Name: Jeremy Dietz Jr. School: Conemaugh Valley Age: 17 Grade: 12 Sports: Basketball, baseball, track and field, soccer and golf Parents: Jeremy Sr. and Nichole Dietz, of Johnstown Athletic achievements: In basketball, totaled over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, 2023-24 Cambria County Basketball Coaches Association second team, 2023-24 Pennsylvania Sports Writers’ Class 1A all-state second team and captain; in baseball, 2022 and 2023 all-WestPAC selection, 2024 all-Heritage Conference pick, two-year captain and 100 strikeouts pitching; in soccer, played in the 2024 Santa Fund Soccer Classic, scored 79 career goals, 2022 all-Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and 2024 honorable mention and four-year captain; in golf, 2024 all-Heritage pick. Coach’s quote: “Jeremy’s passion and love for the game shines through his personality on and off the court. Jeremy can score the ball inside and out. He is a ball magnet that controls the boards. Jeremy strives to be better each and every day and is willing to learn from others and is a leader and pure student-athlete.” – Conemaugh Valley boys basketball coach Tre’von Williams Favorite subject: Mathematics Favorite movie: “Step Brothers” Favorite video game: “Madden NFL 25” Favorite food: Pizza Favorite teacher (subject taught): Mr. Jaber (history) Favorite song: “Record Year” by Eric Church Favorite app on your phone: Weather Outside interests: Fishing, camping and being outside If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I would be an eagle so I could fly Favorite athletic team: Pittsburgh Steelers Athlete most admired: Former San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili Most influential people on my athletic career: My parents for always pushing me to be the best I can be, my family for always coming to watch and support me and my pap Dale for always watching my games. Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Berlin Brothersvalley graduate and Gannon University freshman guard Pace Prosser Proudest athletic achievement: Being named to the 2023-24 Pennsylvania Sports Writers’ Class 1A all-state second team How I got my start: Ever since I could dribble a ball, my dad would take me to the local gym and teach me how to play the game. As the years went on, we started to spend more time together in the gym and he started to push me harder and make me become a better player. While my dad taught me the game, my mom would help me become a faster, stronger and better conditioned player. I would not be half the person I am today without their help. Future goal: To graduate college with a nursing degree and become either a nurse anesthetist or a nurse practitioner - Jake Oswalt (c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Keir Starmer via Associated Press Keir Starmer has said he is “looking towards a better, brighter future for every person” after a gloomy end to 2024. The prime minister also said he was “hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East” in his Christmas message to the country. Advertisement Starmer will celebrate his first Christmas as PM with his family at Chequers, before they travel abroad for a few days over New Year. He has endured a difficult first six months in office since Labour’s landslide election victory on July 4. The row over chancellor Rachel Reeves ’ decision to take winter fuel payments off 10 million pensioners continues to dog the government. Advertisement But it is the economic fallout from her tax-raising Budget which has the dominated the final weeks of the year. Official figures confirmed last week that the economy shrunk in October, as it did in September, while inflation is once again on the rise . The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also revealed on Monday that the economy flatlined in Labour’s first three months in office. Advertisement The findings were the latest blow for Starmer, who has vowed that the UK will have the fastest growing economy in the G7 by the time of the next election. But despite the avalanche of bad news, the prime minister said he was optimistic for the future. He said: “As Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us. “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. Advertisement “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” Starmer also used his message to pay tribute to “those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year”, including NHS staff, emergency workers, the Armed Forces and charities. Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she wanted everyone in the country to have a “happy” Christmas. Advertisement She said: “It’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support. “And that’s one of the best things about Christmas, that it isn’t just about all of the things that we love and want to do, but thinking about other people. “And so my message to everyone this Christmas is have a happy one. “But also remember all of the people who might be in your community or even in your family who need your support. And let’s not forget them either.” Advertisement Related keir starmer kemi badenoch Blow For Rachel Reeves And Keir Starmer As Inflation Reaches Eight-Month High UK Economy Shrinks For Second Month In A Row, Dealing A Blow To Rachel Reeves 'Worst Of All Worlds': Economy Flatlines As Businesses Make Gloomy Forecast For 2025

By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.

Mourners laid flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack on Monday, as investigators puzzled over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities were scrutinised. The Johanniskirche, a church a short walk from the scene of the attack, has become a place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening killing five people. A carpet of flowers now covers the broad pavement in front of the church. The number of injured has risen to as many as 235. The suspect, identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen by German media, is a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia. He is said to have a history of anti-Islamic rhetoric and to have sympathy with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He left video messages on his X (Twitter) account on the day of the attack. In rambling commentary, he variously blamed Germany’s supposed liberalism for the death of Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, and accused police of stealing a USB stick from him and destroying a criminal complaint he had filed. German newspaper said he had undergone psychological treatment. At a gathering organised by AfD outside Magdeburg’s cathedral on Monday, co-leader of the political party Alice Weidel described the attack as “an act of an Islamist full of hatred for what constitutes human cohesion ... for us Germans, for us Christians”. AfD is polling in second place nationwide and is particularly strong in eastern Germany, where Magdeburg is located. Holger Munch, president of the country’s federal criminal police office, told the German broadcaster ZDF that Germany had been warned about the suspect by Saudi Arabia as far back as 2023, and that German authorities had investigated it but found it to be vague. “The man also published a huge number of posts on the internet. He also had various contacts with the authorities, made insults and even threats. But he was not known for acts of violence,” Mr Munch said. Federal interior minister Nancy Faeser called for the adoption of tougher internal security laws, including a new act to strengthen police forces, as well as the introduction of biometric surveillance. “It is clear that we must do everything to protect the people of Germany from such horrific acts of violence. To do this, our security authorities need all the necessary powers and more personnel,” she told news website . Vice-chancellor Robert Habeck voiced fears that the attack will fuel online misinformation before a snap national election that is expected to be held in late February. He urged people not to be “infected by hatred”. “There is still a lot we don’t know, and a lot is unexplained, including the exact motive,” Mr Habeck said. “All the same, I fear that the distrust that was immediately propagated on the net against Muslims, foreigners and people with a history of immigration will entrench itself deeper in society.” Taha al-Hajji, a Saudi lawyer in exile and the legal director of the Berlin-based European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, said that most Saudi opposition activists in Germany did not have a good relationship with the suspect. “He made problems with everyone always ... He was really isolated,” said Mr al-Hajji. “He felt that he was the only one right, and people were wrong; he felt he was the centre of everything, he was important. He always had problems with everyone.” The local prosecutor in Magdeburg, Horst Nopens, said on Sunday that a possible factor in the attack may have been the suspect’s “dissatisfaction with the treatment of Saudi refugees in Germany”, but added that the motive remained unclear.

NEW YORK , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The clinical trials market in US size is estimated to grow by USD 5 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.38% during the forecast period. Rise in number of clinical trials of drugs is driving market growth, with a trend towards advancement in technology and scientific research. However, rise in cost of clinic trials poses a challenge. Key market players include Accell Clinical Research LLC, Apex Medical Research Inc., Caidya, Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Clinipace Inc., CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., eResearchTechnology GmbH, ICON plc, IQVIA Holdings Inc., Laboratory Corp. Of America Holdings, Medpace Holdings Inc., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk AS, Parexel International Corp., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Syneos Health Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2017 - 2021 Segment Covered Type (Phase III, Phase I, Phase II, and Phase IV), Service Type (Interventional studies, Observational studies, and Expanded access studies), Indication (Oncology, CNS, Autoimmune/inflammation, and Others), and Geography (North America) Region Covered US Key companies profiled Accell Clinical Research LLC, Apex Medical Research Inc., Caidya, Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Clinipace Inc., CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., eResearchTechnology GmbH, ICON plc, IQVIA Holdings Inc., Laboratory Corp. Of America Holdings, Medpace Holdings Inc., Novartis AG, Novo Nordisk AS, Parexel International Corp., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Syneos Health Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Clinical Trials Market in the US is experiencing significant growth, driven by biopharmaceutical and medical device companies seeking to bring new drug candidates to market. Contract Research Organizations (CROs) play a crucial role in this process, providing essential services to pharmaceutical companies during all phases of clinical research, from Phase I to IV. This includes working with healthcare workers to conduct studies on various diseases such as cardiology, autoimmune, inflammation, pain management, oncology, CNS conditions, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions. Technological evolution is a key trend in the market, with the use of AI, IoT, real-world data, patient-centric trials, virtual trials, and home healthcare services driving digitalization. The demand for CROs is high, with companies like Parexel and Syneos Health leading the way in providing CRO services. Small-molecule drugs, biologics, biosimilars, and large-molecule drugs are all under development, with raw material suppliers and laboratory services supporting research activities. The industry is at a growth stage, with R&D programs and outsourcing activities expanding. The European Medicines Agency and other regulatory bodies are also playing a role in the market, with an increased focus on personalized medicine and advanced therapies. Patent expiration is leading to an increased focus on post-marketing surveillance. The degree of innovation is high, with big data analytics, remote monitoring, and electronic data capture driving progress. End-users include hospitals and clinics, with virtual clinical trials, interventional studies, expanded access trials, and compassionate use trials also playing a role. Industries like Thermo Fisher Scientific and CorEvitas, LLC are contributing to the market with their expertise in various areas. The clinical trials market in the US has experienced substantial progress due to technological and scientific advancements. Notable developments include the implementation of electronic data capture (EDC) systems. EDC platforms streamline and enhance clinical trial data management. Researchers can now electronically record data from study participants, eliminating the need for paper-based systems and manual data entry. This leads to time savings, reduced errors, and improved data quality. EDC systems play a crucial role in the efficient and effective testing and approval of new medications and therapies. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This clinical trials market in US report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Phase III- The Phase III segment of clinical trials in the US plays a crucial role in testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs or medical treatments before they are approved for public use. This phase is the final step in the drug development process and involves testing the investigational treatment on a larger population to gather more data and assess potential benefits and risks. For instance, a new cancer drug that has already undergone rigorous testing in Phase I and II trials will enter Phase III trials, where it is administered to a larger group of cancer patients. The trial aims to gather more evidence on the drug's safety profile, dosage, side effects, and long-term outcomes. Phase III trials involve hundreds or even thousands of participants spread across multiple trial sites in the country. These trials are meticulously planned, ethically conducted, and require data management systems. Regulatory authorities, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rely on the data from Phase III trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and make informed decisions about their approval. The growing demand for new treatments and the increasing focus on personalized medicine are expected to drive the growth of the Phase III clinical trials market in the US during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2017 - 2021) The Clinical Trials Market in the US is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of biopharmaceutical and medical device companies investing heavily in Research & Development (R&D) for new drug candidates and medical devices. Clinical research organizations (CROs) and laboratories play a crucial role in conducting clinical trials for these companies. The focus on patient-centric trials, virtual trials, and real-world data is transforming the clinical trials landscape. Technological advancements such as genomics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and digital health are revolutionizing the way trials are conducted. Small-molecule drugs and biologics continue to dominate the market, with Interferon-beta treatment being a notable example. The technological evolution of clinical trials is enabling faster and more efficient trial processes, benefiting both healthcare workers and patients alike. Traditional clinical trials are being supplemented with innovative approaches to address the challenges of recruiting and retaining patients, ensuring data accuracy, and reducing trial costs. The Clinical Trials Market in the US is a dynamic and evolving industry, driven by the research and development (R&D) activities of biopharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. The market encompasses various stakeholders including clinical research organizations (CROs), healthcare workers, and end-users such as hospitals and clinics. The pipeline includes drug candidates ranging from small-molecule drugs to biologics and biosimilars, with a focus on indications like autoimmune, inflammation, pain management, oncology, CNS conditions, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Technological advancements, such as genomics, AI, IoT, real-world data, patient-centric trials, virtual trials, home healthcare services, digitalization, and electronic data capture, are transforming the landscape. The industry is in a growth stage, with a high demand for CRO services, decentralized trials, telemedicine, and advanced therapies. The European Medicines Agency and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in post-marketing surveillance. The degree of innovation is high, with a focus on personalized medicine, R&D programs, outsourcing activities, and patent expiration. Key trends include the use of interventional studies, expanded access trials, compassionate use trials, and the evolution of traditional clinical trials towards more decentralized and virtual models. Companies like Parexel, Syneos Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and CorEvitas, LLC are at the forefront of these developments. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clinical-trials-market-in-the-us-to-grow-by-usd-5-billion-from-2024-2028-driven-by-more-drug-trials-with-ai-redefining-market-trends---technavio-302322432.html SOURCE TechnavioS&P/TSX composite up almost 150 at closing, U.S. markets also higher TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press Dec 23, 2024 2:27 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The TMX Market Centre is shown in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paige Taylor White TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Revised airline compensation rules will do little to change status quo: experts Dec 23, 2024 2:25 PM Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 Dec 23, 2024 2:00 PM Scheifele notches hat trick as Jets top Maple Leafs 5-2 ahead of NHL's holiday break Dec 23, 2024 1:58 PM Featured FlyerHow F1 teams are turning to AI to improve performance on the track

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence said in an unclassified report released Thursday that it "appears increasingly likely that a foreign adversary is behind some" cases of what officials refer to as "anomalous health incidents" – mysterious illnesses suffered by U.S. national security officials. The House Intelligence Committee concluded in the report that an intelligence community assessment from 2023 of anomalous health incidents (AHI), commonly called Havana Syndrome , "lacked analytic integrity and was highly irregular in its formulation." That 2023 report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had deemed it " very unlikely " that a foreign adversary was behind the mysterious injuries, though it did acknowledge that some intelligence agencies had only "low" or "moderate" confidence in that conclusion. Until now that has been the government's leading assessment of what's behind the Havana Syndrome. Thursday's report also accused the intelligence community of interfering with the House Intelligence Committee's ongoing investigation. "Sadly, the [intelligence community] has actively attempted to impede our investigation, but we have nonetheless been able to gather significant evidence, and I have reason to believe that its claims of environmental or social factors explaining AHIs are false," said Rep. Rick Crawford, the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency, who led the investigation. What is Havana Syndrome? A total of 334 American officials have qualified for AHI care in the military health system as of January 2024, according to Thursday's report. They have symptoms that scientists say could be caused by a beam of microwaves or acoustic ultrasound. White House staff, CIA officers, FBI agents, and military officers and their families are among those who say they were wounded by a secret weapon. A March 31 60 Minutes report on Havana Syndrome, based on a five-year investigation , revealed new evidence of a potential Russian nexus tied to mysterious illnesses suffered by U.S. national security officials. Calls for a new Intelligence Community Assessment After the 60 Minutes report in March, a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to President Biden calling for a "renewed assessment by the U.S. government" of what officials call "anomalous health incidents." In the unclassified report released Thursday, House officials called for the Intelligence Community to release a new report on anomalous health incidents. "The Subcommittee is aware that the IC (intelligence community) continues to withhold valuable information from the Subcommittee," House leaders wrote. "For this reason, a final unclassified report cannot be issued at this time. In addition, the Subcommittee plans to issue a classified report that explains why the Subcommittee finds the conclusions reached in the ICA (intelligence community assessment) dubious at best, and misleading at worst." The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's investigation The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence said it conducted 48 interviews of current and former members of the CIA, FBI, ODNI, Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. military, as well as interviews of non-government officials. Committee members reviewed more than 7,500 pages of official records and more than 3,400 pages of records provided by whistleblowers. Based on their review, committee members said they believe the intelligence community was involved in "stonewalling, slow-walking, and cherry-picking of information" in its Havana Syndrome investigation. "The Biden Administration and IC (intelligence community) leadership has sought to hinder the Subcommittee's investigation into AHIs to keep the truth about AHIs from Congress and, by extension, the American public," committee members wrote in Thursday's report. "This is unacceptable." The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said it disagreed with many of the Committee's interim findings. An ODNI spokeswoman said, "Most IC agencies assess that it is very unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible for the reported AHIs, and the assertion that we are withholding information that contradicts this analysis or would otherwise illuminate this complex subject is unfounded." Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA operations officer who was injured in Moscow in December 2017, spoke out about the Thursday report. "The report indicates to me that not only was there incompetence on the part of CIA, but also willful malfeasance," Polymeropoulos said. He was the first CIA officer to go public about his experience. "They failed to properly investigate the attacks, then cooked the books analytically, while also launching a campaign to belittle the victims as well, denying them medical care. In totality, this ultimately is a staggering betrayal of the CIA's own people. That is very hard to stomach, from an organization that I dedicated my life to. This report seems to open the door for Congress to fully investigate what looks like a truly historic scandal at CIA. I am both angry, but also feel vindicated, in what has been a very long seven year battle," Polymeropoulos told 60 Minutes. The 60 Minutes Havana Syndrome investigation Greg Edgreen, a now-retired Army lieutenant colonel who ran the Pentagon investigation into anomalous health incidents, previously told 60 Minutes that the bar for proof was set impossibly high. He said it was set so high because the country didn't want to face hard truths, like the existence of possible failures to protect Americans. After speaking with 60 Minutes, Edgreen testified before the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence. Havana Syndrome Scott Pelley, one of the most experienced and awarded journalists today, has been reporting stories for 60 Minutes since 2004. The 2024-25 season is his 21st on the broadcast. Scott has won half of all major awards earned by 60 Minutes during his tenure at the venerable CBS newsmagazine.Tech Triumph! Here’s Why HPE is SurgingTORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press

LAS VEGAS , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The growing demand for pelvic floor stimulation devices is driven by the rising incidence of urinary incontinence, neurodegenerative diseases, and other conditions. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which are key contributors to urinary incontinence, is expected to further fuel this demand. Moreover, factors such as the aging population, frequent product launches and approvals, increased demand for home healthcare, and ongoing product innovations are anticipated to support the overall expansion of the pelvic floor stimulation devices market during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. DelveInsight's Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading pelvic floor stimulation devices companies' market shares, challenges, pelvic floor stimulation devices market drivers, barriers, trends, and key market pelvic floor stimulation devices companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global pelvic floor stimulation devices market during the forecast period. In the product type segment of the pelvic floor stimulation devices market, the mobile pelvic floor stimulation device category had a significant revenue share in the year 2023. This can be ascribed to the advantages offered by the category. Notable pelvic floor stimulation devices companies such as Medtronic, The Prometheus Group, INNOVO, Shenzhen XFT Medical Limited, Verity Medical Ltd., Tic Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Laborie, PZmed, TensCare Ltd., Renovia Inc., Novuqare, GymnaUniphy, InControl Medical, Athena Feminine Technologies, Inc., Creo Medical, and several others, are currently operating in the pelvic floor stimulation devices market. In February 2022 , Medtronic announced FDA approval for the InterStim X TM system, which delivers sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy. These devices are used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), chronic fecal incontinence (FI), and non-obstructive urinary retention. To read more about the latest highlights related to the pelvic floor stimulation devices market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Report Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Overview Pelvic floor stimulation devices are medical tools designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through electrical stimulation. These devices are commonly used to treat conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, which can occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. The devices work by sending mild electrical impulses to the muscles, causing them to contract and gradually become stronger over time. This therapy is non-invasive and can be performed in a clinical setting or at home, offering a convenient and effective solution for people looking to regain control over their pelvic health. In addition to improving muscle strength, pelvic floor stimulation devices can also enhance neuromuscular coordination, helping users gain better awareness and control of their pelvic floor muscles. This is particularly beneficial for women after childbirth or during menopause when the pelvic floor tends to weaken. For men, these devices can help with conditions such as post-prostatectomy incontinence. The devices are generally safe and well-tolerated, although it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment to ensure it is appropriate for individual needs. Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Insights In 2023, North America held the largest share of the global pelvic floor stimulation devices market. This is primarily due to factors such as the increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence, particularly among the elderly, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, various initiatives by governments and nonprofit organizations are driving market growth in the region. The demand for advanced technology and a growing number of regulatory approvals are further contributing to this growth. Moreover, the rise in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's is fueling demand for pelvic floor stimulation devices. Ongoing product development activities in North America are expected to further boost market expansion. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the pelvic floor stimulation devices market, get a snapshot of the Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Outlook Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Dynamics The global pelvic floor stimulation devices market has experienced notable growth due to rising awareness about pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence. These conditions affect millions of individuals, particularly women post-childbirth and older adults. The increasing focus on women's health , coupled with advancements in non-invasive treatments, has driven demand for pelvic floor stimulation devices, which offer a more effective and less invasive treatment compared to surgeries. The devices work by delivering electrical stimulation to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, offering relief and improving the quality of life for many patients. A key market driver is the growing aging population , particularly in regions like North America , Europe , and parts of Asia . With aging comes a higher prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction due to muscle weakening and other health conditions. Additionally, the increasing incidence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles has exacerbated the problem, further boosting the demand for solutions like pelvic floor stimulators. Technological advancements , such as wireless and portable devices, have also enhanced user convenience, driving adoption in home healthcare settings. However, the market is not without challenges. One significant barrier is the lack of awareness and societal stigma surrounding pelvic floor disorders, which may prevent individuals from seeking treatment. Moreover, the high costs associated with certain devices and limited insurance coverage for non-invasive treatments can restrict access to these devices for some patients, particularly in developing regions. Addressing these issues will be critical for sustained market growth. Despite these hurdles, there is significant growth potential for the pelvic floor stimulation devices market. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving device efficacy and user experience, and the rise of telehealth and digital health platforms could expand access to these devices. Additionally, increasing collaborations between manufacturers and healthcare providers, along with government initiatives aimed at improving women's health, are likely to further propel market growth in the coming years. Get a sneak peek at the pelvic floor stimulation devices market dynamics @ Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Dynamics Analysis Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 2021–2030 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market CAGR ~12% Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Size by 2030 USD 413 Million Key Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Companies Medtronic, The Prometheus Group, INNOVO, Shenzhen XFT Medical Limited, Verity Medical Ltd., Tic Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Laborie, PZmed, TensCare Ltd., Renovia Inc., Novuqare, GymnaUniphy, InControl Medical, Athena Feminine Technologies, Inc., Creo Medical, among others Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Assessment Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Segmentation Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Segmentation By Product Type: Fixed and Mobile Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Segmentation By Application: Urinary Incontinence, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Sexual Dysfunction, and Others Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Segmentation By End User: Hospitals & Clinics, Homecare Settings, and Others Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Segmentation By Geography : North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of World Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOL's Views, Analyst's View Which MedTech key players in the pelvic floor stimulation devices market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Companies Table of Contents 1 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Report Introduction 2 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Porter's Five Forces Analysis 7 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Layout 8 Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us Interested in knowing the pelvic floor stimulation devices market by 2030? Click to get a snapshot of the Pelvic Floor Stimulation Devices Market Trends Related Reports Pelvic Floor Disorders Treatment Devices Market Pelvic Floor Disorders Treatment Devices Market Insight, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast – 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key pelvic floor disorders treatment devices companies, including Ethicon US, LLC, Boston Scientific Corporation, Coloplast Ltd., Medtronic, CooperSurgical Inc., Cook, MEDGYN PRODUCTS, INC., Personal Medical Corp., Dr. Arabin GmbH & Co. KG, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Panpac Medical Corp, medesign I.C. GmbH, Zynex Inc., TensCare Ltd., Verity Medical Ltd., InControl Medical, The Prometheus Group, Laborie, Inc., ActivLife Technologies, Athena Feminine Technologies, Atlantic Therapeutics, Renovia Inc., among others. Stress Urinary Incontinence Devices Market Stress Urinary Incontinence Devices Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast – 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key stress urinary incontinence devices companies, including Boston Scientific Corporation, AscentX Medical Inc., Coloplast Corporation, Becton, Dickinson and Company, ConvaTec Group PLC, Ethicon US, LLC (Johnson & Johnson), Cook Medical Inc., Teleflex Incorporated, Caldera Medical Inc., Prosurg, Inc., Laborie, InControl Medical, Cousin Surgery, Hollister Incorporated, ZSI Surgical Implants, Atlantic Therapeutics, Flexicare (Group) Limited, A.M.I. GmbH, Axonics, Inc., Betatech Medical , among others. Urinary Incontinence Devices Market Urinary Incontinence Devices Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast – 2030 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key urinary incontinence devices companies, including NeoTract, Inc, Cook Medical Inc, C.R. Bard Inc, Coloplast Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Ethicon US, LLC, Medtronic PLC, A.M.I. Ltd, Teleflex Incorporated, Hollister Incorporated, ConvaTec Group PLC, Caldera Medical Inc, Prosurg, Inc, Laborie, Inc, Becton, Dickinson and Company, ZSI Surgical Implants, Atlantic Therapeutics, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Flexicare Group Limited, InControl Medical , among others. Fecal Incontinence Market Fecal Incontinence Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key fecal incontinence companies, including Palette Life Sciences, Cook MyoSite, 9 Meters Biopharma , among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 https://www.delveinsight.com/medical-devices Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg