to the heart of her community. "The call went out, and I think within 12 hours, everything was in place. So, we are so lucky and so privileged to be able to have this rink in itself, but to have the teams reach out to us in small communities,” she explained. “That's what we do. We help out where we can ... the people in this community are amazing, bar none. The most incredible, amazing people I've ever met." Many of those who offered their homes to the team have some aspiring hockey players in their families as well. "It's pretty awesome because both of my brothers are gone ... and it's just nice having another guy around the house,” explained 14-year-old Caydin Karst. "The first day was just kind of talk about, but we played some badminton in my shop and ping pong and darts and all that fun stuff.” Mason Van De Sype, 13, had a similar experience with his newfound housemate. "We play a lot of Fortnite together, eat together, lots of pizza, play mini sticks and stuff like that,” he explained. "Last night we played so mini sticks and it was really fun. I'm really looking forward to the games here in town. It'll be really fun,” Cole Pituleui, also 13, explained. For many of the young athletes, its an opportunity to be inspired "It makes me push myself and then think that I'll get there that one day," 13-year-old, Houston Hillmar said. “Yeah, I think I'm gonna push myself as best as I can, try to be like him and go play college hockey.” (Left to right) Mason Van De Sype, Caydin Karst, Houston Hillmar and Cole Pituleui are all excited to have Weyburn Red Wings players billeting with their families. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News) Van De Sype went on to express that the Red Wings’ stay in Assiniboia will be a fun opportunity for the town. “We're not looking for anything in return. We want to help them out. We want to see some good hockey,” she said. “That's what small town Saskatchewan's all about." During their stint in the “Heart of the Golden South,” the Red Wings will be nicknamed the Assiniboia-Weyburn Red Wings, and the team plans to provide a full game day experience for the community.Three BofA bankers in India leave amid probe into stock sale, source saysShare Tweet Share Share Email Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. Takeaway Points Mastercard has collaborated with Boost to accelerate cash digitization in FMCG. The partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments. Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data, and growth services. Why did Mastercard collaborate with Boost? Mastercard said on Thursday that it has partnered with Boost, the business-to-business (B2B) commerce platform, to drive the growth of small businesses operating in last-mile fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution networks—the final stage of supply chains in which products are delivered to end users. This partnership will provide digital payment options, planted credit, and integrated supply chain finance solutions to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard, while commenting about the partnership said, “Small businesses are the backbone of thriving economies, yet they often face significant barriers to growth. Through our partnership with Boost, we are strengthening the support ecosystem for MSMEs in emerging markets by providing essential digital tools and financing solutions to help them succeed in today’s digital economy.” Mike Quinn, co-founder and CEO, Boost, said, “We are thrilled to enter this commercial partnership with Mastercard in the pursuit of our mission to enable small businesses in last-mile global distribution networks to thrive in the digital economy. We have already proven that our highly scalable platform, coupled with our WhatsApp ordering solution, can power cost-effective growth across multiple channels in urban, peri-urban and rural settings by providing end-to-end visibility, increased coverage and direct-to-retailer digital promotions. Mastercard will help us take our model to the next level to create transformative value for our customers and partners while fueling our global ambitions.” How will this benefit FMCG distributors and retailers? According to the report, the partnership will benefit FMCG distributors and retailers that use Boost’s digital commerce platform to digitize payments, connecting them to essential working capital and Mastercard’s acceptance solutions. About Boost Boost powers manufacturers and their last-mile distribution networks with radically easy technology, data and growth services. The company’s innovative platform digitizes end-to-end distribution in primarily offline channels and drives growth by providing a space for direct-to-retailer digital engagement and embedded financing to distributors and retailers. Data by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) shows that MSMEs make up over 90% of all companies and account on average for 60-70% of total employment and 50% of the GDP worldwide. Still, according to the SME Finance Forum, they are currently encountering a roughly $5.7 trillion financing gap, which is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of the global MSME lending, Mastercard said. About Mastercard Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Related Items: Boost , Digital Payments , MasterCard Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Mobile Money Services: How FinTech Is Empowering Developing Economies How to Implement Fraud Prevention Strategies for Digital Payments Jira Planning Poker: How to Use It for Free to Boost Agile Teams Comments

Brighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six Premier League games by a frustrating goalless draw against away-day strugglers Brentford. Albion dominated for large periods on a foggy evening at the Amex Stadium and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Advertisement Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken also made a string of important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Thomas Frank’s visitors a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Brighton have plummeted from second place to mid-table amid a poor run of form which has increased scrutiny on head coach Fabian Hurzeler. Advertisement Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber called for perspective from fans in his programme notes after revealing he revealed emails “full of doom and gloom” following the recent 3-1 home defeat to rivals Crystal Palace. Enciso, one of two players recalled by Hurzeler following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham, almost gave Albion a dream start. A poor pass from Bees goalkeeper Flekken was intercepted by Carlos Baleba and, following a neat layoff from Joao Pedro, Paraguay forward Enciso curled against the right post. Brentford arrived in Sussex with the worst away record in the division, having previously taken a solitary point from 24 available this term. Advertisement Flekken saved well from Baleba and then collected a tame header from the unmarked Enciso before the away side thought they had snatched a 13th-minute lead. After being slipped in by Mads Roerslev at the end of a swift counter-attack, Wissa thumped high into the net beyond Seagulls keeper Bart Verbruggen only to be ruled marginally offside. Flekken made further saves from Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley before hurting himself keeping out a deflected Kaoru Mitoma cross and being replaced by 23-year-old Iceland international Valdimarsson. Brentford remained on the back foot and, aside from Wissa’s disallowed effort, offered little going forward in a one-sided opening period which somehow ended level. Advertisement Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke produced a crucial block to deny Wissa as the west London club began the second half brightly before Christian Norgaard’s ambitious effort deflected wide amid groans from increasingly restless home fans. Hurzeler responded with a triple change, introducing Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh in place of O’Riley, Gruda and Mitoma. Albion forward Pedro then escaped punishment in the 76th minute after swinging an arm at Bees substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact before defender Ben Mee became the second visiting player to depart injured. The introduction of Solly March in the 88th minute for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in October last year briefly lifted the mood on the terraces. Advertisement But, following a frantic five minutes of added time, some Seagulls supporters vented their displeasure at full-time as their club’s wait for victory goes on.