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SoundHound AI is making headlines with its incredible journey in 2024, witnessing almost a 875% jump in shares. Powered by an outstanding third-quarter revenue performace, it’s becoming a key player in the conversational AI arena, captivating major industries’ attention. Impressive Market Penetration SoundHound AI has broadened its horizons, decisively cutting down its dependency on its top customers. Back in 2023, its largest client brought in 72% of revenues, but now, that figure has plummeted to just 12%. This diversification includes significant inroads into the automotive sector, particularly within the electric vehicle industry. Notably, two fresh partnerships are utilizing its real-time conversational solutions. Expansion into the Chinese market through alliances with local tech giants also highlights its strategic growth tactics. Pioneering AI Solutions SoundHound’s AI-driven phone ordering systems have handled over 100 million interactions, establishing the company as a leader in restaurant solutions. Beyond the restaurant realm, its AI technologies are gaining traction across other arenas like finance and healthcare, contributing significantly to its revenue. Technological Advancements The launch of the Polaris foundation model, trained on vast data arrays, is pivotal to SoundHound’s edge, reducing costs and elevating service precision. Polaris is critical for roughly one-third of AI interactions among its restaurant demographics, setting the stage for further growth. Competitive Outlook Against Palantir While SoundHound shows significant growth, comparisons to Palantir depict a different financial landscape. Unlike Palantir, SoundHound is still the underdog in profitability but offers burgeoning top-line growth and niche market potential. Investors may still lean towards Palantir due to its entrenched offerings in critical business operations. However, SoundHound’s rapid expansion and diversification signal its burgeoning potential in the AI domain. The Surprising Ascension of SoundHound AI in the Conversational AI Market SoundHound AI has captured the spotlight in 2024 with an astonishing 875% surge in its stock value, setting the stage for remarkable growth in the conversational AI industry. Boasting impressive third-quarter financial results, the company is rapidly evolving into a prominent figure in AI, drawing significant attention from diverse industries. Key Developments Driving Market Expansion A strategic shift has greatly reduced SoundHound AI’s reliance on a single major client, previously responsible for 72% of its revenue in 2023, to a mere 12% in 2024. This diversification has been fueled by expansions into the automotive industry, particularly electric vehicles, with two notable partnerships leveraging its real-time conversational solutions. Moreover, SoundHound has expanded into the lucrative Chinese market through strategic collaborations with leading local tech firms, further solidifying its global presence. Advanced AI Solutions and Applications SoundHound’s AI technology is transforming industry standards with its phone ordering systems that have successfully managed over 100 million interactions, positioning the company as an authority in restaurant solutions. Beyond dining, its AI services are expanding into finance and healthcare sectors, enabling substantial contributions to company revenues and showcasing the versatility of its solutions. Technological Innovations and Advantages The introduction of the Polaris foundation model represents a significant milestone for SoundHound. Trained on expansive datasets, Polaris enhances service accuracy while reducing operational costs. Approximately one-third of restaurant-based AI interactions now leverage this innovative model, laying the groundwork for further growth and adoption. Competitive Analysis: SoundHound vs. Palantir Though SoundHound AI’s recent achievements are noteworthy, juxtaposing its performance against established entities like Palantir reveals distinct narratives. While Palantir continues to dominate profitability metrics and essential business functionalities, SoundHound offers robust top-line growth and promising niche opportunities within AI markets. Despite Palantir’s solid market position, SoundHound’s rapid diversification highlights its emerging potential, making it an intriguing prospect for future investments in the AI sector. In conclusion, SoundHound AI’s strategic market penetration, pioneering technology, and expansion into emerging markets demonstrably position it on a pathway for continued success. As it navigates the competitive landscape, its capacity for innovation and adaptation could well redefine industry standards, presenting a compelling case for stakeholders and investors alike.top 50 casino sites 。

