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slotvip 555 login Mikel Arteta ready to put trust in Arsenal's Bukayo Saka replacement - 'He loves it!'South Korea’s Yoon says he will lift martial law decreeAs technology continues to surge forward, the gaming world stands on the brink of a transformative evolution. One pivotal player in this unfolding narrative is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that has redefined how gamers interact with their favorite titles. But what’s next for Game Pass as it traverses into the future? Artificial Intelligence Integration is one of the most anticipated advancements. This technology promises to revolutionize personalization within the Game Pass ecosystem. Imagine a service that learns your gaming preferences, offering game suggestions so attuned to your interests that they’re practically a perfect fit every time. AI could also enhance in-game experiences, making games more responsive and dynamic. Cloud Gaming Expansion is another frontier where Game Pass is making significant strides. The ability to stream high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware opens the gates to gamers who previously couldn’t afford a gaming console or high-end PC. This accessibility is not only broadening Microsoft’s audience but democratizing the gaming landscape at large. Moreover, the Metaverse Integration presents intriguing possibilities. With the metaverse buzz gaining momentum, there’s potential for Game Pass to incorporate virtual ecosystems where friends meet, interact, and play, transcending traditional gaming boundaries. As these technologies evolve, the Game Pass service is poised to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry’s evolution. The future might be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the course of gaming is changing, and Game Pass is leading the charge. What’s Next for Microsoft’s Game Pass? New Innovations and Trends Unveiled The gaming universe is continuously unfolding, and at the epicenter of this transformation is Microsoft’s Game Pass, a subscription service that’s radically altering the gaming landscape. As we look toward the horizon, several new trends and innovations promise to redefine the experience for gamers worldwide. What lies ahead for Game Pass that can revolutionize how we play and engage? Innovations in Artificial Intelligence One of the exciting developments is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence within the Game Pass environment. This evolution extends beyond mere game recommendations. Future AI capabilities could curate entire gaming experiences designed to match player skill levels and interests, providing a customized gaming journey. AI-driven dynamic difficulties, real-time game modifications, and personalized narratives are potential advancements that could elevate the player’s entertainment levels. Expansion and Accessibility through Cloud Gaming The expansion of cloud gaming remains a pivotal focus, aiming to bridge the gap between high-quality gaming and affordability. By offering a cloud-based platform, Game Pass may soon support more devices, such as smart TVs and mobile devices, allowing users to game on-the-go with seamless transitions between platforms. This flexibility could further enhance Microsoft ‘s reach and make premium gaming more inclusive. Features and Functionality of the Future Metaverse With the growing conversation around the metaverse, Game Pass is exploring ways to incorporate this digital phenomenon. Potential features include creating shared virtual worlds where players can build, explore, and interact in more immersive ways. This could mean multi-platform experiences where real-world acquaintances meet in virtual spaces, blurring the lines between reality and gameplay even further. Sustainability Initiatives Another critical facet for the future of Game Pass is sustainability. As environmental concerns gain prominence, the gaming industry, including Game Pass, is considering ways to reduce its carbon footprint. Cloud gaming involves vast data centers, and hence, green computing initiatives are on the table. Adopting energy-efficient servers and utilizing renewable energy sources are potential strategies to enhance the service’s sustainability. Pricing and Accessibility Predictions Looking ahead, pricing strategies for Game Pass might evolve to accommodate various user needs and economic conditions. Tiered subscription models could emerge, offering different levels of access or features, ranging from basic game streaming to all-inclusive gaming and metaverse interactions. This flexibility aims to attract a diverse user base by catering to budget-conscious gamers as well as those seeking comprehensive gaming solutions. In summary, Microsoft’s Game Pass is set to alter the landscape of digital gaming through AI enhancements, expanded cloud gaming, immersive metaverse experiences, and sustainable practices. As these developments continue, Game Pass is not just adapting to the future of gaming; it’s shaping it.

Have you been told you look like someone famous? You could be cut out for a look-alike contest. In recent weeks, pop culture doppelgangers have descended on parks and public squares across the US and UK to battle it out for the coveted title of best look-alike, cash prizes, and bragging rights. The internet's favourite 'it' boys have all been featured such as Timothee Chalamet, Harry Styles and Paul Mescal. Even Australia's own Dom Dolla has been represented via hundreds of men with moustaches. Early last week, Triple J Drive decided to run the contest. Drive presenters Tyrone and Abby said they were "absolutely" influenced by the contests they've seen over in the UK and US. "With the rise of celebrity look-alikes happening across the world, we thought it would be fun to try our own but on a national (and some international) scale across radio and socials," they said. "We had over 250 Dom Dolla look-alikes apply from every state and territory and quite a few international. "All we needed was a man with a stache and mullet, and in this country, there is no shortage." Look-alike contests, drag performances and impersonators of icons — from Elvis Presley to Marilyn Monroe — have been around for decades. But here's why this craze has been going viral. Where did the celebrity look-alike craze start? It all began when a New York City-based contest was launched to find a Timothee Chalamet look-alike. Posters advertising the contest appeared across Manhattan and social media in the weeks leading up to the event. On the fateful Sunday, thousands of Chalamet wannabes, journalists and spectators gathered. The winner, 21-year-old Miles Mitchell, earned the loudest applause, donning a Willy Wonka costume he thrifted. Chalamet himself even made a surprise appearance — prompting others to organise their own contest in the hopes their favourite celeb would turn up. The event took social media by storm, with one person commenting on X it was a "historic pop culture moment". Why are they taking off? Lauren Rosewarne, an associate professor and pop culture expert at the University of Melbourne, has an idea about why these contests are so popular. "Celebrity look-alike contests are yet another way to participate in celebrity culture," Ms Rosewarne said. "They are also social opportunities that are a bit fun and silly and potentially an opportunity for participants and onlookers to be part of a media event." Flinders University associate lecturer Katharine Perrotta says their popularity was indicative of broader trends in youth culture. "There's a certain appeal towards deeply un-serious activities, given various overwhelming political crises," Ms Perrotta said. "I also think that these contests offer an option for a non-threatening way to engage in public desire. "Because of their position as 'vintage objects', these contests offer an opportunity for people to engage in objectification in ways that are perceived as less predatory or 'problematic'." And when it comes to what it could mean for a contest winner, Ms Rosewarne imagines that someone "distinctly entrepreneurial might be able to parlay their success into certain kinds of influencing". Social media driving the events Caitlin Adams, lecturer in the department of media at the University of Adelaide, says social media has made it easier to spread the discussion about these events. "Its capacity to allow users and media outlets to post and reply to updates in real time is a large reason why these events are going viral," Ms Adams said. "Also, the idea that a celebrity might attend feeds into the fantasy of it all. "This perceived possibility is exacerbated at the moment because of Chalamet's attendance, but also some of the folklore about other celebrities attending their own contests and losing." Dolly Parton and Charlie Chaplin are some names that get tossed around for this. All the subjects have been male Our fascination with celebrity look-alikes is nothing new. Television game show Stars In Their Eyes allowed look-alike contestants to impersonate their favourite singers. But the latest competitions have one thing in common — the celebrities are all young and male. It's a complete switch in the traditional power dynamics. "There is a very long history of beauty pageants centred around appraising women's appearances," Ms Rosewarne said. "I imagine that there would be concerns that having a look-alike competition for a famous woman lends itself to being a bit too "beauty contest"-ish and veering a little too close to the scrutinising of women's bodies that is widely understood to already be prolific and often viewed as problematic. "The contests centred around male celebrity look-alikes tend to be less about "beauty" and more about capturing "something" that makes the celebrity unique looking." This could link back to the 'hot rodent men' trend that was all the rage earlier this year. These men tend to have lean physiques, scruffy hair, beady eyes — essentially, they're unconventionally attractive. The likes of Jeremy Allen White, Timothee Chalamet, Barry Keoughan and Matty Healy (among others) have all been classified in this category — and two of them have had a look-alike contest in their honour. Ms Perrotta says it's simpler to engage in this kind of desire in regards to men, because it's not understood to be dangerous to them. "For a youth culture that is aware of the dangerous effects of the public objectification leading to the dehumanisation of women, it is far too politically fraught to wade into those waters," she said. "To publicly judge a woman in any way on her appearance, no matter how innocent the impetus for this may be, aligns too closely with misogyny." What will happen if we do see a female celebrity look-alike contest? According to a flyer posted on Reddit, a Zendaya look-alike contest — the first competition with a female subject — is set to be held in the actress' hometown of Oakland, California this week. Users on Reddit have expressed their concern for the event. "I don't think this is a very good idea. Some of the male celebrity ones have been funny, but I think that people are too likely to start getting very mean about girls participating in Hollywood actress look-alike competitions," one user wrote. "People are going to be really mean about this one," another said. Ms Perrotta says it's difficult to gauge what the response will be at a female event. "There is always the opportunity for bad actors to comment and/or share the event on social media to a broader and more dangerous online community. "Given that Zendaya, and presumably those who will enter this contest, are Black women, this further opens up the possibility for harassment and misogynoir." Will the craze fizzle out? Who knows how long these viral look-alike contests will be coming to bless us. But, one thing we do know is that, right now, they're still happening. Another Paul Mescal competition is set to go ahead in an Irish Pub in London this week, Miles Teller in Philadelphia, plus Zendaya's as well. Ms Adams says the sheer number of these events currently is in part because of the pop culture hype around them. "That said, given how long we've been having look-alike contests, it's likely that these will continue once the current hype has passed, just with much less fanfare." Meanwhile, Ms Rosewarne believes the hype will deteriorate as "audiences will very quickly move onto something else". Here's a look at some of the contests we've seen so far. Journalist Katrina Mirpuri organised this contest in Soho Square. She told the BBC the reason why she started it was because "people need to have some fun after all the dreary news we're having". Zayn Malik fans were quick to criticise the look-alike contest, stating it drew less than realistic expectations. "None of them looked anything like him," one user wrote on X. "Zayn I'm so sorry," another commented. ABCThanks to a $13.4 million purchase, residents can expect a 300-acre park to roll out in north Fort Worth. During their Dec. 10 meeting, City Council members approved the purchase of 298.189 acres of land to become Tinsley Ranch Park. The park will be located at 3150 and 3450 Tinsley Lane, adjacent to Eagle Mountain Park and Eagle Mountain Lake. Funding for the parkland comes from loan repayments from park planning districts and the parks and recreation department budget. The eventual park is crucial to north Fort Worth as the growing city looks to balance conservation efforts with development, particularly in neglected regions of the city, said parks and recreation department spokesperson Karen Stuhmer in a statement. “This acquisition provides land for the development of future recreational opportunities and green space in an area identified as underserved in community parkland,” said Stuhmer. Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. The nearly 300 acres of land goes toward the city’s Open Space Conservation Program and aligns with Mayor Mattie Parker’s green space initiative , Good Natured, which aims to preserve 10,000 acres of open space by 2028. Established in 2019, the open space program is designed to conserve Fort Worth’s natural areas to foster environmental benefits and recreational opportunities as development expands in the city. “(The green space) initiative reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable growth and enhancing the overall park system as Fort Worth expands,” said Stuhmer. Since voters approved $15 million in the 2022 bond election to fund the Open Space Conservation Program, the city has acquired just over 600 acres in open space as of November, according to the city’s new green space champion, Allison Docker . Large acquisitions such as Tinsley Ranch Park help to maintain residents’ quality of life by offering a space for outdoor activities, connecting with nature and fostering community, said Stuhmer. “By acquiring this land now, we are securing a significant recreational and environmental resource for current and future generations of Fort Worth residents,” said Stuhmer. The purchase comes after City Council members also approved an expense of $3.9 million in a Nov. 19 meeting for more than 150 acres in west Fort Worth . That land is home to a cross timber forest and riparian and prairie ecosystems. Other large properties recently acquired through the open space program include land near the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, Lake Arlington, Tandy Hills Natural Area, and Rock Creek Ranch Park , which recently received an additional 58 acres. Nicole Lopez is the environmental reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Report December 11, 2024

SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- BoomiTM , the leader in intelligent integration and automation, today announced that Kalyra has used the Boomi Enterprise Platform to enhance data-informed client care, launch new digital services, and fast-track workforce onboarding and productivity, as part of its broader client experience-led transformation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203625215/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) With more than 130 years in operation, Kalyra has built a reputation for delivering value to South Australian communities with a full suite of aged care services, from residential care to home care and retirement living and affordable living. Recently, Kalyra embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey to enhance client experience and speed human resources by connecting its siloed systems and centralising data for clients and employees. “Accuracy is non-negotiable in caring for the aged and disadvantaged, and this starts with the digital systems that support our care workers,” said Nicole Fishers, General Manager of Information and Digital Services at Kalyra. “But it was evident our extensive history, atop recent business expansion, was challenging our digital ecosystem with duplicate client data and inconsistencies scattered throughout, slowing time for our clients to receive care. We turned to Boomi to break down our data silos, paving the way for a new era of digital support services.” Kalyra adopted Boomi’s integration platform as a service (iPaaS) to connect its core business systems through a hub-and-spoke model, including Elmo (Human Resources), AlayaCare (home care system), iCare (residential care system), CarePage (customer experience system), and My Kalyra (mobile app). With its operational information feeding into the My Kalyra app, the organisation has launched an on-demand digital support service for families, who now have mobile-friendly access to real-time service updates, the ability to adjust care schedules on the fly, and full transparency into financial information. “We’ve created a golden record of information that ensures everything in our client-facing app — and our internal systems — is accurate and updated in real time,” said Fishers. “Our care staff no longer have to waste time chasing down missing or outdated information; everything they need is instantly accessible. It’s a huge leap forward in both efficiency and client satisfaction.” Kalyra used Boomi DataHub to serve up its golden record of information, with the benefits also extending to the organisation’s workforce management. “Previously, onboarding was bogged down by disjointed manual processes, making it difficult to track new hires and vet qualifications,” said Fishers. “Centralising our resourcing data has reduced data entry duplications and errors, ultimately speeding up the onboarding of staff and better supporting the workforce that underpins Kalyra’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality care.” According to Fishers, the Boomi-connected environment has also strengthened Kalyra’s reporting and governance efforts with its data framework able to more efficiently and accurately meet compliance and regulatory standards. Looking to the future, Kalyra is gearing up to leverage even more of the Boomi Enterprise Platform’s capabilities to harness the growing potential of AI and robotics in improving health services. “These kinds of innovations have the ability to automate routine tasks in residential care, allowing staff to focus on more meaningful interactions with residents,” Fishers said. “As we continue to innovate and enhance our services, Boomi is at the heart of this transformation, helping us create a coordinated and automated data environment for more personalised and efficient care experiences.” “From the beginning, our work with Kalyra has been about driving efficiency without losing the human touch,” said David Irecki, Chief Technology Officer, APJ at Boomi. “Automating and integrating Kalyra’s core processes gives the organisation’s workforce the ability to focus more on delivering the compassionate, high-quality care its clients have come to rely on.” Additional Resources Hear from Boomi’s global customers Browse solutions on Boomi Discover Explore the Boomiverse Community Follow Boomi on X (Twitter) , LinkedIn , Facebook , and YouTube About Boomi Boomi, the intelligent integration and automation leader, helps organizations around the world automate and streamline critical processes to achieve business outcomes faster. Harnessing advanced AI capabilities, the Boomi Enterprise Platform seamlessly connects systems and manages data flows with API management, integration, data management, and AI orchestration in one comprehensive solution. With a customer base exceeding 20,000 companies globally and a rapidly expanding network of 800+ partners, Boomi is revolutionizing the way enterprises of all sizes achieve business agility and operational excellence. Discover more at boomi.com . © 2024 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the ‘B’ logo, and Boomiverse are trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203625215/en/ CONTACT: Media: Jasmine Ee Head of Influencer Relations, APJ jasmine.ee@boomi.com KEYWORD: AUSTRALIA/OCEANIA AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY SENIORS SOFTWARE NETWORKS PRACTICE MANAGEMENT MANAGED CARE CONSUMER HEALTH DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Boomi Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 05:01 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203625215/en

Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose economic reforms made his country a global powerhouse, has died at the age of 92, current leader Narendra Modi said Thursday. India "mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders," Modi posted on social media platform X shortly after news broke of Singh's passing. "As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives." Singh was taken to a hospital in New Delhi after he lost consciousness at his home on Thursday, but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at 9:51 pm local time, according to a statement by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, is credited with having overseen an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. "I have lost a mentor and guide," opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a statement, adding that Singh had "led India with immense wisdom and integrity." "Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," said Gandhi, a scion of India's powerful Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and the most prominent challenger to Modi. Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the opposition in parliament's upper house, said "India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature." President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X that Singh will "always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility." Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in India and never held elected office before taking the vast nation's top job. He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. Singh worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies including the United Nations. He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history. In his first term Singh steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending India the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the United States that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Modi, won in a landslide. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy. bjt/mlm7NEWS Foreign Editor Hugh Whitfeld’s 2024 in review: The Princess of Wales treated for cancer and the King in hospitalNone

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weekslong delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. FILE - Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) "This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement came a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House issued both public and private appeals for Trump's team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) Republican Senators also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers were particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. "That's why it's so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday. John Thune, incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team "understands there's going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.But the City boss has vowed to stay on and lift the club back to the top even if they are sent all the way down to the National League. Guardiola ended speculation over his immediate future this week by extending his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of the season, through to the summer of 2027. That has given the club some stability at a time of great uncertainty as they fight 115 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. City have denied all wrongdoing but their punishment if found guilty could be severe, with demotion even a possibility. Guardiola has strongly defended the club in the past and is happy to continue doing so. The Spaniard said: “I don’t enjoy it, I prefer not to be in that position, but once it’s there I love it because, when you believe in your club, and the people there – I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. “I cannot say yet because we’re awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don’t know when – but at the same time, I like it. “I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. “I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here. “Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.” The immediate priority for Guardiola, who said his contract negotiations were completed in “just two hours”, is to arrest a run of four successive defeats in all competitions. Yet, ahead of their return to action against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the champions continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list. Mateo Kovacic is their latest casualty after sustaining a knock on international duty that could keep him out for up to a month. On the positive side, defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji could feature and Jack Grealish is also closing in on a return after a month out. Much to Guardiola’s frustration, Grealish was called up by England for their recent Nations League games, although he later withdrew. Guardiola said: “I want the best for Jack and I want the best for Jack with the national team but the doctor said to me that he was not ready to play. “I know (England) want him but they have 200 players to select from and Jack was not fit. He had to recover from many things.” Kyle Walker played for England against both Greece and the Republic of Ireland despite limited game time since suffering injury in the October international break. Guardiola said: “If he is fit I like him to play in the national team. It is not a problem, don’t misunderstand me. “Kyle has a dream to make 100 caps for the national team. Do I want to cancel this dream? Absolutely not. “But if you are not fit, if you cannot play here, you cannot play for the national team. It is quite obvious.”

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Kalyra Elevates Aged Care Experience With Boomi Integration

PITTSFIELD — On behalf of a coalition of businesses, Flora Cannabis is suing the Vermont Cannabis Control Board over what they deem to be "unreasonable" and "unconstitutional" advertising regulations. The Middlebury-based retailer said it's trying to block the state's "unprecedented and unconstitutional restrictions on the protected free speech rights of the state’s 500-plus licensed cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, distributors and retailers." The lawsuit was filed Monday in Addison Superior Court, Civil Division. Having a health warning on all cannabis ads and demonstrating that no more than 15 percent of those potentially exposed to an ad are under the age of 21 are considered "unreasonable" burdens, according to the complaint. Also cited in the suit are "unreasonable" prohibitions on "common promotional offers" and "depicting or describing particular cannabis products on social media websites." Flora said the litigation is supported by a broad coalition of licensed cultivators, manufacturers, distributors and retailers across Vermont. Scott Sparks, owner of Vermont Bud Barn in Brattleboro, said he's involved in the suit. Dave Silberman, co-founder of Flora, described having attorney A.J. Ruben file the complaint "reluctantly, and only after years of failed attempts to reason with legislature and regulators to find a workable compromise, and to treat us in the same manner as the state treats other 'regulated vice' industries such as sports wagering and alcohol." "Vermont’s licensed cannabis industry supports reasonable advertising regulations, including targeted regulations to prevent advertising that is especially appealing to underage consumers, or making false or misleading statements," Silberman said in a statement, calling the regulations "the nation’s most wide-ranging and onerous prohibition on protected speech." Current regulations are "illegally muzzling the cannabis industry and preventing us from being able to effectively communicate with adult customers," Silberman added. CCB Chairman James Pepper said he received a copy of the complaint Tuesday night and knew it was coming. "The industry has come out strongly asking for advertising reforms," he said. Pepper expects the court will be looking at some of the principles related to the freedom of commercial speech. "How they come down on this will be interesting is all I can say," he said. Pepper noted the CCB's job is to enforce law as it's written. He plans to ask the Attorney General's Office to defend the CCB. "We really are, as regulators, not in a position to say the advertising laws are good or bad," he said. "We'll keep [enforcing] until we're told otherwise." In an interview Monday about goals and projects in the new year, Pepper mentioned the possibility of being sued over the ad regulations. "We may need another attorney position especially if the advertising law was struck down," he said. Cannabis companies don't like needing pre-approval before publishing ads as the process "slows things down for the businesses by about seven days," Pepper said. With the CCB rejecting a "fair number" of submissions regularly, he anticipates enforcement actions with fines attached will require more resources for his agency. "It will be a lot more work for something that could have been dealt with through the advertising review process," he said. CCB data released in October showed nine out of 29 advertising submissions were denied in a month. Six were missing or had illegible health warnings, one appealed to children, another missed audience requirements and one had not been classified. Data in July showed 16 advertising submissions were approved and nine were denied in a month. Seven had missing or illegible health warnings. One was missing audience information, and another involved a cannabis product giveaway. A hearing on a motion for preliminary injunction is set for late January, Ruben said.

The main vessel categories – bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and liquefied gas carriers – comprise over 90 percent of the entire world merchant ship fleet’s deadweight tonnes carrying capacity. Fleet development is mainly influenced by newbuilding deliveries and scrapping (recycling) volumes, which have varied greatly from year to year and as proportions of the existing fleet, and there have been contrasting patterns among the individual segments. Enlargement rates estimated for this year (to end-December) vary between a minimal 1 percent for tankers and 10 percent for container ships. Bulk carriers and gas carriers could see 3 percent and 7 percent increases respectively. In a notable smaller segment, car carriers, an 8 percent increase may be seen. During 2025 tanker and gas carrier fleet growth may accelerate, while bulk carrier growth remains stable and container ship enlargement slackens. These indications are tentative because, amid apparently fairly reliable estimates of newbuilding deliveries, scrapping is surrounded by greater uncertainty and is much less predictable. A steady trend of annual growth rates in the world merchant ship fleet has evolved over the past few years. Capacity using deadweight tonnes as a common measurement averaged 3.4 percent growth annually in the five years 2019 to 2023. After growing by 4.1 percent in 2019, the growth rate varied between 3.0 and the 3.4 percent seen in 2023. At the end of 2018 the merchant ship fleet totalled 1990 million deadweight tonnes, comprised of 100,500 vessels. During the next five years to end-2023 this total rose by 18 percent to 2348m dwt (109,500 vessels), based on Clarksons Research data. At end-2023 cargo-carrying ships formed 96 percent of the total deadweight (62,500 ships). During 2023 the overall 3.4 percent annual expansion rate resulted from a wide range of outcomes among the main segments. The container ship fleet expanded by 7.7 percent, while the gas carrier fleet (liquefied natural and petroleum gas – LNG and LPG) grew by 6.5 percent. Lower growth rates of 3.1 percent in bulk carriers and 1.9 percent in tankers were recorded. For 2024 estimates are still tentative, albeit assisted by provisional data covering the first ten months. Slightly faster merchant ship fleet growth than seen last year, at around 3.8 percent seems likely. Within this higher figure, a wider range among individual segments is predictable. As already mentioned, tanker fleet growth is likely to recede to 1 percent, while the bulk carrier fleet could grow by a steady 3 percent. By contrast faster expansion than seen last year is expected in the gas carrier and container ship fleets, at 7 percent and 10 percent respectively. These varying growth rates were mainly a result of newbuilding deliveries, reflecting as usual orders placed in preceding years. In typical years scrapping – the second driver of fleet capacity changes – is a large partly offsetting element. But in recent years it has been exceptionally low, and has offset only a minor proportion of new tonnage being introduced. Estimates for 2025 suggest that deadweight capacity growth in the world merchant ship fleet could slacken after advancing in the preceding twelve months. But segmental performances are likely to differ more noticeably, with some accelerating and some decelerating. Calculations reflect known orderbook schedules, enabling actual newbuilding deliveries to be estimated, albeit rather approximately. For scrapping, forecast volumes characteristically are somewhat speculative, dependent on changing market influences which may be different to what is now envisaged, and subject to changing perceptions about the future market trend and sentiment influences. Among the main segments, ideas that currently seem plausible point to 2025 growth rates in a range of 2 percent to 9 percent. Tankers are again at the low end at about 2%, slightly exceeded by bulk carriers at 3 percent. Container ship fleet expansion may halve to about 5 percent, while the gas carrier fleet accelerates to about 9 percent. Continuing the pattern of influences in 2024 and previously, these enlargements mainly reflect expectations for newbuilding deliveries. Based on present signs, although it is possible to envisage that scrapping may begin reviving, it seems that the extent to which higher volumes offset new tonnage will remain limited. The foregoing broad guesses are informed by expectations that newbuilding deliveries in the bulk carrier, tanker, and gas carrier segments will be higher than seen this year, based on shipbuilding yard orderbook schedules with some adjustments to allow for ‘slippage’ and postponements. On a similar basis, container ship deliveries are set to fall. Potential for scrapping, currently minimal, to surge is a prominent feature following several years of relative inactivity. An ageing fleet, and tightening environmental regulations could hasten obsolescence. But clear signs of a return to more ‘normal’ (much higher) demolition volumes are still absent. Looking further ahead the view of merchant fleet evolution in 2026 and later is more opaque. Yet some visibility is afforded by extensive forward orderbooks for specific ship types, extending the period of heavy newbuilding delivery volumes. In 2026 newbuilding deliveries of bulk carriers, tankers and gas carriers are expected to be higher than next year’s volumes, while container ship deliveries could decline but remain relatively large. These volumes may be accompanied by rising recycling activity. Limited availability of shipbuilding berth slots will constrain the scale of additional newbuilding orders for delivery over the period immediately ahead. This constraint is likely to be especially noticeable for the larger sizes of more technically complex vessel types that have been heavily ordered in the past twelve months or longer, such as container ships and LNG carriers. Later, from 2026 onwards, more potential exists for further new orders to emerge. Annual world orders placed provide an insight into prospects for newbuilding deliveries in the years following the ordering activity. High volumes of container ship ordering from 2021 onwards have been boosting deliveries since last year, while extensive LNG carrier orders from 2022 onwards began raising deliveries this year. Increased tanker orders in the past two years are set to start boosting deliveries in 2025. Future fleet evolution is also indicated by data showing the entire global newbuilding orderbook expressed as a proportion of the extant world fleet. At the beginning of November 2024, statistics compiled by Clarksons Research showed that current orders were equivalent to 14 percent of the existing world merchant fleet’s deadweight capacity. This figure is three percentage points higher than it was twelve months ago, emphasising recent robust ordering activity. Most of the orders, 96 percent of the deadweight tonnage, will be built in the three main shipbuilding countries – China, South Korea and Japan. Percentages for individual segments vary widely. At the low end of the range, the bulk carrier global orderbook is equivalent to 10 percent of the existing fleet while in the tanker segment 13 percent is on order. But elsewhere much higher proportions are visible. For container ships the figure is 23 percent, and for gas carriers (LNG and LPG), capacity equal to almost half the existing fleet at 47 percent is on order. What are the characteristics of influences likely to shape the world merchant ship fleet in future years? Both familiar and novel influences will be evident. Traditional influences are the ordering patterns and resulting new ships entering the market, and the exit of old or uneconomic ships for scrapping. Augmenting these long-established drivers is the effect of tightening international maritime regulations, especially those related to cutting carbon emissions, affecting both new and existing ships. Reflecting the shipping market’s unpredictable aspects, ideas about future fleet growth always have been partly speculative, and are now a more complex mixture of perceptions. In some segments regulatory changes unfolding have restrained newbuilding orders compared with what many observers would have expected to result when freight markets were supportive enough. Over the next few years reinforced regulations could greatly increase pressure to scrap older vessels, although currently it is difficult to estimate the timing and extent of this outcome. An order for any type of newbuilding vessel is often based on an assumption of at least a twenty years trading lifespan and, in practice, 25-30 years is often the basis for investments. Amid this view of usable asset life justifying the cost of new tonnage, shipowners now seek assurances about what fuel and ship propulsion method will satisfy regulators (and vessel users) over the ship’s expected lifetime extending up to mid twenty first century. Avoiding premature obsolescence is a critical aspect. Uncertainty about future changes in regulations affecting use of alternative fuels evidently has deterred some orders, and this lack of clarity may persist. Various alternative fuels designed to replace traditional oil bunker fuel and facilitate the decarbonisation of shipping are being considered. But in most cases extensive further research and development is needed to overcome problematical aspects of the new fuels, to ensure that the new technology enables these to be used safely as well as economically. Among options being considered by shipowners, or already adopted in newbuilding orders several alternative fuels are at the forefront. Because of acute uncertainties surrounding some options LNG is proving the most popular and practicable, although it is widely seen as a ‘transition’ fuel since in standard form carbon emissions reduction is restricted. Newbuildings designed to use methanol or LPG also have been ordered, while ammonia has become more prominent even though toxicity is a problem and large engines able to use this fuel are not yet commercially available. Maritime regulations are not the only imponderable aspect surrounding the evolution of the world fleet of merchant ships. Linked to the global objective of reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions is the possible effects on cargo volumes carried. More than one-third of all world seaborne trade consists of oil and coal, fossil fuels which are likely to see sustained downwards pressure (‘demand depletion’) in response to aiming for decarbonisation goals. In the longer term and perhaps starting fairly soon demand for both oil and coal transportation could begin an extended declining trend. This negative prospect overshadows the tanker and bulk carrier markets, creating further uncertainty about required future fleet capacity. Analysis of current newbuilding orderbooks – showing the pattern of timing of vessel completions and delivery to shipowners – provides a provisional indication of prospects for capacity additions and fleet growth in the near-term future. Potential further ordering, or identification of orders already placed but not yet recorded, could modify estimates. However, the impact on delivery totals for the twelve months immediately ahead normally is limited, because of insufficient time for completion of additional construction work even when vacant building slots are available. Orderbook schedules are then adjusted to allow for ‘slippage‘, a consequence of delays, postponements and cancellations, usually a relatively minor modification. Estimates of actual deliveries result. Assessments of future fleet growth also incorporate forecasts of scrapping (recycling), a typically almost unpredictable element that reflects prevailing and changing market psychology and sentiment as much as fleet obsolescence. Forecasts of net fleet growth in 2025 and 2026 – as outlined in the preceding ‘fleet growth ahead’ section – are based on conventional analysis, incorporating the newbuilding delivery schedule and scrapping estimates calculated. Although further newbuilding orders for delivery in those years may be identified or added, potential has already become greatly constrained as orderbooks for the next two years have grown. The order schedule further ahead in 2027 and later appears less constrained, and there have been signs that more shipbuilding capacity is emerging in several countries. Nevertheless orders may remain somewhat restricted by ongoing uncertainty about alternative fuels and technology. Greatly increased shipbuilding prices over the past few years also act as a limiting factor. Freight market changes in individual market segments, and changing perceptions of future trends, will heavily affect future ordering patterns through next year and beyond, and the newbuilding delivery volumes resulting. Such effects are not clearly predictable even if there are broad indications of how the pattern could unfold. Assumptions about changes in ship employment opportunities, markets and earnings for parts of most segments may need continuing modification, perhaps with occasional abrupt revisions. Prospects for scrapping volumes in future years partly reflect assumptions about secondhand vessel values and scrap prices. Recycling sales also are expected to be affected by the evolving regulations governing carbon emissions. While the likely magnitude of decarbonisation regulation is becoming somewhat clearer, it remains difficult to estimate volumes and timing of demolition sales arising as a consequence. The full effects are expected to become more visible over a period of several years ahead. Regulations already agreed at the International Maritime Organization for adoption in the world fleet of merchant ships, the energy efficiency existing ship index (EEXI) and the carbon intensity indicator (CII), were implemented at the beginning of 2023. Following earlier introduction of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI) for newbuilding vessels, the rules extend the greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy and targets to the entire operational world fleet. A variety of technical or operational changes can be used to ensure EEXI and CII compliance. For some older ships, complying with these rules may prove difficult or costly, or both. It has been envisaged that substantial scrapping is a likely result, but expectations that the process would become established and accelerate rapidly through 2023 and 2024 have not been fulfilled. This possible pattern remains a valid expectation for the years ahead. Looking at world merchant ship fleet growth prospects for the next couple of years, 2025 and 2026, estimates of newbuilding deliveries are the most reliable – albeit still tentative – part of net capacity addition calculations. Currently it seems realistic to envisage only a limited but gradually increasing offset from recycling activity, thereby prolonging the fairly steady fleet growth trend seen in recent years. But slower expansion amid much higher scrapping remains a possibility. Source: Richard Scott, committee member, London & South East Branch, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, on behalf of Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide (please contact at if you have any comments or questions)

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL will consider expanding replay assist to include facemask penalties and other plays. Officials have missed several obvious facemask penalties this season, including two in a three-week span during Thursday night games. “When we see it, because I see it like yourselves and the fans, I have an opportunity to see it from a different angle and see it from a slow-mo,” NFL executive Troy Vincent said Wednesday at the league’s winter meetings. “When you think about the position of where the officials are, things are happening so fast. Sometimes the facemask can be the same color as the gloves. There’s a lot happening. Concerning? Yes, because that’s a big miss. That’s a big foul. That’s why we would like to consider putting that for the membership to consider putting that foul category that we can see, putting that (penalty flag) on the field to help. There is a frustration, and we believe that is one category we can potentially get right." Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was grabbed by his facemask and brought down in the end zone to end Minnesota’s comeback attempt against the Rams on Oct. 24. But there was no call. On Oct. 3, officials missed a facemask on Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving while he ran for 7 yards late in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay instead was called for holding on the play, got forced out of field-goal range and Kirk Cousins rallied the Falcons to an overtime victory. “That is one this year, the facemask seems like it was the obvious one” Vincent said. “That keeps showing up.” Vincent also cited hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, an illegal double-team block, illegal formations on kickoffs and taunting as other areas that warrant consideration for replay assist. Current rules only allow replay assist to help officials pick up a flag incorrectly thrown on the field, or in assisting proper enforcement of a foul called on the field. The NFL’s Competition Committee will review potential recommendations for owners to vote on for expanding replay assist. Vincent was emphatic about the league’s desire to eliminate low blocks that could lead to serious injuries. “The low block below the knee needs to be removed from the game,” Vincent said. “You look at high school, you look at college, too. Every block should be above the knee, but below the neck. All the work that we’ve done for the head and neck area, all the things that we’ve taken out of the game, this is the right time for us to remove the low block out of the game. Be consistent with high school. Be consistent with college. Every block should be above the knee and below the neck.” The league will consider changes to the onside kick after dramatically overhauling the kickoff rule on a one-year basis. “We need to look at that. That’s a dead play,” Vincent said of the onside kick’s low success rate. “That is a ceremonial play. Very low recovery rate. When we look at the kickoff and maybe where the touchback area should be during the offseason, we need to revisit the onside kick.” Options include giving the team an opportunity to run one play to gain a certain number of yards to keep possession. The Washington Commanders’ search for a new stadium site includes options in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and work has escalated on one in particular. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and controlling owner Josh Harris met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week about the RFK Stadium site in Washington, which requires a bill getting through Congress to transfer the land to the District government before anything else can happen. “I think there’s a bipartisan support for this,” Goodell said, adding he’d like to see it get to a vote soon. “We hope that it will be addressed and approved so that it’s at least an alternative for the Commanders if we go forward. I grew up in Washington, and I know would be exciting for a lot of fans.” The NFL continues to discuss a potential 18-game season, but would need approval from the players’ union. “We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point,” Goodell said. “They’ll share that analysis with the players’ union, which would need to agree to any change.” AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl