The press has given Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra the nickname "Paetongphoey" -- a reference to her dependence on prepared scripts at important occasions -- as part of the year-end tradition among Government House reporters to come up with monikers for senior government officials. The nickname "Paetongphoey" is a mash-up between the first two syllables of the prime minister's name, and phoey -- the Thai word for "script". When asked to comment on the name, Ms Paetongtarn insisted it didn't upset her, before adding good-naturedly that "Paetongpad" would have been more accurate, as she reads the scripts off her iPad (as her critics have noted). Government House correspondents also dubbed Ms Paetongtarn's administration as "the dad-backed government", due to her father's -- former prime minister Thaksin -- prominent role in her government. Meanwhile, they also viewed her remarks about her husband's southern origin, brought up when the South was hit by severe floods last month, as quote of the year. In the wake of widespread public criticism for her decision to supervise flood clean-up operations in the North instead of visiting the South when the floods there were at their worst, the premier responded by saying her husband "is a Southerner," so would not let her ignore the area's plight anyway. She said she would have loved to inspect the flooded areas herself, but the widespread nature and timing of the disasters meant she had no option but to delegate tasks to various lawmakers and members of her cabinet. "I feel like I just have to take a step back from anything that makes me feel bad, because hating someone is tiresome," said Ms Paetongtarn at Government House on Monday. When asked about her goals for next year after receiving the feedback from the press, Ms Paetongtarn said she will put her focus on chronic social issues plaguing the country, before pledging to expedite the nation's economic recovery.

The vice president of the Philippines, Sara Duterte, has claimed to have hired someone to assassinate the president in the event that she herself is killed. Duterte is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 who was then succeeded by Ferdinand Marcos Jr . She told a press conference on Saturday that her threat was "no joke" and that it also included Marcos's wife and cousin, who is speaker of the house of representatives. "This country is going to hell because we are led by a person who doesn't know how to be a president and who is a liar," Duterte said. The broadside was the latest "dramatic sign of a widening rift between the country's two most powerful political families", said The Guardian . 'Fiercer, nastier, and more personal' Duterte remains vice president despite resigning from the Marcos cabinet in June amid the collapse of what had been a "formidable political alliance". The so-called "UniTeam" – which paired her with Marcos, the son and namesake of the late dictator who was ousted from power in 1986 – secured an electoral landslide in 2022. From the start, however, analysts had predicted a "divorce between the two most powerful Philippine political dynasties", said the BBC . "The likelihood only increased amid public spats and growing differences over political agendas." Marcos and Duterte have increasingly clashed over foreign policy (most notably over the pivot away from China towards the US), the war on drugs and accusations of corruption. Tit-for-tat briefings have been slowly intensifying since the start of the year but in recent weeks, the political rivalry has become "fiercer, nastier, and more personal", said The Diplomat . Duterte's most recent remarks, which the president's communications office said constituted an "active threat", marks a "new low in relations between the two leaders, underscoring the deepening divide within the ruling coalition", said Turkish news site AA . 2026 'litmus test' The political feud is likely to come to a head with the approach of the 2026 midterm elections. They will be seen as a "litmus test" of Marcos's popularity and a "chance for him to consolidate power and groom a successor" before his term ends in 2028, said The Guardian. Many had expected Duterte to be the frontrunner but the increasingly untenable situation "could hurt her chances", said the BBC. Filipino voters do not like to see their president and vice president fighting, Cleve Arguelles, president of polling firm WR Numero, told the broadcaster. The last two VPs lost their presidential bids after falling out with the presidents they ran alongside, meaning there "is a practical necessity for them to stay together", at least until the midterms. Both sides will be hoping to win the parliament and local bodies, which will "boost their respective political agendas" and help them gain the upper hand in the power struggle, said the BBC.

On a day when the world woke up to a nightmare in progress, they were in the control room

HR for Health and Unify Launch Partnership to Streamline HR Compliance and Tech Efficiency for Dental Practices

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MONTREAL, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stingray RAY RAY.B)), an industry leader in music and video content distribution, business services, and advertising solutions, today announced the acquisition of Loupe Art, a leading visual art streaming service on Smart TVs and Digital Signage. This strategic acquisition aims to expand Stingray's presence on Connected TVs and significantly enhance its offering for businesses, particularly in digital signage. Founded in 2016, Loupe Art's platform includes over 10,000 original artworks from more than 750 artists across 50 countries. It offers expertly curated art collections and themed episodes that combine visual art with music, providing an unparalleled ambient entertainment experience. Loupe Art reaches audiences worldwide through partnerships with major platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon, Google TV, Samsung, LG, Comcast, LocalNow, Freecast, WhaleTV+ and others. The acquisition will enable Stingray to leverage Loupe's patented technology and extensive content catalog to enhance its FAST channels on Connected TVs. It will also bolster Stingray Business by integrating Loupe's tailored art displays into its digital signage solutions, offering businesses a flexible and customized visual experience across their locations. "By integrating Loupe Art's groundbreaking platform with Stingray's extensive expertly curated music catalog and robust distribution network, we are poised to revolutionize the way art and music are experienced in homes and businesses worldwide," said Eric Boyko, President, Co-founder, and CEO of Stingray. "This acquisition not only broadens our content offerings but also strengthens our position as a leader in the digital media landscape." "Joining forces with Stingray opens up exciting new possibilities for Loupe," said Michele Tobin, CEO of Loupe Art. "We are eager to expand the reach of our artists' work, bringing their creative expressions to a broader audience through Stingray's impressive distribution channels. Together, we look forward to transforming how art is experienced in everyday life, enriching public and private spaces alike. " With this acquisition, Stingray continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and growth in the digital media sector. By combining Loupe Art's cutting-edge technology and rich artistic content with Stingray's extensive reach and expertise, the company is well-positioned to deliver enhanced value to its customers and partners globally. Stingray remains dedicated to providing exceptional entertainment experiences that seamlessly integrate art and music, enriching environments across both residential and commercial spaces. About Stingray Stingray RAY RAY.B)), a global music, media, and technology company, is an industry leader in TV broadcasting, streaming, radio, business services, and advertising. Stingray provides an array of global music, digital, and advertising services to enterprise brands worldwide, including audio and video channels, over 100 radio stations, subscription video-on-demand content, FAST channels, karaoke products and music apps, and in-car and on-board infotainment content. Stingray Business, a division of Stingray, provides commercial solutions in music, in-store advertising solutions, digital signage, and AI-driven consumer insights and feedback. Stingray Advertising is North America's largest retail audio advertising network, delivering digital audio messaging to more than 30,000 major retail locations. Stingray has close to 1000 employees worldwide and reaches 540 million consumers in 160 countries. For more information, visit www.stingray.com . About Loupe Art Loupe Art is an innovative patented streaming art platform that transforms connected TVs and digital signage into customized art galleries. Loupe expertly curates original artworks from a wide range of diverse global artists to deliver unique, immersive art experiences. Loupe for Business offers Public Art solutions ranging from remotely programmable art streams that reflect mood, daypart, season, style, color and brand attributes to bespoke curation services for Real Estate, Workplace, Hospitality and Healthcare customers. Loupe Art is available to consumers in-home on Samsung TV Plus, Apple TV, Fire TV, Google TV, LG, Comcast, LocalNow, Freecast and WhaleTV+. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to Stingray's goals, beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "may", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "foresee", "believe", and "continue", or the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions. Please note, however, that not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Stingray's control. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors identified in Stingray's Annual Information Form for the year ended March 31, 2024, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that Stingray anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on Stingray's business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and Stingray does not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry AssociationScheifele notches hat trick as Jets top Maple Leafs 5-2

NoneIn an astonishing turn of events, Botafogo overcame a red card shown to midfielder Gregore within the first 30 seconds to defeat Atlético Mineiro and clinch the Copa Libertadores final. The Brazilian teams faced off in Saturday's final at Buenos Aires' Estadio Mâs Monumental. Former Manchester United player Alex Telles, along with Luiz Henrique and Junior Santos, scored goals that led Botafogo to victory. This marks their first-ever win in the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League. Their victory was hard-fought, especially after Gregore was sent off in the opening minute. The incident occurred when one of Botafogo's defenders tried to clear the ball forward, only reaching halfway. Gregore attempted to control the ball but ended up catching Mineiro's Fausto Vera on the head with his raised studs. The game was paused for several minutes as Vera received medical attention. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman make statement to Mauricio Pochettino in Champions League win Luis Suarez makes big decision to quell Lionel Messi, Inter Miami doubts Meanwhile, referee Facundo Figueroa showed Gregore a red card. Despite Gregore's 'calm down' gesture post-tackle, Chelsea legend Pat Nevin insisted it was the correct call. In his BBC Sport commentary, the announcer expressed shock at the intensity on display during the Copa Libertadores final, remarking: "Wow. I'm immediately thinking there are certain referees that will be reaching for the red for that. "It's the Copa Libertadores final, you suspect a yellow but if he goes for a red you will not be shocked. The players are whipped up, I get that. "Less than a minute in, so whipped up. The thing is you do worry about players being injured. Look, he's going off, but you're talking about someone who's got a head injury." Highlighting the gravity of an injury, he added: "A player who rolls about, you don't worry so much about. He's hasn't moved and that's a horrible kick there. The fact he looked up just after it is something. But that is a red with bells on it." He tried to rationalize the situation while stressing caution, noting: "I mean I do understand to some degree, you're so whipped up and excited about it but that. There will be an argument that the head was down, but there is a duty of care, when yu're studs up down. A full speed it's a horrible looking one." As the match progressed, Gregore was sent off the field, and Vera continued playing until halftime before being substituted. Despite Henrique's early goal and Telles' penalty putting Mineiro two goals behind, Vargas managed to score, but ultimately Mineiro couldn't overcome Santos' defense, who sealed the victory with a late goal, ensuring a historic win for Botafogo.

Given his MVP-candidate status, or simply being one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Josh Allen didn’t have a great game by his standards. It wasn’t even a good game, as the Bills quarterback completed just 16 of 29 passes against the Patriots for 154 yards, with a touchdown and interception. The Bills had entered Sunday’s contest with the Patriots averaging 31.8 points per game, while putting up 40 ppg their last three games alone. They didn’t come close to hitting either total during their 24-21 win over the Pats in bone-chilling conditions at Highmark Stadium. Allen was dealing with some numbness in the fingers of his throwing hand, presumably from a stinger, but didn’t use that as an excuse. He credited the Patriots defense for making it difficult to throw the football. “They played a lot of man (coverage) ... they were undercutting some of our crossing routes,” Allen said after the game. “It’s something we’ll look at and try to get some counters to.” The Patriots started fast, and had a lead at halftime before mistakes short-circuited their effort in the second half, with the Bills taking advantage of the miscues. “That’s a better team than their record shows,” Allen said. “And these division games are tough. It’s someone that we’re used to. They’ve seen us quite a bit over the last few years. They came out ready to play today.”Mayor Adams argued Tuesday that last week’s horrific stabbing spree in Manhattan was the “byproduct” of efforts to slash the inmate population on Rikers Island. Ramon Rivera, the homeless man accused of killing three strangers during the Nov. 18 attacks , was released early from Rikers in mid-October after getting credit for good behavior while serving a one-year sentence on burglary charges. In his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon, Adams said there’s a throughline between Rivera’s early release — which came even though he had assaulted a jail guard while in custody — and the “constant pressure” the Department of Correction faces to thin out the Rikers population before the city must by law shutter the notorious jail permanently in 2027 . “It’s ironic, some of the same people who are critiquing what we’re doing right now are some of the loudest voices about ‘open Rikers’ to just let everybody out. This is the byproduct of opening Rikers and just letting everybody out,” Adams said, referring to Rivera’s allegedly unprovoked attacks. “And we’ve heard it constantly, ‘Why is anybody on Rikers? No one should be on Rikers.’ So let’s be clear on what we constantly have to fight against and say: No, we’re not just letting anybody out. We got to do it correctly.” Rivera’s now held without bail after being charged with stabbing a construction worker to death in Chelsea before killing a fisherman near the East River and a woman sitting on a park bench near the United Nations, all within a few hours. Adams’ comments came after Rep. Ritchie Torres , a moderate Democrat representing parts of the Bronx, slammed the mayor and Gov. Hochul on Monday, arguing their administrations share blame for the deaths of Rivera’s alleged victims. In a letter addressed to Hochul and Adams, Torres took particularly sharp aim at Adams’ Department of Correction. “The worst offender is NYC DOC, which made the inexplicable and inexcusable decision to release Ramon Rivera early ... The City refuses to hold DOC accountable for the early release of a demonstrably dangerous criminal who went on a stabbing spree. The end result is incompetence that is not only destructive but deadly for New Yorkers,” wrote Torres, who’s publicly considering either running for mayor in 2025 against Adams or for governor in 2026 against Hochul. Asked about Torres’ criticism Tuesday, Adams, who’s politically aligned with the congressman, said he “understands” the lawmaker’s concerns, but that the reasons Rivera got released are complex. Rivera assaulted a jail guard at Bellevue Hospital while in custody before his sentencing. A quirk in the law holds that the Department of Correction can only consider whether an inmate should be given time off for good behavior based on actions taken after their sentencing — and Adams said that’s why Rivera got out early despite the Bellevue incident, which became a separate case. To that end, Adams said he has directed his “team to sit down with the Law Department” to determine whether the city can legally deny inmates early release based on actions over the course of their entire time in custody. Adams also reiterated his concerns about the long-term plan to replace Rikers with four borough-based jails . He said the plan should be modified to require one of those jails becomes a mental health ward and also called on the state Legislature to enact laws making it easier to force people suffering from severe metal illness into treatment. “We have to take the necessary action and stop lying about it,” he said. Freedom Agenda co-director Darren Mack, whose organization has long been critical of whether Adams is taking the appropriate steps to comply with the law to close Rikers, said the mayor needs to think about the issues more holistically. “Mayor Adams has spent his entire administration sending hundreds more people to Rikers, especially people with serious mental illness, and it’s been a failure in terms of addressing public safety, and that’s because Rikers doesn’t address the problems anyone is facing. If anything, it worsens them,” Mack said. “People coming out of Rikers face years-long waiting lists for housing and treatment. Hopefully the mayor is finally realizing it’s time to do something about that, not just talk about it.”

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M&C Communications Aids Campos Foundation Public Relations for December STEM Awareness CampaignOn Dec. 2, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) announced a new strategic partnership with SNC, the global aerospace and national security company. The partnership is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) contract. In support of the SAOC program, one of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) in Dayton, Ohio. Delivery of the aircraft signifies the next phase of SAOC engineering and manufacturing development since the contract award in April 2024. Under the USAF’s SAOC award, SNC will modernize and deliver a replacement for the current fleet of E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft, which entered service in 1974. This highly specialized aircraft serves as an airborne command center for the president of the United States, secretary of defense, and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. NIAR’s experience in composites and advanced materials, digital twin, advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, aircraft and component testing, and certification will enhance SNC’s ability to deliver a cutting-edge, innovative solution to the USAF. “SAOC is a critical program that will ensure our nation is adequately prepared to ensure unfaltering communication during a national emergency,” said John Tomblin, WSU executive vice president for WSU Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “This is the most significant industry contract in the history of the university.” “The partnership between NIAR and SNC will modernize and replace outdated aircraft that are vital to the operations of the United States Air Force,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. “I look forward to seeing NIAR’s experience in advanced, cutting-edge technology enhance the design of SNC’s innovative aircraft remodeling as these two companies work to make our country more secure.”

Online consumer behaviour evolvingA recent study by the World Bank’s Macroeconomics, Trade, and Investment Global Practice, led by Hector Pollitt and Migle Petrauskaite, explores the cascading impacts of climate change on Cambodia. The paper constructs a plausible worst-case scenario to illustrate how a severe, once-in-a-decade flood could trigger widespread disruptions, including disease outbreaks and financial instability. Drawing on Cambodia’s historical vulnerability to extreme weather events and lessons from similar crises globally, the researchers stress the urgent need for proactive risk management to protect the country’s economy and society from escalating climate risks. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, Cambodia faces a heightened risk of cascading disasters affecting multiple sectors. Rising Flood Risks Threaten Cambodia's Stability Cambodia’s history of destructive floods underscores the severity of its climate vulnerability. The 2011 floods, one of the worst in recent memory, impacted over 10% of the population and caused damages amounting to 5.3% of GDP, heavily affecting agriculture and infrastructure. The report warns that the frequency and severity of such events are projected to rise due to climate change, with the Mekong River Basin being particularly at risk. By 2040, an estimated 25% of Cambodia’s population could face extreme flooding, particularly in rural areas where adaptive capacity is weakest. Despite the clear risks, the country still lacks robust flood hazard mapping and critical infrastructure to mitigate damage. This gap in preparedness significantly heightens the likelihood of prolonged economic and social disruptions following major flooding events. Disease Outbreaks: A Looming Secondary Crisis Flooding is not just a standalone disaster; it often sets the stage for cascading crises, such as disease outbreaks. The study highlights the increased risk of waterborne illnesses, including cholera, dengue, and malaria, which are already prevalent in Cambodia. Children, who face high mortality rates from diarrhea and malaria, are particularly vulnerable. Stagnant floodwaters create breeding grounds for disease vectors, amplifying health risks. Healthcare systems, already strained in rural areas, are further compromised during floods, with damaged facilities and disrupted access to services exacerbating the situation. The economic toll of these health crises is significant, as increased disease incidence reduces labor productivity and places further strain on resources needed for recovery. The researchers emphasize that without stronger health infrastructure and sanitation improvements, the human and economic costs of such secondary crises could escalate dramatically. Financial Risks Amplified by Climate Disasters The financial implications of cascading disasters are a critical concern. Natural disasters can push vulnerable economies toward fiscal instability, particularly when economic activity is concentrated in sensitive sectors like agriculture. While Cambodia’s financial systems currently show resilience, with moderate debt levels and strong foreign exchange reserves, the risks posed by the sovereign-bank nexus are growing. Banks’ exposure to government debt could amplify the impacts of crises, creating feedback loops that threaten overall stability. The report draws parallels with Pakistan’s 2022 floods, which triggered economic shocks, reduced GDP growth, and heightened fiscal vulnerabilities. Cambodia faces similar risks if disasters disrupt production and exports, potentially widening fiscal deficits and increasing borrowing costs. Without proactive measures, the economic fallout from cascading climate risks could undermine the country’s long-term development goals. Building Resilience Through Preparedness and Innovation To address these risks, the researchers advocate for a proactive shift from crisis response to preparedness. Enhancing flood forecasting and early warning systems is a key recommendation, as these tools can provide communities with critical time to respond to impending disasters. Investments in flood-proof infrastructure, such as transport networks and healthcare facilities, are essential for maintaining continuity during crises. The study also stresses the importance of integrating climate risk considerations into urban planning and development to build resilience against future events. Improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in health centers and communities are highlighted as critical measures to reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Cambodia’s innovative use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Hotline-115 system, demonstrates its capacity to manage health crises and offers a model for addressing future challenges. Financial Strategies for Climate Resilience Strengthening financial resilience is another crucial focus. The study recommends exploring disaster risk finance instruments, such as catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance, to provide rapid liquidity in the aftermath of disasters. Cambodia’s Disaster Risk Financing Strategy, which includes establishing a national reserve fund, represents a critical step toward economic resilience. These measures, coupled with prudent fiscal management, could help Cambodia navigate the economic fallout of cascading climate risks while maintaining financial stability. The researchers underscore the importance of maintaining strong foreign exchange reserves and leveraging innovative financial tools to ensure quick recovery and minimize disruptions to public services. A Call for Systemic Change in Climate Risk Management The study concludes that while Cambodia cannot control global climate change, it can take significant steps to reduce its vulnerability to cascading disasters. Early investments in preparedness and resilience measures not only mitigate immediate impacts but also reduce the likelihood of secondary crises, such as disease outbreaks and financial instability. The researchers emphasize that integrating climate risks into national development strategies is essential for ensuring long-term economic and social stability. By adopting a systems approach that prioritizes multi-sectoral collaboration and adaptation, Cambodia can build a more resilient future in the face of escalating climate challenges. The World Bank’s research highlights the urgency of a paradigm shift in disaster management, advocating for a focus on prevention and preparedness to safeguard Cambodia’s development trajectory.

MONTREAL — Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson was not available for Tuesday's game against the Utah Hockey Club due to a lower-body injury. The Canadiens announced his injury half an hour before puck drop. Jayden Struble took his place in the lineup as Montreal (7-11-2) faced Utah (8-10-3) for the first time. Matheson participated in the morning skate but missed practice on Monday. The 30-year-old from nearby Pointe-Claire, Que., leads all Montreal blueliners with 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 20 games as the lone defenceman on the team's top power-play unit. Struble has one goal and three assists in 15 games this season. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. The Canadian Press