China may be playing its biggest economic card yet. According to sources cited by Reuters this week, Chinese policymakers are considering allowing the yuan to weaken significantly in 2025 to counter the economic impact of a potential 60% tariff on Chinese imports by the United States. This move would mark a major shift in Beijing's currency strategy as the country grapples with mounting economic pressures. But will it actually work? A Weaker Yuan: A Double-Edged Sword? President-elect Donald Trump 's proposed tariffs—10% on all imports and a massive 60% on Chinese goods—have prompted Beijing to consider devaluation as a buffer. A weaker yuan could theoretically make Chinese exports cheaper and offset the sting of U.S. tariffs. Yet, Beijing is walking a tightrope. According to Lynn Song, an analyst at ING, the People's Bank of China is expected to “mount a strong defense” of the yuan. The central bank is acutely aware that if the renminbi falls too sharply, it could trigger even harsher retaliatory measures from Washington. In response to the rumors, Financial News, a PBOC-affiliated publication, insisted the yuan remains on solid footing and predicted the currency could stabilize and strengthen by the end of the year. China's Real Problem: A Balance Sheet Recession Tariffs aren't China's only problem. The country is facing a multi-front economic battle, with a housing market that's imploding, a weak stock market, and slowing consumer activity. "The gentle de-leveraging of the housing market that policymakers had in mind turned into a vicious balance sheet recession," said Alfonso Peccatiello , chief investing officer at Palinuro Capital and founder of The Macro Compass. "Trillions in wealth tied to real estate have been wiped out since 2021." A balance sheet recession is brutal. In this scenario, consumers and businesses prioritize repairing their finances over spending or investing, rendering typical monetary policy tools like interest rate cuts or currency devaluation largely ineffective. This type of economic slowdown recalls the eurozone debt crisis of 2011-2012, when fiscal austerity measures rendered monetary policy largely ineffective in stimulating the real economy. Beijing's Response So Far China’s policy response thus far has lacked courage, to say the least. Authorities have floated mentions of small-scale fiscal stimulus, though these efforts lack the size and scope to move the needle. The government has also set up mechanisms to deter investors from shorting Chinese stocks, aiming to stabilize markets. Additionally, the central bank has slashed interest rates aggressively to boost liquidity. Despite these interventions, the economy has failed to gain meaningful traction, leaving analysts and investors skeptical about Beijing's strategy. The iShares MSCI China ETF MCHI – a key benchmark tracking Chinese equities – continues to remain nearly 50% below its record highs achieved in February 2021. Why a Weaker Yuan Won't Fix This The idea of weakening the yuan might sound like a magic bullet, but economists aren't sold on the effectiveness of this strategy. "In a balance sheet recession, consumers and corporates can’t be encouraged to spend more by cutting interest rates or weakening the currency," Peccatiello said. "They are bleeding, and they see their net worth declining due to continued weakness in the property market." Simply put, a weaker currency won’t rebuild shattered wealth or restore confidence among Chinese households and businesses. What's The Real Solution? For Peccatiello, the solution for China may lie in implementing a large, targeted fiscal stimulus. Rather than broad, unspecific measures, some suggest that the government could consider directing significant spending toward struggling corporations and consumers. The question remains: Will Beijing take substantial steps toward fiscal stimulus? Read now: Defense Stocks Face Headwinds As Trump’s DOGE Targets Spending Cuts: Goldman Sachs Downgrades General Dynamics Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Coimbatore: A two-day international conference on ‘ advanced manufacturing using artificial intelligence , machine learning and innovation to empower MSMEs ' got underway in the city on Friday. The event was jointly organized by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises, district chapter of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCIC) and the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia). The event was supported by the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). An MoU was signed for collaborative agreements between the three organizers of the event. Foreign dignitaries and speakers from 12 countries, including the USA, Germany, Hungary, Russia, Mauritius, Dubai, Seychelles, Ethiopia, El Salvador and Panama, shared their expertise on artificial intelligence, machine learning and innovation technology at the event. While addressing the media, Dr Sanjiv Layek, executive secretary, MSME ministry, and member - UNESCO, highlighted that majority of the MSMEs were reluctant to adopt new technologies. "This is a major barrier for growth. MSMEs are a vital part of the country's industry and their growth will certainly have an impact on the country's development." M Karthikeyan, president, Codissia, said they were keen on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into all possible sectors. "Our core focus is on creating an AI-dependent machine learning for greater growth of the industry." The delegates of the panel discussion, meanwhile, highlighted the difficulties in adopting artificial intelligence and machine learning. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read article for precise information. In Brief Santiment notes that the continued growth in larger wallets—particularly those holding between 10 and 1,000 BTC—indicates a strong likelihood that the bull market will persist into 2025. Market intelligence platform recently released an analysis noting that Bitcoin and altcoins have demonstrated strong recovery leading up to Christmas Day, showcasing the so-called “Santa Rally.” Bitcoin has rebounded, reaching as high as $99,000, with traders optimistic about a potential $100,000 milestone before the end of the year. is currently trading at $98,409, marking a 4.22% increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached a high of $99,178, recovering from a low of $94,434 during the same period. Trading volume, however, has decreased by 14.44%, dropping to $46.5 billion from an average of $70 billion the previous day. Additionally, Bitcoin’s market dominance has risen to 56.76%, reflecting a 0.52% increase over the last 24 hours, according to the data from CoinMarketCap. Notably, this surge comes despite the $338.4 million in net outflows from the Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Tuesday, which marked the fourth consecutive day of outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs, contributing to negative market sentiment. BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) saw its largest outflow, amounting to $188.7 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC had an outflow of $83.2 million, followed by ARKB with $75 million, according to SoSoValue. 📈 Bitcoin and altcoins have recovered well heading into Christmas Day. BTC has rebounded as high as $99K with traders hoping for a $100K Xmas gift. Here are the number of BTC wallets by size: 🦐 0-0.1 BTC Wallets: 50.17M 🐠 0.1-10 BTC Wallets: 4.31M 🦈 10-1,000 BTC Wallets:... The firm notes that regarding wallet distribution, the number of Bitcoin wallets by size presently is as follows: 50.17 million wallets hold between 0 and 0.1 BTC, representing individual retail investors. 4.31 million wallets contain between 0.1 and 10 BTC, likely belonging to a mix of retail and smaller institutional holders. 150,130 wallets hold between 10 and 1,000 BTC, indicating more serious investors or high-net-worth individuals. Lastly, there are 2,050 wallets with over 1,000 BTC, likely owned by large institutions or Bitcoin whales with considerable holdings. Sentiment notes that the continued growth in the number of larger wallets—especially those holding 10 to 1,000 BTC—suggests a strong likelihood that the bull market will persist, provided these investors maintain their accumulation trends throughout 2024. In line with the , please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance. Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.Creating an enabling ecosystem for agribusiness

NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The fresh pet food market in US size is estimated to grow by USD 1.23 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 29.91% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Product (Dog food, Cat food, and Others), Type (Fish, Meat, Vegetable, and Others), and Geography (North America) Key Companies Covered A Pup Above, Artemis Pet Food Co., Carnivore Meat Co. LLC, Cooking4Canines, Darwins Natural Pet Products, Freshpet Inc., JustFoodForDogs LLC, My Perfect Pet Food Inc., Nestle SA, NomNomNow Inc., Ollie, Pauls Custom Pet Food LLC, Pet Plate, Pet Honesty, Primal Pet Foods Inc., Raised Right Pets LP, Spot and Tango, The Farmers Dog Inc., The Honest Kitchen, and Rabbit Hole Hay Inc. Regions Covered US Region Outlook 1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 100%. To the growth of the global market. The Fresh Pet Food Market in US report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The offline segment of the fresh pet food market in the US is experiencing growth due to the rising demand for fresh and nutritious pet food options. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, including Target Corp. (Target), Walmart, Meijer Inc. (Meijer), Whole Foods Market Inc. (Whole Foods Market), and The Kroger Co. (Kroger), are popular distribution channels for fresh pet foods. These retailers offer a wide selection of fresh pet foods from various brands, providing convenience for pet owners. Vendors are also introducing innovative products, such as Freshpet Inc.'s Spring and Sprout, a fresh, vegetarian dog food, in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Expansions of large supermarket chains, like ALDI Inc. (ALDI), will increase accessibility and sales of fresh pet foods. Pet specialty stores, vet clinics, and pet clubs are also expanding their offerings of fresh pet foods to meet the increasing demand. Convenience stores, with their extended hours and increasing number, provide pet owners with access to fresh pet foods at convenient locations. As of July 2022 , there are 43,267 convenience stores in the US, a 3% increase from 2021. The growth of these offline channels will contribute to the