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hot casino real money Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Prize: Voices for Peace / Previous Peace Prize Winner Says Desire to Eliminate N-Weapons Understood Worldwide; Young People are ‘Last Generation’ to Hear from Hibakusha, Kawasaki SaysMeta to build new USD10B AI data centre

AI in Games Market to grow by USD 4.5 Billion from 2024-2028, fueled by rising adoption of AR and VR games, Report on AI-driven market evolution - TechnavioThe U.S. stock indices failed to set any new record closes today, following yesterday's historic highs for the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. All three major indices ended the day lower, with the sharpest decline seen in the small-cap Russell 2000, which fell 1.25%. The Russell 2000 continues to seek a new record close, a milestone it hasn’t reached since November 2021. To achieve this, it needs to surpass 2442.74. Notably, on November 25, the index came within 0.73 points of that record but fell short. Last Friday, it rallied to 2434.72 but retreated before the session ended. The final numbers for the major indices shows: Dow Industrial Average -248.33 points or -0.55% at 44765.71 S&P -11.38 points were -0.19% at 6075.11 Nasdaq index -34.86 points or -0.18% at 19700.26 Russell 2000 -30.39 points or -1.25% at 2396.16 Below are some of the big winners today: American Airlines (AAL): +16.87% Roblox (RBLX): +8.07% GameStop Corp (GME): +5.92% Papa John's (PZZA): +4.39% Stellantis NV (STLA): +4.01% Tesla (TSLA): +3.23% United Airlines Holdings (UAL): +3.21% Rivian Automotive (RIVN): +3.18% Moderna (MRNA): +3.15% Palantir (PLTR): +2.89% Deutsche Bank AG (DB): +2.66% Delta Air Lines (DAL): +2.35% Merck & Co (MRK): +2.15% Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG): +2.11% Below are some of the big losers today Uber Tech (UBER): -9.58% Chewy (CHWY): -7.19% Aspen Aerogels Inc (ASPN): -5.99% Intel (INTC): -5.47% Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT): -4.42% SoFi Technologies (SOFI): -4.29% Lam Research (LRCX): -3.90% Celsius (CELH): -3.73% Snap (SNAP): -3.68% Beyond Meat (BYND): -3.64% ARK Genomic Revolution (ARKG): -3.56% Goodrx (GDRX): -3.35% Block (SQ): -3.05% Ford Motor (F): -2.38% Robinhood Markets (HOOD): -2.70% Arm (ARM): -2.42%US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC's $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. The Biden administration appealed the lower court ruling, but the case probably won’t be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it is not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue. Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it heads for a winning week Stocks gained ground on Wall Street, keeping the market on track for its fifth gain in a row. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% in afternoon trading Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts' estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called of its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. Australia rejects Elon Musk's claim that it plans to control access to the internet MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian Cabinet minister has rejected X Corp. owner Elon Musk’s allegation that the government intends to control all Australians' access to the internet through legislation that would ban young children from social media. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Friday that Musk’s criticism was “unsurprising” after the government introduced legislation to Parliament that would fine platforms including X up to $133 million for allowing children under 16 to hold social media accounts. The spat continues months of open hostility between the Australian government and the tech billionaire over regulators’ efforts to reduce public harm from social media. Parliament could pass the legislation as soon as next week. Oil company Phillips 66 faces federal charges related to alleged Clean Water Act violations LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oil company Phillips 66 has been federally indicted in connection with alleged violations of the Clean Water Act in California. The Texas-based company is accused of discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater containing excessive amounts of oil and grease. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Thursday. Phillips is charged with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. An arraignment date has not been set. A spokesperson for the company said it was cooperating with prosecutors. US regulators seek to break up Google, forcing Chrome sale as part of monopoly punishment U.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade. The proposed breakup floated in a 23-page document filed late Wednesday by the U.S. Justice Department calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent Android from favoring its search engine. Regulators also want to ban Google from forging multibillion-dollar deals to lock in its dominant search engine as the default option on Apple’s iPhone and other devices. New York judge rejects state efforts to shutter bitcoin mine over climate concerns NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge has rejected an effort by state regulators to shutter a bitcoin mine over concerns about its greenhouse gas emissions. The decision will allow the Greenidge power plant to continue operating in the Finger Lakes region of the state. The state had previously found the gas-powered crypto mine ran afoul of a climate law intended to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But on Thursday, a state Supreme Court judge found Greenidge was entitled to a process to defend its continued operation. Environmental groups have protested the facility, which they allege is pumping emissions into the air while contaminating the nearby Seneca Lake. What you need to know about the proposed measures designed to curb Google's search monopoly U.S. regulators are proposing aggressive measures to restore competition to the online search market after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. The sweeping set of recommendations filed late Wednesday could radically alter Google’s business. Regulators want Google to sell off its industry-leading Chrome web browser. They outlined a range of behavioral measures such as prohibiting Google from using search results to favor its own services such as YouTube, and forcing it to license search index data to its rivals. They're not going as far as to demand Google spin off Android, but are leaving that door open if the remedies don't work. Apple and Google face UK investigation into mobile browser dominance LONDON (AP) — A British watchdog says Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers. The watchdog's report Friday recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker’s tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. The CMA’s report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option.” Apple said it disagreed with the findings.