expansion of the fresh pet food market in the US during the forecast period. Research Analysis The Fresh Pet Food Market in the US is witnessing a significant shift towards natural and whole food sources for pets. Consumers are increasingly seeking out pet food options that are free from artificial preservatives, additives, fillers, and byproducts. Instead, they are opting for human-grade foods made from lean meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits. The Pet Food Business is responding to this trend by offering a wide range of canine food choices that cater to this demand. Home cooks are also joining the movement, preparing meals for their pets using fresh ingredients. However, it's important to ensure that the temperature of the food is appropriate to maintain its nutritional content and prevent foodborne illnesses. Reliable providers in the market offer a variety of fresh pet food options, including poultry, meats, grains, and rice. These foods are sourced from whole food sources to provide optimal nutritional content for pets. Whether you're looking for chicken, fish, or vegetable-based options, there are plenty of choices available in the Fresh Pet Food Market to keep your furry friends healthy and happy. Market Overview The Fresh Pet Food Market in the US is experiencing significant growth as pet owners prioritize the health and well-being of their companion animals. The market offers various options for pet food, including fresh, human-grade foods made from poultry, fish, vegetables, and fruits. However, some concerns surround the use of artificial preservatives, additives, fillers, and byproducts in conventional pet food. Pet parents are increasingly seeking out high-quality, nutritious options for their dogs and cats. The market segmentation includes the Dog Food segment and Cat Food segment, with the former dominating the market. The Offline Market segment includes pet specialty stores, pet clubs, vet clinics, and convenience stores, while the Online Platforms segment includes e-commerce and subscription services. The regulatory environment plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of ingredients, label accuracy, and production processes. Discerning pet owners demand transparency and personalization, leading to the popularity of customized pet nutrition and prescription diets. The market also offers senior pet foods, grain-free and hypoallergenic alternatives, and organic food choices. The fresh pet food market offers various pet food varieties, including those made from whole food sources, lean meats, and minimally processed ingredients. Established suppliers provide reliable sources of nutritious ingredients, while pet food retailers and sellers cater to the diverse needs of pet owners. The convenience of home delivery services and subscription plans further adds to the appeal of fresh pet food. In conclusion, the Fresh Pet Food Market in the US is a dynamic and growing industry that prioritizes the health and well-being of companion animals. It offers various options for pet food, including fresh, human-grade foods, and caters to the diverse needs and preferences of pet owners. The market's focus on quality nutrition, personalization, and convenience continues to drive its growth. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 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 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor 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/fresh-pet-food-market-in-the-us-100-growth-driven-by-north-america-report-on-ai-redefining-market-landscape---technavio-302328805.html SOURCE TechnavioWith guests on their way for Christmas, now’s the time of year where you’re most likely to stress over your food serving setup. Is the silverware amply cleaned? Did you ever replace that plate that your clumsy uncle chipped last year? How will you keep the Boxing Day buffet warm? We can at least help you out with that last one thanks to this HOMCOM 4.5L Electric Food Warmer Buffet Server reduced to £36.99 from £55.99 at Debenhams. With 4.5L of capacity, this nifty little device is a perfect serving assistant for any time you’ve got guests . It has two 1L trays and a larger 2.5L beside them, meaning there’s plenty of room for keeping different foodstuffs warm and separated, each with their own hygienic lids. READ MORE: Debenhams reduces £100 chunky knit throw to £23 that's 'very soft and warm' READ MORE: Debenhams slashes 64% off 'beautiful print' bedding set worth £84 - and it's selling fast The adjustable temperature rangers from 70 to 95 degrees celsius , and it’s easily selected with the simple control knob. It features cool-touch handles too for easy transport from the kitchen to the table. Unfortunately this product doesn’t yet have any reviews across the retailers stocking it, but Debenhams itself has a solid 3.3 out of 5 average from over 15,000 reviews on Trustpilot. “Fantastic online shop!” said one five-star review. “Probably my favourite in the UK. So many options including quick 1-2 day delivery. I have had a few faulty items received but as long as I provide photographs as evidence it's always resolved.” “I had a problem with a product and needed to contact customer services,” began another five-star testimonial. “Faultless service, all sorted within the day. I have shopped online many times and would recommend.” HOMCOM electric buffet server from Debenhams that comes with a 2.5L large tray and two 1L smaller trays. (Image: Debenhams) Criticism tends to be levied against the brands operating through Debenhams’ platform, with that setup continuing the concessions-based operation at its physical stores of yesteryear. “I feel that some outside consessions take a bit excessive time with your refunds which is really off-putting,” said one three-star review. Another less-positive review noted their aggressive email marketing campaign: “Having used Debenhams for several years I am now fed up with receiving dozens of emails advertising their goods for sale.” If you scroll to the bottom of one of these emails and click ‘unsubscribe’, you should be able to nip these in the bud. Please ensure you check that the sender is legitimate before clicking any links in an email. Currently at a big discount, you could pick up this £19.99 Daewoo food warmer at Robert Dyas instead. There’s also this slightly larger Progress food warmer for £49.99 at Currys. At less than £37, this HOMCOM 4.5L Electric Food Warmer is nevertheless worth considering against the competition.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — With his stellar America’s Cup career behind him, Jimmy Spithill introduced his new Red Bull Italy SailGP Team on Thursday in Dubai just ahead of the opening regatta of the global league’s fifth season. Spithill, the team’s CEO and founder, pulled a major coup by hiring his old America’s Cup crewmate and fellow Australian, wing trimmer Kyle Langford, from the Australian team that dominated SailGP for the first three seasons. Italy, SailGP’s 12th team, sailed its foiling 50-foot catamaran for the first time Thursday. After practice racing on Friday, the opening regatta will be Saturday and Sunday. “It’s been definitely a big push,” Spithill said in a video interview with The Associated Press. “It’s all come up really quick. We’re almost there.” Spithill left the U.S. SailGP team in November after 2 1/2 seasons to focus on starting the Italian team and on sailing in this year’s America’s Cup. He was co-helmsman of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, which was eliminated by INEOS Britannia in the challenger finals. Double Olympic gold medalist Ruggero Tita will helm the Italian team, while two-time bronze medalist and recent Women’s America’s Cup winner Giulia Fava will be the strategist and Italian national champion Andrea Tesei will be the flight controller. Alex Sinclair also followed Spithill, joining grinders Matteo Celon and Enrico Voltolini, who have extensive high-performance and America’s Cup experience. Spithill said his crew has “some absolute next-generation stars, from different backgrounds, Olympics, America’s Cup, and it’s just awesome having Kyle come in.” Spithill, 45, said he’ll be on the boat only if someone gets hurt or sick. “These young guys are too good at it,” he said. “The talent that’s coming through in Italy, I mean, the results do the talking.” More stars having been switching teams in SailGP, which was co-founded by tech billionaire Larry Ellison. Signing Langford is a big deal for the new team. Shortly before the 2013 America’s Cup on San Francisco Bay, Langford was promoted to Oracle’s race crew after wing trimmer Dirk de Ridder was suspended by an international jury. With Emirates Team New Zealand at match point at 8-1, Spithill skippered Oracle to eight straight wins in one of the greatest comebacks in sports to retain the Cup. “One thing that really attracted him was a chance to start out and really play a major role with the new team and especially the emerging talent,” Spithill said. “It would have been really easy for him to say, ‘You know what? I’m comfortable with the Aussies.’ But the fact that he’s stepped out of his comfort zone and he’s challenging himself as an athlete in this stage of his career is just massive.” While talented, the Italian crew will have the least experience together in the high-performance F50 catamaran. Spithill said Langford “is going to play a huge role in getting this team up to speed. I mean, the F50 is, without a doubt, probably the hardest boat to sail out there.” After sailing for Luna Rossa in three of his eight America’s Cup campaigns, Spithill has seen how passionate Italian fans are. “When you talk about an exciting market for the sport, I mean, it doesn’t get any better than Italy,” he said. “It has a huge following in Italy and they’ve got a real cultural attachment to the ocean and the sport itself.” Spithill said immediately after Luna Rossa’s loss in early October that it was time to step away from the America’s Cup. “The point is, we didn’t get the job done so I hold myself accountable for that. And I also am seeing firsthand that this next generation of talent coming through and I believe they deserve a shot, you know?” “I really think SailGP is the future of the sport. The whole regular season, the concept makes a lot of sense,” he said. Dubai is the first of 14 regattas. At season’s end, the top three crews will race in the $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final. Also Thursday, Rolex was announced as SailGP’s first title sponsor as part of a 10-year deal. ___ Bernie Wilson has covered sailing for The Associated Press since 1991.Walmart CEO reveals strategy change and plans for 2025 as he admits retailer is ‘very different’ to previous years

Constitutional amendment for local bodies on the anvil Ahsan Iqbal says govt is working on consensus building with other parties on constitutional amendment ISLAMABAD: The government is working on building consensus with the other political parties on a constitutional amendment to get protection for local bodies including their funding through respective provincial finance commissions (PFCs). “We are working on consensus building with other parties on a constitutional amendment to get protection for local government and their funding through respective provincial finance commissions,” Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal confirmed when contacted by The News Thursday night. Earlier, the planning minister on Thursday met a 15-member delegation of Local Council Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mardan. In the meeting, the federal minister was given a detailed briefing on the problems of local governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The delegation informed the minister that the local governments in the province had been paralysed for more than three years and the PTI government had given no administrative and financial support to 30,000 elected local government representatives in the province. The minister said that the fate of the people of Pakistan depends on how effectively the local governments are solving the problems related to service delivery in health, education and municipal administration. After the 18th Amendment, the powers given to the provinces have not been effectively devolved to local governments, he added. He stated that if the powers given by the federation to the provinces are accounted for, the efficiency of local governments will become clear. He emphasised that the local bodies should get the same support that the provincial bodies are getting. The minister further said that the centralisation of powers in each province is at the upper level, which needs to be transferred to the lower level immediately. Education, health, and municipal services are in poor condition, he stressed. He said that 50,000 local bodies were destroyed in Punjab during the PTI tenure which was a massive blow that affected public. The delegation of the local government representatives told him that the elected local government representatives will also hold a protest outside Adiala Jail on December 17 to plead for their rights. The federal government will fully support their constitutional and legal powers and rights, the minister said.Ravens QB Jackson leads first NFL Pro Bowl fan voting resultsRavens QB Jackson leads first NFL Pro Bowl fan voting results

MyPillow owner Mike Lindell said in a lawsuit this week that his company took on a loan at an annual interest rate of 409%, contributing to the company's dire financial straits, according to a report. The suit is accompanied by 18 other corporate entities that say Cobalt Funding Solutions and another company involved in the loan, Streamline Advance, committed racketeering, according to Yahoo Finance . The agreement for the loan was reached in September for $1.6 million, which would require a significant payback at a 409% annual interest rate. MyPillow was recently involved in a few court cases related to finances, according to the report, including accusations of defaulting on a $600,000 loan in October and a $2 million loan in July. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Both cases are still pending in New York. Lindell has been a colorful character in right-wing politics, including shaving his trademark mustache off to go undercover at the Democratic National Convention , offering a "Prove Mike Wrong" $5 million prize for anyone who could dispute his claims the 2020 election was stolen from now-President-elect Donald Trump , and facing defamation lawsuits from voting system companies .

Gandapur meets Durrani, discusses political reconciliationTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Thursday that his office has begun investigations into over a dozen technology platforms over alleged privacy and safety violations affecting minors. Among the platforms under scrutiny are artificial intelligence chatbot startup Character.AI, along with widely used sites like Reddit, Instagram, and Discord. Paxton's move underscores growing concerns about children's safety in the digital space. According to a Harvard study, U.S. social media platforms earned approximately $11 billion in advertising revenue from users under 18 in 2022. With increasing pressure on tech companies to address these issues, they state that they have implemented measures to safeguard young users. Paxton emphasized the probes would assess compliance with Texas laws designed to protect minors' data privacy. (With inputs from agencies.)

Canopy Growth and Acreage Provide Update on Closing TimelineWhales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on IBM . Looking at options history for IBM IBM we detected 14 trades. If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 42% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 42% with bearish. From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $130,410 and 12, calls, for a total amount of $375,154. Predicted Price Range After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $170.0 and $250.0 for IBM, spanning the last three months. Analyzing Volume & Open Interest In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of IBM stands at 1211.0, with a total volume reaching 4,352.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in IBM, situated within the strike price corridor from $170.0 to $250.0, throughout the last 30 days. IBM Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days Noteworthy Options Activity: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume IBM PUT SWEEP BEARISH 02/21/25 $12.6 $12.55 $12.6 $235.00 $89.4K 390 4 IBM CALL TRADE NEUTRAL 01/16/26 $70.1 $68.1 $69.06 $170.00 $48.3K 516 7 IBM PUT SWEEP BULLISH 06/20/25 $16.2 $15.75 $15.75 $230.00 $40.9K 208 28 IBM CALL SWEEP BEARISH 12/27/24 $3.5 $3.3 $3.3 $235.00 $33.3K 167 611 IBM CALL SWEEP NEUTRAL 12/27/24 $3.3 $3.3 $3.3 $235.00 $33.0K 167 711 About IBM IBM looks to be a part of every aspect of an enterprise's IT needs. The company primarily sells software, IT services, consulting, and hardware. IBM operates in 175 countries and employs approximately 350,000 people. The company has a robust roster of 80,000 business partners to service 5,200 clients, which includes 95% of all Fortune 500. While IBM is a B2B company, IBM's outward impact is substantial. For example, IBM manages 90% of all credit card transactions globally and is responsible for 50% of all wireless connections in the world. In light of the recent options history for IBM, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance. Current Position of IBM With a volume of 1,830,962, the price of IBM is up 1.31% at $233.13. RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought. Next earnings are expected to be released in 41 days. Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days? 20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. Click here for access . Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest IBM options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a lawsuit against Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. EVLV and certain of the Company's current and former senior executives. If you invested in Evolv, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . Investors have until December 31, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Evolv's securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and is captioned Buchan v. Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. , No. 1:24-cv-12768. A copy of the lawsuit can be found here: https://www.bfalaw.com/siteFiles/Cases/EvolvFiledComplaint.pdf What is the Lawsuit About? Evolv is a security technology company that utilizes AI-based screening designed to help create safer experiences. The complaint alleges that Evolv's financial statements prepared for the periods between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 contained material misstatements relating to Evolv's revenue recognition and other reported metrics that are a function of revenue. On October 25, 2024, Evolv announced that the Company's financial statements issued between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 should not be relied upon due to material misstatements impacting revenue recognition and other previously reported metrics that are a function of revenue. The Company revealed that certain sales, including sales to one of its largest channel partners, were subject to extra-contractual terms and conditions not shared with the Company's accounting personnel and that certain Company personnel engaged in misconduct in connection with those transactions. The Company also announced that it has self-reported these issues to the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission and was delaying filing its upcoming quarterly report for the third quarter of 2024. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 40%, from $4.10 per share on October 24, 2024, to $2.47 per share on October 25, 2024. Then, on October 31, 2024, Evolv announced the termination of the Company's CEO, Peter George, effective immediately. The Company announced that Michael Ellenbogen, Evolv's Chief Innovation Officer will serve in an interim role until a successor is appointed. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 8%, from $2.34 per share on October 30, 2024, to $2.15 per share on October 31, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Evolv you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Re: Waddya know?, Dec. 10. Yet another GOP, crowing about the election, “done and won!”, and trying to say DEMs need to ignore national politics, now. In your dreams. We are capable of focusing on both local and National politics, and, no, we won’t be quiet. There are 33 Senate seats up in 2026, and all 435 House seats. There was no red wave. Trump barely got more votes than 2020, when he lost. Just like all citizens, the writer is free to focus solely on local issues if that is her desire. If she and others think they can bully Dems into silence, they have a better chance of getting diamonds from Pluto. Christi Driggs Northwest side Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star. Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. 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