The United States chose dependable veterans over younger alternatives in picking its roster to compete against Canada, Sweden and Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first international tournament featuring the NHL’s best players in nearly a decade. Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers and Brock Nelson of the rival Islanders were among the final 17 players chosen, with USA Hockey prioritizing experience from world championships and other events over future potential. General manager Bill Guerin said the depth of talent to choose from was a testament to the grassroots growth of the sport in the U.S. “It was extremely challenging to get to a final roster,” said Guerin, the Minnesota Wild’s general manager. “Hockey in our country is strong and continuing to get better, and this team is no doubt a reflection of that.” Dallas’ Jason Robertson, 25, Utah’s Clayton Keller, 26, and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch, 27, and Tage Thompson, 28, were among the forwards left off. Kreider and Nelson, the oldest players on the team at age 33, have extensive history playing at the world championships. The youngest player is also the only one with Olympic experience: 22-year-old Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber, who played at the Beijing Games in 2022 when the NHL pulled out late because of pandemic-related scheduling issues. Winnipeg’s two-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, Dallas’ Jake Oettinger and Boston’s Jeremy Swayman were the slam-dunk choices in net at a position with an embarrassment of strong depth, with Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko injured and unavailable. Canada has no sure answer in goal and chose a pair of Stanley Cup champions, St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington and Vegas’ Adin Hill, along with Montreal’s Sam Montembeault. The country that won the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the past two Olympics without NHL talent built a team outside the net that fits two-time Cup-winning coach Jon Cooper and includes Lightning players Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point. “This event is an important part of the process as we continue to build teams that can be successful on the international stage,” Cooper said. “We look forward to our group gathering in February and competing for a championship.” Finland also went heavy on recent championship winners, picking Florida’s Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola and Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen “It’s big value,” said Finland general manager Jere Lehtinen, who was also in charge of the team that won gold at the 2022 Olympics without NHL talent. “You have a few players who have won and have been in tough situations through their careers, so when it comes to a tournament like that, it’s a quick tournament. You have to be ready right away.” Sweden, much like the U.S., skewed older with its selections. The Swedish Hockey Federation opted for veteran experience on defense with Edmonton’s Mattias Ekholm and Minnesota’s Jonas Brodin, to go along with young Buffalo captain Rasmus Dahlin. Up front, the Swedes did not overlook youth, choosing Anaheim’s 19-year-old center Leo Carlsson and Detroit’s 22-year-old winger Lucas Raymond among their forwards. “We went with an experienced group,” Sweden general manager Josef Boumedienne said. “We’ve got a few really good young players that did not make the roster, but we decided with a short tournament like this, basically do-or-die games in every single one of them, we went with a little more experienced group and we have a lot of leadership qualities in our group that we were excited about.” The Finns took some role players in piecing together a team in front of Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros, including Montreal’s Joel Armia and San Jose’s Mikael Granlund, who’s having something of a career renaissance with the Sharks. “As a young player in Finland, that’s one of the biggest things you can have in a hockey career, to play for your country,” Granlund said this week. “I’ve always just actually loved those moments and I’ve had good success on the national team. It’s really cool and, having the 4 Nations, that’s best against best, so that’s special.” Among the final decisions, Sweden left off Hampus Lindholm to bring Brodin, citing the Boston defenseman’s injury and tight timeline as the reason. Finland put Patrik Laine on the roster that had to be locked in earlier this week before the scoring winger made his season debut Tuesday night for Montreal. “We’ve been talking with him and knowing where he’s at,” Lehtinen said. “Overall, there’s two months before the tournament starts, so there’s a lot of games before then and I think it’s enough time to get him in good game shape and playing well.” Toronto’s Jani Hakanpää got the nod on the blue line even though he has only played in two games this season coming off a knee injury. Finland only had the choice of 10 defensemen to pick from. “We know that we don’t have too many D-men who’s playing in the NHL,” coach Antti Pennanen said. “But still, we have a good back end: strong and big, and they are able to play against top forwards.” The United States and Canada are set to unveil their choices later Wednesday. The round-robin tournament with the top two teams facing off in the final is taking place from Feb. 12-20, with the first half in Montreal and second half in Boston. This is the first country versus country men’s tournament in the sport with the best players involved since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The hope was to stage the event this past winter, but questions over how to handle Russian players given that country’s war in Ukraine pushed it to 2025 and reduced the teams involved to these four. Each country’s first six players were named in late June: Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy and Adam Fox for the U.S.; Point, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Brad Marchand for Canada; Mika Zibanejad, William Nylander, Filip Forsberg, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and Gustav Forsling for Sweden and Saros, Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell for Finland.

Braving Motor Vehicle Engineering: Mugenyi Leads Uganda’s Computerized Car Repairing Revolution

Greece’s economy held up well during recent crises and has outpaced growth in the euro area since the global energy crisis. Further policy action is now needed to ensure continuing strong growth and fiscal sustainability, notably to keep public debt on a firmly declining path, according to a new OECD report. The latest OECD Economic Survey of Greece projects GDP growth to rise from 2.3% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025 to 2.5% in 2026. The government plans primary fiscal surpluses of 2.5% of GDP in 2025 and 2.4% in 2026. Inflation is proving persistent and remained at 3.2% in October 2024, but is projected to decline gradually, returning close to target by end 2026. “Greece has reaped the benefits of the many important reforms it has implemented over the years, but more needs to be done to promote competition, allow more youths and women to participate in the labour market and maintain significant primary fiscal surpluses while preserving investment.” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said, presenting the Survey in Athens alongside Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Minister of Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis. “Greece’s outlook remains positive, with disinflation, improving growth in trading partners and increasing disbursements of European funds set to support growth over the coming years.” Public debt has been declining since 2020 but remains high, at 163.9% of GDP in 2023. Maintaining public debt on its firmly declining path and increasing fiscal space for investment will require additional efforts to reduce tax expenditures and tackle tax evasion. Moreover, a gradual shift of spending towards infrastructure, education and health would improve both economic and social outcomes. Significant challenges remain. Labour productivity has stagnated at low levels over the past decade. Despite recent progress, investment remains relatively low, particularly in intangibles and R&D. The productivity gap between small firms and large enterprises is large, with many of the large enterprises failing to grow and adopt new technologies. Further reforms to strengthen competition, reduce regulatory burdens, improve access to skills and financing would support firm growth and innovation. Competition remains weak in some parts of the economy, making it all the more important for Greece to review some of the unnecessarily stringent regulations in services and to ease entry restrictions in professional services. Skill shortages have increased. Strengthening apprenticeships and vocational training is key to ensure a supply of skills that better matches the needs of employers. The expansion of childcare capacities would allow more women to join the labour market and support employment growth. Extreme weather events are becoming more likely with a warming climate and could lead to renewed disruptions of production and reduce domestic demand. Greece has cut emissions by 42% over the past two decades and renewable energy generation is expanding rapidly. A mix of investment, tighter regulations and emission pricing, complemented with financial support for vulnerable groups, can steer households and business to move towards greener technologies. Source: OECDCARACAS, Venezuela — The doll’s golden curls are intact and soon her head is, too. One by one, the toys that show the wear and tear of love are restored for the holidays: sewed and combed, stuffed and dressed. From Barbie dolls to a Kung Fu Panda with a paw raised in triumph, the toys that have been left behind by children are made ready to be gifted once more. This is the work of the Hospital for Soft Toys, a project in Venezuela's capital. Its volunteers pick up the pace this time of year. It began with a mother's question: What to do with all the toys once children outgrow them? Mirady Acosta, a 63-year-old architect who represents the Hospital for Soft Toys, said the idea came from Lilian Gluck, a teacher who in 2017 considered what to do as some of her children left the country. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Throw toys out? Let them fall apart? Neither were good options. She decided to wash them, fix them up and donate them to pediatric patients of the University Hospital of Caracas. Months later, encouraged by the response, she opened the Hospital for Soft Toys at her home as a nonprofit foundation that also collects and restores other toys and educational games. Volunteers recycle and restore used toys to donate them to vulnerable children as Christmas presents at the non-profit foundation Hospital de los Peluches, or Hospital of Stuffed Animals, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Credit: AP/Ariana Cubillos About 60 volunteers now meet at least twice a week. The project estimates it has recycled about 70,000 toys in the past seven years. The foundation also receives donations from abroad that can include school supplies, diapers, shoes, food and candy. All have been welcome in a country that has seen years of economic crisis and renewed political anxiety after July's election. Restoring a soft toy's nubby fur or untangling a doll's hair for another round of affection is also helpful for the volunteers. Restored Barbie dolls are collected in a basket at the non-profit foundation Hospital de los Peluches, or Hospital of Stuffed Animals, where recycled toys are restored to be donated to vulnerable children as Christmas presents, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Credit: AP/Ariana Cubillos “By doing this, all of us who come here are in therapy, a therapy of support for one another,” said Silvia Heiber, 72, who has volunteered for almost three years. Mirna Morales, a 76-year-old teacher and another volunteer, called it “one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.” María Poleo, 84, was mending a giant stuffed animal. The work is not complicated, she said, as they all have been “seamstresses and menders at one time or another.” On some days it seems the number of toys to repair runs low, but then the doorbell rings. And more boxes and bags have arrived. The toys are delivered to hospitals and schools in poor neighborhoods, but also to homes for older people — anyone “who needs a little bit of affection,” Heiber said. Each restored toy comes with a message encouraging its new owner to embrace the value of recycling. “Hello, I am your new friend," it says. "I am a doll with experience because I played with another girl. Love me and take care of me and I will do the same with you. When you grow up give me to another girl who will love me and play with me like you.” ____ Andry Rincón contributed to this report in Caracas. _

PA lawmaker announces new law criminalizing AI-generated deepfake child pornographyIn pictures: Dazzling light show returns to Salford

GLEN ALLEN, Va. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) (the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.115 per share. The dividend is payable on both the Class A and Class B Common Stock and will be paid December 13, 2024 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024 . About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars, and hotels. The Company's owned consumer brands include Hamilton Beach ® , Proctor Silex ® , Hamilton Beach Professional ® , Weston ® , and TrueAir ® . The Company's owned commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial ® and Proctor Silex Commercial ® . The Company licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet ® countertop appliances, CHI ® premium garment care products, CloroxTM True HEPA air purifiers, and Brita HubTM countertop electric water filtration appliances. The Company has exclusive multiyear agreements to design, sell, market, and distribute Bartesian ® cocktail makers and Numilk ® plant-based milk makers. The Company's Hamilton Beach Health subsidiary is focused on expanding the Company's participation in the home health market. In February 2024 , Hamilton Beach Health acquired HealthBeacon, a medical technology firm that specializes in developing connected devices. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamilton-beach-brands-holding-company-declares-quarterly-dividend-302313651.html SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft scheduleCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. "Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them," Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's "take-it-or-leave-it" final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as "open" teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was "primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR," Freeze said. "NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit," Freeze said. "NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved." A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing "new circumstances" in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a "coordinated effort behind the scenes." "This is completely false," Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. "23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing," Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. "It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships," he continued. "It is a necessity because NASCAR's monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

City of Ottawa ends endorsement deal with water line insurer

Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy charter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government's files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , Donald Trump's pick to be national intelligence director. The former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” A spokesperson for Gabbard on the Trump transition team on Thursday denounced the appeal as an “unfounded” and “partisan” attack. Among those who signed the letter were former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, former national security adviser Anthony Lake, and numerous retired ambassadors and high-ranking military officers. They wrote to current Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming Republican Majority Leader John Thune on Wednesday to urge the closed briefings as part of the Senate's review of Trump's top appointments. They urged that Senate committees “consider in closed sessions all information available to the U.S. government when considering Ms. Gabbard’s qualifications to manage our country’s intelligence agencies, and more importantly, the protection of our intelligence sources and methods.” The letter singles out Gabbard's 2017 meetings in Syria with President Bashar Assad, who is supported by Russian, Iranian and Iranian-allied forces in a now 13-year war against Syrian opposition forces seeking his overthrow. The U.S., which cut relations with Assad's government and imposed sanctions over his conduct of the war, maintains about 900 troops in opposition-controlled northeast Syria, saying they are needed to block a resurgence of extremist groups. Gabbard, a Democratic member of Congress from Hawaii at the time of her Syria trip, drew heavy criticism for her meetings with a U.S. adversary and brutal leader. As the letter notes, her statements on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine have aligned with Russian talking points , diverging from U.S. positions and policy. Gabbard throughout her political career has urged the U.S. to limit military engagement abroad other than combatting Islamic extremist groups. She has defended the Syria trip by saying it is necessary to engage with U.S. enemies. In postings on social media earlier this year she confirmed that the U.S. had for a time placed her “on a secret terror watch list” as a “potential domestic terror threat.” She blamed political retaliation. Neither she nor U.S. authorities have publicly detailed the circumstances involved. Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for Gabbard with the Trump team, called the letter sent to the Senate leaders “a perfect example” of why Trump chose Gabbard for this position. “These unfounded attacks are from the same geniuses who have blood on their hands from decades of faulty ‘intelligence,’" and use classified government information as a "partisan weapon to smear and imply things about their political enemy," Henning said. A spokesperson for Thune did not immediately respond to questions about the request.SWEDESBORO, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2024-- Wedgewood Equine, a dedicated division of Wedgewood , the nation’s largest provider of compounded veterinary medications, is excited to unveil Blue Rabbit for equine veterinarians at this year’s American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 70 th Annual Convention. As the premier event for equine veterinary professionals, AAEP sets the stage for the launch of this innovative platform, which builds on the success of Blue Rabbit’s companion animal debut earlier this year at VMX. Blue Rabbit revolutionizes equine care by empowering veterinarians with tools and services to optimize their on-the-go practices. The platform features dynamic, mobile online prescribing and prescription management that provides comprehensive online pharmacy capabilities and direct-to-barn deliveries , making it easier than ever to serve clients and care for equine patients. Visit us at Booth #681 to learn more and take advantage of an exclusive, limited-time special offer on compounded medications, only available at AAEP. Jackie Bernard, Wedgewood’s VP of Sales, Equine & Special Markets, stated, "We are excited to introduce Blue Rabbit to the equine veterinary community at AAEP. This platform is more than just a tool—it's a transformative solution designed to simplify operations, enhance patient care, and strengthen the bond between veterinarians and their clients. We can't wait to see how Blue Rabbit empowers equine practitioners to elevate their practices and deliver exceptional care to their patients." Blue Rabbit: Empowering Equine Veterinarians With its innovative tools and services, Blue Rabbit simplifies the complexities of equine veterinary practice while enhancing patient outcomes: Giving Back to the Equine Community Wedgewood Equine is proud to support the equine veterinary community through two impactful charitable initiatives: Introducing New Innovations for Equine Care At AAEP, Wedgewood will debut several new compounded medications tailored to equine practitioners, including: A Coast-to-Coast Network for Equine Compounding Wedgewood Equine is strengthened by the integration of Bakersfield, CA-based Precision Equine , which fully integrated with Wedgewood earlier this year, and Wickliffe Veterinary Pharmacy in Lexington, KY, part of Wedgewood since 2023. Together, these three pharmacies form the largest coast-to-coast compounding network for equine veterinarians , ensuring unparalleled service and access to critical medications nationwide. Join Us at AAEP Experience the innovation of Blue Rabbit and the expertise of Wedgewood Equine firsthand. Stop by booth #681 to explore new products, meet our team, and discover how Wedgewood Equine is redefining veterinary compounding for equine professionals. About Wedgewood: Wedgewood is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of compounded veterinary medications. Its merger with Blue Rabbit enables the company to provide veterinarians with a next-generation delivery platform to streamline patient care and marks a significant evolution in services. Together, Blue Rabbit and Wedgewood serve more than 70,000 veterinary professionals and more than one million animals annually. For more information or to schedule a press interview with the Wedgewood team at AAEP, contact: Meg Thomann, Communications Director, mthomann@wedgewood.com View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205946476/en/ Meg Thomann, Communications Director, mthomann@wedgewood.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW JERSEY INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL OTHER CONSUMER GENERAL HEALTH ONLINE RETAIL PETS OTHER TECHNOLOGY VETERINARY SOFTWARE NETWORKS CONSUMER INTERNET HEALTH SOURCE: Wedgewood Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/05/2024 03:44 PM/DISC: 12/05/2024 03:45 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205946476/en

South Korea stocks drop, won stable as Asian markets fluctuateBy Karine Albertazzi , AFP Warning: This story contains graphic details of sexual violence. French prosecutors on Thursday demanded jail terms of up to 14 years for three rugby players formerly with French side Grenoble, charged with the 2017 gang rape of a student. Prosecutors requested 14 years behind bars for Irishman Denis Coulson, 30, and Frenchman Loick Jammes, 30, and 12 years for New Zealander Rory Grice, 34. They sought four years in jail for ex-Ireland international 31-year-old Chris Farrell and two years, including one suspended, for New Zealander Dylan Hayes, 30, over failure to prevent the alleged rape. The verdict is expected on Friday. In the small hours of March 12, 2017, the student, identified only as V., was in tears as she left a hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux, where the Grenoble team spent the night after losing a Top 14 encounter against local side Bordeaux-Begles. V. filed a complaint with police , saying she had met the players in a bar together with two friends and accompanied them to a nightclub where all of them drank heavily. The student said she had no recollection of how she got from the club to the hotel where she woke up, naked on a bed and with a crutch inserted in her vagina. She saw two naked men in the room and others fully dressed. Coulson, Jammes and Grice stated they had sexual relations with V. but claimed the encounter was consensual and the student had been pro-active in bringing it about. Farrell, owner of the crutch, was present, as was Hayes. 'It's vile' The victim's lawyer Anne Cadiot-Feidt said it had been "unbearable" during the trial to hear the defendants describe her client as "a trollop -- if I'm being polite -- an eager party who used them and even exhausted them". "It's vile, it's disgusting, it's obscene and that is perhaps also why the sentencing requests are what they are," she said. Gaessy Gros, another lawyer for the victim, said those accused had "missed their chance" by continuing to deny rape and remaining united like a team on the rugby pitch. Valerie Coriatt, who is defending Grice, however described the requested sentences as "almost indecent" for defendants who, she said, "are not a danger to society". On the basis of statements from the accused and witnesses, as well as a sextape shot by Coulson, investigators have concluded there were several incidents of fellatio, and a banana, a bottle and crutches were inserted in V.'s vagina. A toxicology report stated her blood alcohol level was between 2.2 and 3 grams, a level considered in the danger zone for alcohol poisoning. CCTV footage showed her having difficulty standing up as she arrived at the hotel and being propped up by a player. In court this week, Gros stressed that the victim had no recollection of what happened after leaving the night club. A psychiatric expert said she would likely have been on "automatic pilot" during the alleged rape. Gros has said V. was "in no state to give her consent as these men who carried her, who were with her, know perfectly well." 'Asked for forgiveness' Coulson's lawyer, Corinne Dreyfus-Schmidt, earlier this week described the victim as "very active" and willing. "If you see someone who is completely lifeless, in an alcohol coma, and you sexually abuse her, it's not the same thing as if you see a woman who is taking action, moaning and acting in a coordinated way. That's what they saw," she said. On Wednesday, she said her client had apologised to the victim. "He asked her for forgiveness and he asked his teammates too because he feels responsible in as much as it was him who led the young woman into the room," she said. Denis Dreyfus, who is defending Jammes, said there was not "the slightest ambiguity" on the plaintiff's attitude. Arnaud Lucien, who represents Dylan Hayes, said the jail terms requested were "very high", saying there had not been enough of a distinction between the behaviour of each person in the case. - AFPKYIV (AP): NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated 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 that 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. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro had 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 is launching production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said with a thin smile. “Sooner or later other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development.” But he added, “we have this system now. And this is important.” Testing the missile will continue, “including in combat, depending on the situation and the character of security threats created for Russia,” Putin said, noting there is ”a stockpile of such systems ready for use.” 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.” 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. 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 underlined that 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 added this is not the first time such a threat has been received. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office continued to work in compliance with standard security measures, a spokesperson said. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile, whose name in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” 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 (6 1/2 kilometers) 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. The stricken area was cordoned off and out of public view. With no fatalities reported from the attack, Dnipro residents resorted to dark humor on social media, mostly focused on the missile’s name, Oreshnik. Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russia struck a residential district of Sumy overnight with Iranian-designed Shahed drones, killing two people and injuring 13, the regional administration said.. Ukraine’s Suspilne media, quoting Sumy regional head Volodymyr Artiukh, said the drones were stuffed with shrapnel elements. “These weapons are used to destroy people, not to destroy objects,” said Artiukh, according to Suspilne.The SET index ended lower in November after hitting the year's high of 1,506 points the month before. In the second week of November, the index broke below the 1,470 support level and drifted sideways down below 1,440 and 1,430 points. The moving average convergence/divergence technical indicator also crossed below the zero line, confirming the bearish outlook. Among the factors affecting sentiment: US monetary policy: The upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Dec 17 and 18 is expected to result in another 25-basis-point interest rate cut. However, the US economic recovery trend, including GDP growth of 2.8% and declining unemployment, coupled with potential inflationary pressures from Trump administration policies, could influence the Fed's decision. Domestic economic recovery: Thailand's third-quarter GDP growth exceeded expectations at 3.0%, driven by government stimulus measures such as debt relief and cash handouts. Reduced political tension has also provided the government with greater flexibility to carry out economic policies. Chinese economy: Chinese equities have shown some signs of recovery, fuelled by speculation about the outcome of significant economic discussions in December. Additional stimulus measures are anticipated to lift economic growth, particularly after the disappointment that followed previous announcements. However, a threat by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports could negatively impact exports. Geopolitical risks: Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, coupled with the unresolved Russia-Ukraine war, continue to pose significant geopolitical risks that could lead to increased market volatility and pressure on oil prices. DECEMBER OUTLOOK The SET index is likely to continue its downward trend. Support levels are seen at 1,400 and 1,380 points, also coinciding with the 200-day simple moving average. Resistance levels are at 1,450 and 1,470 points. In terms of investment strategy, the SET index is likely to remain volatile. Given this uncertainty, a short-term trading strategy can be effective. This approach focuses on stocks with strong growth potential and high dividend yields, particularly when the index is near support levels or shows signs of an uptrend. Our stock picks for December are: AAV (Buy, target 3.60 baht): Our valuation for the parent of the budget carrier Thai AirAsia is based on a 2025 estimated core price/earnings (PE) ratio of 15.5 times, positioned at 1 standard deviation (SD) below the pre-Covid average during profitable years. AAV is expected to outperform the SET index in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, driven by robust growth projections. CENTEL (Buy, target 44 baht): CENTEL is projected to lead the hotel sector in terms of earnings growth in 2025, with a forecast net profit of 1.7 billion baht, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. This growth will be driven by the absence of significant expenses incurred in 2024 and the full-year contribution of two renovated hotels in Phuket and Pattaya, which are expected to resume normal operations between late November and early December 2024. Our valuation is derived from a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, using a 7.6% weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and a 2.5% terminal growth rate. CRC (Buy, target 45 baht): Our valuation for Central Retail Corp is based on a 2025 PE of 27.5 times, positioned at 0.5 SD below the three-year historical average. While the current PE of 20 times estimated 2025 earnings offers a significant discount, we project strong growth prospects in 2024-25. MAGURO (Buy, target 22.50 baht): Our positive outlook on the restaurant operator is driven by the strong growth potential in the Thai full-service restaurant sector and its relatively low penetration rate compared with competitors. The stock's valuation remains attractive, particularly given its robust earnings growth outlook for 2024–25, with profits expected to reach record highs. SISB (Buy, target 40 baht): The international school operator is expected to deliver impressive growth in 2024, with a projected net profit of 914 million baht, reflecting a 35% year-on-year increase. Key growth drivers include increased enrolments, approaching the 4,600-student target (up 10% year-on-year), and a 5% tuition fee increase. Our target price is based on a DCF analysis with a 7.2% WACC and a 3% terminal growth rate. SPRC (Buy, target 8.50 baht): The oil refiner is projected to report a net profit of 2.5 billion baht in 2024, a significant recovery from the loss of 1.2 billion in 2023. This turnaround is driven by improved gross refining margins, supported by favourable crack spread dynamics and operational efficiencies, as well as higher crude throughput, reflecting increased volumes of crude oil processed compared with the prior year. Our target price is based on a 2025 price to book value of 0.88 times, which is 1.8 SD below the five-year historical average. The current stock price offers a dividend yield of 3.7% for the next two years. TOG (Buy, target 12 baht): Our valuation for the optical lens maker is based on a 2025 PE of 12 times, which is 1 SD below the five-year historical average. Key catalysts include the depreciation of the baht, the expansion of Rx lens production capacity, and the progress of the new factory investment plan scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For most employees, company-backed retirement plans and affordable health insurance are perks that come with full-time work. But according to a new report by The Penny Hoarder -- a personal finance brand whose purpose is to help people make smart money decisions -- there are several big-box brands that offer generous benefit packages for their hourly part-time employees. Here’s a look at 10 companies that offer a healthy benefits package -- even for employees with flexible part-time roles -- as reported by PennyHoarder.com: 1. Costco Hourly part-time employees who work at least 24 hours per week can receive benefits from Costco once they’ve accumulated 60 days of service. Health-care coverage includes medical, vision, prescription drugs and core dental benefits. All hourly employees working at least 10 hours per week can also enroll in voluntary short-term disability insurance, which provides tax-free income replacement in the event of a non-work-related accident or illness. 2. Lowe’s Part-time employees at Lowe’s are immediately eligible for medical benefits, including prescription drugs, short-term disability, life insurance and dental and vision coverage. After one year, Lowe’s offers an employee stock purchase option to its part-time workers, as well as a 401(k) after 180 days. Eligible family members can also opt-in for group medical, dental and vision coverage and dependent life insurance. 3. Staples Staples offers its part-time associates access to dental and vision coverage, life, dependent life, accidental death and short-term disability insurance coverage. They’re also eligible for the company’s 401(k) plan. Staples also offers a 10% employee discount on online or retail items, adoption assistance and its own confidential employee counseling program. 4. Starbucks Starbucks is well-known for its benefits program for part-time employees. To be eligible, employees must work at least 240 hours over three consecutive months, then continue to average 20 hours per week. Health coverage offered by Starbucks includes routine medical visits and hospitalization along with dental, vision and life insurance coverage, as well as fertility benefits. After 90 days, employees can opt-in to Starbucks’ 401(k) plan. 5. UPS Part-time employees who work between 225 and 400 hours at UPS within a three-month period are eligible for medical and dental coverage, vision insurance, hearing, prescription drugs and an employee assistance program. Part-time employees who exceed 400 hours over three months are eligible for the same benefits as full-time employees. 6. Trader Joe’s After three months and working an average of 30 hours per week, Trader Joe’s “crew members” are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage at a cost as low as $25 per month. Other employee benefits include a 20% store discount , scholarship programs, store tastings, employee assistance programs and paid relocation and transfers. 7. Chipotle All hourly crew members at Chipotle are eligible for its robust benefits package that includes medical, vision and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) match after one year of employment. Part-time employees also receive a salary percentage-based bonus, mental health assistance, education assistance up to $5,250 annually, a stock purchase plan, gym membership discounts and one free meal per shift. 8. USPS The United States Postal Service hires career and non-career (temporary/seasonal) workers. Part-time career workers are eligible for its benefits package, which includes the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program -- a plan in which the federal government pays two-thirds of the health insurance premiums for employees and retirees. It also offers federal group life insurance (FGLI), and federally backed long-term care, dental and vision and a flex spending account. The USPS retirement system, also available for part-time career workers, offers a fixed annuity based on years of service, a defined contribution 401(k) THRIFT Savings Plan with a 5% employer match and Social Security. 9. Walmart RECOMMENDED • silive .com NYC opens affordable waterfront housing lottery at Lighthouse Point: Here’s how to apply Nov. 19, 2024, 8:21 a.m. New York’s home health care is changing: Here’s Gov. Hochul’s plan and a breakdown of what you need to know Nov. 21, 2024, 4:06 p.m. Part-time and temporary associates at Walmart who work an average of at least 30 hours per week over a 60-day period are eligible for benefits. These include medical, dental and vision, as well as a 6% 401(k) match after one year and a 10% in-store discount. 10. Home Depot Part-time employees at the home improvement retailer are eligible for dental and vision plans, short-term disability and life insurance.The late 1970s were a sad time for America. The Vietnam War had just ended. Big cities fell in the grip of crime and neglect as the 1975 fiscal crisis pushed New York City to the brink of bankruptcy. New York uniformed police, angry at the mayor’s budget cuts, handed out “Welcome to Fear City” leaflets at the airports. Featuring a hooded skull, the flyers warned visitors to stay off the streets after 6 p.m. It urged them to not leave Manhattan and to avoid the subways altogether. Yet two years almost to the day after Saigon fell, an ambitious dance club opened on a shabby side street of Manhattan. Studio 54 became the world’s most famous disco. Then came the movie “Saturday Night Fever,” its score dominated by those rhythmic Bee Gees chart-toppers starting with “Stayin’ Alive.” Americans found joy under the spinning mirrored balls. To quote the name of Chic’s super disco hit, they wanted to “Dance, Dance, Dance.” We needed disco then. We need disco again — or something like it. The pandemic is over, and many of us are seeking escape from our toxic politics. What about disco set off the animal spirits? Discos enabled ordinary people to dance off their anxieties to a simple four-on-the-floor beat. The grayness outside got blocked out by flashy sequins and spandex — and in fantasy settings divorced from the grim realities. Disco replaced the dirty jeans and stoned-out pain of rock with groomed elegance. People again danced in couples. As Regine Zylberberg, owner of Regine’s, an elegant disco on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, bragged, “I am the one who saved the city from bankruptcy. I made it happy again.” But disco fever spread across the country, in big cities and small towns. Discos opened at airport Holiday Inns. Live entertainment, part of what’s now called the “experience economy,” is seeing double-digit growth, Bloomberg News reports. As evidence, it points to a packed nightclub in Manhattan called Somewhere Nowhere, where swing dancers have taken over the floor. Patrick Soluri, whose Prohibition Productions puts on swing nights, says revenue from his Jazz Age-themed events has more than doubled since 2019, and he is expanding beyond New York. The key to disco’s popularity was that the people were the show. They weren’t passively watching guitarists showing off their long solo riffs, one complaint against ’70s rock. More recently, hip hop presents the same drawback with artists commanding the spotlight. A communal culture that shares some similarities to disco is Western line dancing. Though around forever, line dancing got a boost from the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.” It did for that genre some of what “Saturday Night Fever” did for disco. As with disco, line dancers are the show. And fashions also are attached — those fabulous cowboy boots and hats, jeans and denim skirts. And as with disco, Western line dancing now has its own clubs and events all over the country. Ironically, the digitalization of American life isn’t so much killing these experiences as exposing us to the joys of being there in person. No matter how terrific the video production, it can’t recreate the visceral thrill of dancing amid a celebratory crowd. Disco inspired a kind of second Jazz Age. And though its golden era is almost 50 years in the past, one can’t help but notice all those store windows now decked out for the holidays with sparkling disco balls. To this day, disco balls radiate fun and glamour and partying. Today, like then, we need a scene in which Americans can let loose, work off tensions, forget about Washington — and with a dance that anyone can do. Americans need to dance, dance, dance. Harrop, who lives in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, writes for Creators Syndicate: fharrop@gmail.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!On Thursday the Irish Times revealed that in February 2022 a private and previously undisclosed dinner meeting took place at an upmarket Dublin restaurant involving Mr Donohoe and Mr O’Leary. Mr Donohoe’s spokeswoman said it was a private dinner and that no business matters were discussed, and neither were matters of policy or regulation. It was not included in his ministerial diary – which his spokeswoman said was “used predominantly to log official events”. No lobbying return was made by Ryanair regarding the dinner. The airline said: “Since this was a social setting (in a public place) no lobbying took place and no lobbying return was required or necessary.” Mr Donohoe was minister for finance and president of the Eurogroup at the time. On Friday Mr Donohoe insisted it was possible for a person holding those roles to have a purely social meeting with the boss of Europe’s biggest airline. Mr Harris agreed with this on Saturday. He said that he does not think that he himself has ever met Mr O’Leary, adding “not that there’s any problems with meeting Michael O’Leary”. Asked if he had similar private meetings with other executives from multinational companies, Mr Harris said: “I’m not aware of any such dinners that I’ve had.” He said: “Of course people in this country come into contact with each other in social environments on a very regular basis. “There are very clear rules, introduced by Fine Gael ... in relation to issues around lobbying and the like and I’m assured that this dinner didn’t fall into that category at all.” Asked if the dinner meeting between Mr Donohoe and Mr O’Leary was an example of Fine Gael being too close to big business, he said: “My party is proudly pro-enterprise. It’s proudly pro-foreign direct investment and pro-backing small business and there are policies in relation to both that we are putting forward in this election.” Mr Donohoe has said he and Mr O’Leary discussed “general matters” at the dinner, adding: “if any issue in relation to Government business, regulation or policy had been dealt with that would have been recorded and it would have been dealt with in the same way that every other engagement that I do is dealt with.” Fine Gael faced a significant political backlash after comments made by Mr O’Leary at the launch of Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke’s campaign just after the general election was called. A video of his remarks that surfaced after the event showed he said he would not employ teachers “to go out and get things done”, saying that the Dáil was “full of teachers”. Cormac McQuinn is a Political Correspondent at The Irish Times

Syrian rebels free prisoners from Assad's notorious dungeons who celebrate in Damascus streetsUS acknowledges task force named after China's reef in SCS; move won't change China's ability, determination in safeguarding maritime rights: expert

Active is the best word to describe Amari Cooper’s involvement in the Buffalo Bills’ offense Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Cooper led the Bills with 14 targets, more than doubling his previous high of five targets in his five games with the team since coming over in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in October. Cooper finished with six catches against the Rams for 95 yards, both of which are his best in a game for the Bills. His six catches were the most by a Bills receiver, and his 95 yards trailed only Khalil Shakir's 106 yards on five catches for most on the team against Los Angeles. Bills receiver Amari Cooper makes a terrific catch for a gain of 25 yards during Sunday's loss against the Rams. Cooper was targeted a 15th time in the game on a play that ended up getting wiped out because he drew a defensive pass interference penalty on Rams cornerback Darious Williams in the end zone, which moved the ball to the Rams' 1-yard line on the Bills’ final offensive possession, setting up quarterback Josh Allen’s sixth total touchdown of the game. Whether it was Williams or fellow outside cornerback Cobie Durant lined up on Cooper, Allen showed no hesitation in looking the way of the veteran receiver, who was playing in his third game after returning from missing two games because of a wrist injury. Even though the team did not get the result it hoped for in a 44-42 loss, there is a lot to take away from Cooper’s individual performance. No. 1, he’s getting healthier. He played 32 offensive snaps, which was 53.3% of the team total. By percentage, that’s Cooper’s most active game as a member of the Bills. No. 2, the Bills liked the matchup on the outside, with Cooper going up against either Williams or Durant. Of Cooper’s six catches, a couple came on quick outs when the Rams gave him a decent cushion and Allen took what was available. Cooper’s first catch came when he ran a stop route in front of Williams to get wide open for an 18-yard gain in the second quarter. The receiver’s best catch came midway through the third quarter when Williams actually had decent coverage. Cooper, however, saw the ball all the way and secured it for a gain of 26 yards, despite a slight bobble. On the Bills’ final drive, Cooper worked a deep crossing route to get open for a 25-yard gain. A story also can be found in the connections that weren’t made between Allen and Cooper. On the first two misses, Allen was on the move and seemed to at least give his receiver a chance, but Cooper couldn’t make the catch. There also appeared to be at least two incompletions that could be attributed to miscommunication. In the second quarter, Allen threw deep down the left sideline on third and 10, but Cooper had cut off his route a few yards beyond the first-down marker. On the next play, the Rams blocked Sam Martin’s punt and returned it for a touchdown. There was another throw late in the third quarter when Allen was looking for another quick out, but Cooper never turned his head to look for the ball. One other pass intended for Cooper was broken up by Durant with a well-timed hit, and one other targeted ball was thrown out of bounds when Allen was pressured. “He’s the type of quarterback that will fight to the very end,” Cooper said after the game of Allen, who was magnificent in defeat. “Obviously, we still had winning chances there. In Josh we trust. Never out of it until the clock hits zero.” Cooper knew that about Allen before he even came to the Bills. Now, he’s tasked with helping Allen find a way to pull out close games, which figures to be the norm as the playoffs approach. The Bills have sunk to 25th in the NFL on third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert 43.2% of their opportunities into first downs. Buffalo allowed the Rams to convert 11 of 15 third-down chances in Sunday’s 44-42 loss. That is why Sunday can be viewed as a positive for the offense beyond just Allen being Superman. It is clear that if he is looking Cooper’s way 14 times, the receiver has earned the trust of the quarterback. That’s a must in any offense. There is reason to believe that the relationship between Cooper and Allen will only get stronger over the remaining four games of the regular season. The offense also should soon welcome back tight end Dalton Kincaid and rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman, giving Allen his full arsenal of weapons – something he hasn’t had since Cooper hurt his wrist against Seattle in Week 8 and missed the following two weeks, against Miami and Indianapolis. That is something to look forward to, even if it might be painful right now to look back at Sunday’s loss. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! News Sports Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.