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Friends, family and neighbours of a woman who was killed by her partner earlier this year are calling for more to be done to address intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia. Dozens of people participated in a walk on Friday in Enfield, N.S., where Brenda Tatlock-Burke was killed by her husband in October. Her death was one of three fatal cases of intimate partner violence in Nova Scotia over a three-week period . "We knew Brenda and we had no idea she was living in silence," said Noreen Corkum, the walk organizer and a friend of Tatlock-Burke. Corkum and her daughter, Natacha Provost, said they wanted to put on the event to support everyone suffering from intimate partner violence, encourage people to talk about it and highlight the need for more help for individuals in these situations. "We need more programs," Corkum said. "We need more voices coming out and saying, 'This is what I've lived through and these are the steps that we need to take in order to get the help that people need.'" Noreen Corkum and her daughter, Natacha Provost, helped organize the walk. (Patrick Callaghan/CBC) Some people who showed up only knew Tatlock-Burke through others, but wanted to participate in the walk because of their own experiences with intimate partner violence. Caet Moir said she's a longtime friend of Tatlock-Burke's sister. She said she's had several family members affected by domestic violence and it's typically someone you don't expect who is being hurt by a loved one. "I want to see us get away from the idea that victims have to prove themselves," Moir said. "The very idea that you have to prove that [you're a victim] puts you in danger. It's the very reason people don't say anything." Brenda Tatlock-Burke, 59, was killed by her husband on Oct. 18. (Tara Graham) Nova Scotia politicians passed a bill in September declaring domestic violence an epidemic in the province . The Mass Casualty Commission report said intimate partner violence played a role in the April 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia. The head of the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia said she canvassed political parties during last month's provincial election campaign to see what they would do to address intimate partner violence. Premier Tim Houston said during the campaign that government and organizations have been working to implement recommendations from the commission's report. "Domestic and gender-based violence is an issue our government takes very seriously," Houston said in a statement at the time. MORE TOP STORIES N.S. university students propose revamped colon cancer screening kits Documentary examines the life and murder of Mi'kmaw activist Violent sex offender reaches statutory release Death of second homeless man in N.S. in last two weeks leads to calls for changeWhy Samantha Bee Bailed On CNN’s ‘Have I Got News for You’On Saturday, December 7, heads of state and policymakers as well as business leaders convene in Qatar for the 22nd edition of the Doha Forum, bannered under “The Innovation Imperative” and coupled with the thematic of diplomacy, dialogue and diversity. As a professor of international politics, I do recognise that the progress of our human race in this 21st century faces unprecedented challenges that threaten the stability of societies and the integrity of the global system. Climate change, intensifying security threats, and the fragility of international order are no longer isolated issues; they are deeply interconnected, compounding one another in ways that demand innovative solutions. To address these challenges effectively, I underline that world leaders would need to foster environments conducive to bold experimentation, embrace inclusive co-operation, and create policies that strike a balance between adaptability and governance stability. The need for innovation in problem-solving Traditional mechanisms of international co-operation, rooted in post-World War II institutions, often falter in the face of contemporary challenges. The complexity of modern problems — ranging from transboundary climate impacts to cybersecurity threats — requires more agile, creative, and cross-sectoral approaches. Innovation, therefore, is not merely an option but a necessity. The desired state of innovation must transcend technological solutions. While advancements in renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology are crucial, they alone cannot address nor attempt to solve the structural and systemic challenges underpinning global issues. I believe that innovation lies in rethinking governance models, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and integrating diverse for voices and talents, especially from marginalised communities, into decision-making processes. Key innovation concepts for leaders To rise to the occasion, policymakers and business leaders should prioritise the following innovation concepts: Systemic thinking and foresight Policymakers and business leaders must embrace systems thinking to understand how challenges interconnect across sectors. For instance, climate change exacerbates migration patterns, which in turn strain geopolitical relations. By employing foresight tools including scenario planning and predictive modelling, decision-making process can anticipate cascading effects and design preemptive solutions. Inclusive and collaborative governance Solving global challenges requires input from diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, civil society, and academia. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the implementation of sustainable infrastructure, while local communities must be empowered to contribute to decisions affecting their futures. Experimental policy labs Creating spaces for policy experimentation — where new ideas can be tested at smaller scales — can reduce the risk of large-scale failures. For example, urban areas could serve as testing grounds for smart-city innovations or low-carbon transportation systems, allowing successes to scale globally. Resilience through redundancy In a world of uncertainty, policies must account for multiple contingencies. Redundancy in critical systems — such as energy grids or supply chains — enhances resilience against unforeseen disruptions, whether from natural disasters or geopolitical crises. Digital diplomacy and technology for peacebuilding As technology reshapes geopolitics, digital diplomacy tools can foster dialogue and mediate conflicts. Blockchain, for instance, could enhance transparency in aid distribution, while artificial intelligence might predict flashpoints in security and enable preemptive interventions. Building an innovation-conducive policy environment Innovative problem-solving does not emerge in a vacuum; it requires deliberate policy frameworks to thrive. Policymakers and business leaders must focus on creating environments that nurture experimentation while safeguarding governance and societal stability. The following policy streams should be prioritised: Investing in education and lifelong learning As an academic and an educator, myself, I fundamentally believe that education systems must pivot from rote learning to nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary knowledge. Skills in areas such as climate science, technology ethics, and conflict resolution are essential for equipping future leaders to address global challenges innovatively. Strengthening multilateral institutions for flexibility Existing multilateral frameworks, such as the United Nations, must evolve to become more flexible and responsive. The latter involves creating specialised task forces or regional coalitions that can address emergent crises more effectively. Establishing risk-tolerant funding mechanisms Governments and international organisations should allocate funds for high-risk, high-reward projects. Lessons from the private sector, such as venture capital models, could inspire public funding mechanisms that support bold experimentation without penalising failure. Encouraging regulatory sandboxes To balance innovation and regulation, policymakers can establish “regulatory sandboxes” in which new technologies or policy ideas are tested under relaxed regulations. For instance, renewable energy startups could operate under tailored frameworks to refine their models before scaling up. Safeguarding equity and inclusion Innovation cannot come at the expense of equity. Policymakers must prioritise distributive justice, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately burdened by experimental policies. Climate adaptation strategies, for example, must consider the needs of low-income communities on the frontlines of climate impacts. Enhancing data sharing and transparency A cornerstone of effective innovation is access to reliable data. International agreements on data-sharing protocols — particularly for climate science and public health — can accelerate collective learning and solution development. Balancing innovation and governanceA central tension in fostering innovation is the balance between encouraging experimentation and maintaining governance stability. While bold ideas are needed, they must not come at the cost of societal safety or trust in institutions. The latter requires: Ethical guidelines for innovation Establishing ethical standards ensures that innovations, particularly in emerging technologies including AI or gene editing, align with societal values and prioritise safety. Responsive governance models: Adaptive governance, where policies evolve based on real-time feedback, allows for flexibility without undermining stability. Examples include updating climate agreements to reflect advancements in carbon capture technologies. Engaging citizens: Public trust is foundational to governance stability. Governments should engage citizens in policymaking processes through participatory platforms, enhancing transparency and accountability. Related Story Amir participates in Riyadh Gulf-China Summit for Co-operation and Development Forging the path forward Global challenges will only intensify in the coming decades, but they also present opportunities for transformative progress. By prioritising systemic thinking, inclusivity, and bold experimentation, policymakers and business leaders can lay the groundwork for solutions that transcend immediate crises and address root causes. Policies that enable an innovation-conducive environment — while ensuring equity, stability, and safety — are not just desirable but essential for a sustainable future. Innovation must be reimagined not as a singular breakthrough but as a continuous, collaborative process. Through sustained investment in education, institutional reform, and inclusive policy design, the world can transition from reactive crisis management to proactive problem-solving. The stakes are high, but with urgency and co-operation, humanity has the capacity to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. The author is an Associate Professor of International Relations and Diplomacy, the co-founder and chairman, American Center for Strategic and International Affairs, and an Abshire-Inamori International Fellow. Social media platforms @khalid.aljufairi (instagram) and @khalidaljufairi (X platform)

The J.M. Smucker Co. Completes the Divestiture of Voortman® Brand to Second Nature Brands and Updates Fiscal Year 2025 Net Sales Outlook

The key to preventing spindly seedlings is adequate lightThe J.M. Smucker Co. Completes the Divestiture of Voortman® Brand to Second Nature Brands and Updates Fiscal Year 2025 Net Sales Outlook

'Dirty Dancing,' 'Beverly Hills Cop,' 'Up in Smoke' among movies entering the National Film RegistryProminent brands struggle to adapt to an e-bike industry dominated by cheap, direct-to-consumer salesHow major US stock indexes fared Monday, 12/23/2024

Better Quantum Computing Stock: IonQ vs. Quantum Computing, Inc.Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away

President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peakBy CLAIRE RUSH President-elect Donald Trump has once again suggested he wants to revert the name of North America’s tallest mountain — Alaska’s Denali — to Mount McKinley, wading into a sensitive and decades-old conflict about what the peak should be called. Related Articles National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process Former President Barack Obama changed the official name to Denali in 2015 to reflect the traditions of Alaska Natives as well as the preference of many Alaska residents. The federal government in recent years has endeavored to change place-names considered disrespectful to Native people. “Denali” is an Athabascan word meaning “the high one” or “the great one.” A prospector in 1896 dubbed the peak “Mount McKinley” after President William McKinley, who had never been to Alaska. That name was formally recognized by the U.S. government until Obama changed it over opposition from lawmakers in McKinley’s home state of Ohio. Trump suggested in 2016 that he might undo Obama’s action, but he dropped that notion after Alaska’s senators objected. He raised it again during a rally in Phoenix on Sunday. “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president,” Trump said Sunday. “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.” Once again, Trump’s suggestion drew quick opposition within Alaska. “Uh. Nope. It’s Denali,” Democratic state Sen. Scott Kawasaki posted on the social platform X Sunday night. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski , who for years pushed for legislation to change the name to Denali, conveyed a similar sentiment in a post of her own. “There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali — the Great One,” Murkowski wrote on X. Various tribes of Athabascan people have lived in the shadow of the 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) mountain for thousands of years. McKinley, a Republican native of Ohio who served as the 25th president, was assassinated early in his second term in 1901 in Buffalo, New York. Alaska and Ohio have been at odds over the name since at least the 1970s. Alaska had a standing request to change the name since 1975, when the legislature passed a resolution and then-Gov. Jay Hammond appealed to the federal government. Known for its majestic views, the mountain is dotted with glaciers and covered at the top with snow year-round, with powerful winds that make it difficult for the adventurous few who seek to climb it. Rush reported from Portland, Oregon.

After missing two games with a head injury, UConn's Alex Karaban is expected to return to the lineup when the No. 25 Huskies battle the Texas Longhorns on Sunday in Austin, Texas. Karaban was injured against Dayton in the final game of the Maui Invitational. Earlier this week, UConn head coach Danny Hurley said Karaban is feeling better, and he told reporters Saturday that Karaban "should be available" to play against the Longhorns, barring any setbacks. Karaban is averaging a team-high 15.9 points per game. Freshman Liam McNeeley helped fill the scoring void by tossing in 17 points when the Huskies (6-3) beat No. 15 Baylor 76-72 Wednesday in the Big 12-Big East Battle. UConn has won both of its games since going 0-3 in Maui. "I think part of the problem has been me," Hurley said following the Baylor win. "I've coached these guys frustrated, and I've coached them frustrated for too long. This is a team that's going to be a work in progress, and a team that's going to get better and better. And we're relying on a lot of young players and new players. "For us, I have to coach this team with more grace and more building them up and more enthusiasm and more energy. I can't coach them mad because we're not currently playing as well as the last two (UConn) teams have played. And I think, like I said yesterday, there's been some people that have helped me kind of check, whether it is my ego, or just my approach with the team." Texas (7-1) has won seven games in a row since opening the season with an 80-72 loss to Ohio State. The Longhorns are coming off a 63-57 win over host NC State on Wednesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Freshman Tre Johnson went 4 of 6 from 3-point range and scored 18 points in the win. He is averaging a team-high 20.8 points per game and is shooting 44.6 percent on 3-pointers (25 of 56). He broke a 57-57 tie with N.C State by making a 3-pointer with 1:43 to play. "Tre Johnson is a big-time player," Texas coach Rodney Terry said. "He makes big-time plays. He works really hard on his defense as well, but he's a guy that throughout the course of the year we'll play through." Arthur Kaluma had 15 rebounds -- one shy of his career high -- against NC State. Kaluma enters Sunday's game as the team's No. 1 rebounder (8.0) and No. 2 scorer (13.6). "I think my team is growing up," Terry said. "We still have a ways to go on our journey, but proud of the way they persevered (against NC State) and found a way to win in a tough environment." Kadin Shedrick is the only other Texas player scoring in double figures at 10.1 points per game. He also leads the Longhorns with 17 blocked shots. An injury prevented Shedrick from playing when UConn beat Texas 81-71 last season. "Back-to-back national champions, what else can I say?" Shedrick said of UConn. "They're really good, and they're going to be hungry coming off their rough week (at Maui). They're going to be locked in when we play them, so we've just got to make sure we're locked in and ready for them to want to throw a punch." --Field Level MediaFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Montana’s licensing board for outfitters and guides has opened 100 investigations against licensees — although the state agency overseeing that board has demanded those now under review receive an apology. The source of those investigations is a legislative audit that found 138 alleged violations in which outfitters or guides did not self-report criminal convictions while renewing their license or becoming licensed for the first time. The auditors triggered the investigations when they notified the state Board of Outfitters about the unreported violations. The audit, among other things, ultimately recommended the Board of Outfitters move away from self-reporting requirements and establish rules to conduct background checks of those seeking licensure to lower the risk level "to an acceptable level for the board." Incoming storm expected to bring high winds, snow to western Montana on Wednesday Notebook: No. 1 Montana State Bobcats will have 'hands full' against No. 4 South Dakota Coyotes Is John Dutton real? Meet the powerful rancher seemingly inspiring the 'Yellowstone' legend Eastside Highway closed near Stevensville due to accident Corvallis Schools, teachers union agree to contract for 2024-25 school year Montana State Bobcats return to FCS title game with commanding win over South Dakota Coyotes Speed limit drops to 55 mph at Bell Crossing; roundabout still in works 'I thought he was helping me': Patient endured 9 years of chemotherapy for cancer he never had Roster review: A look at Montana Grizzlies' returners as winter transfer portal winds down Postal Service plan's impact on Ravalli County still up for debate Stockman Bank to open new Stevensville location Hamilton City Council starts search for new fire chief Daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd pleads guilty to drug, theft charges Live updates: No. 1 Montana State Bobcats host No. 4 South Dakota in FCS semifinals Montana's public lands at risk: A threat to hunters and heritage | Mike Mershon An outfitter leads a pack train through the Bob Marshall Wilderness in this file photo. ELIZA WILEY, Independent Record And while the Legislative Audit Division contended its work was done properly, auditors received a sharp rebuke last week from the Montana Department of Labor, which houses the Board of Outfitters. Sarah Swanson, director at DLI, contended those licensees' due process rights were violated when legislative auditors conducted "dragnet" background checks on licensed outfitters and guides, something neither the Board of Outfitters nor the Department of Labor have the authority to do themselves. In total, the Legislative Audit Division found licensed guides or outfitters had 234 citations, 30 felonies and 114 misdemeanor convictions. The search was narrowed down only to violations that could affect licensure, including hunting and fishing regulations, recreation and crimes against a person or property. Sarah Swanson is the director of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Courtesy of the Governor's Office "The source of these complaints was a background check that no one consented to or were notified it was happening," Swanson told the Legislative Audit Committee during an Dec. 17 meeting. The state labor department oversees 29 professional licensing boards in Montana. Swanson said they all have different standards for when licensees need to report criminal convictions, but the department is now working on standardizing those requirements. The 138 cases legislative auditors reported to the licensing board included some outfitters or guides who had not renewed their licenses, Swanson said. Others were dismissed because of instances of "same name, wrong person," hence the 100 open investigations at the Board of Outfitters instead of 138, she told lawmakers. A Missouri River fishing guide launches with his clients near Wolf Creek in late May 2015. TOM KUGLIN, Independent Record Swanson urged the legislative committee to reject the audit outright and clarify in law whether the Legislative Audit Division had the authority to conduct the background checks as it did. "I believe an apology on behalf of the state of Montana is warranted to each one of these licensees as well," Swanson said. Angus McIver, who heads up the Legislative Audit Division, said his office has done this type of research in several instances in the 20 years he has worked there, and said the process was not a criminal background check, which in most cases requires consent from the subject. He said this process was a Criminal Justice Information Network "data match," which largely leaned on public conviction information. He said Swanson had misunderstood the process. He added the committee in fact does not "accept or reject" any audit recommendations. Rather, lawmakers move forward with policy decisions that are informed by the information they provide. And, McIver noted, all state agencies are required to provide information to the legislative auditor, "confidential or otherwise." Angus Maciver, legislative auditor, left, speaks to the Legislative Audit Committee in Jan. 2020 at the State Capitol. Seated on the right is former Sen. Dee Brown, R-Hungry Horse. THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record "It's an important thing that we do," he told the committee. "I'd urge you in this particular context to focus in on what the real issue is here; which is what is the appropriate balance here, the public safety risk." Board of Outfitters Chair John Way also testified at the hearing, and said the board does not oppose or advocate for being given the authority to conduct background checks of guides or outfitters who apply for licensure. "The overarching protection for the Board of Outfitters is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and that’s a lens we keep in mind with every decision we make on licensing," he told the committee, later adding, "... We feel that by the audit running background checks on licensees without consent is probably a violation of our licensees rights at this point." The entire audit, which also examined the board’s sanctions, working relationship with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Net Client Hunter Use Days, can be found on the Montana Legislative Audit Division website. Author twitter Author email

BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.Seongnam City to Participate in CES 2025, Paving the Way as a Global Innovation Hub

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka are expecting their first child. "Can't wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!" Ohtani wrote Saturday on his Instagram. Ohtani first announced his marriage in February. Mamiko Tanaka then made several public appearances with the Dodgers star before joining him for his team's World Series victory parade in November. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .A survey by the Bitkom association found that 75% of German children between the ages of 10 and 12 own a smartphone . While only 17% of German kids between the ages of 6 and 9 have a smartphone, the number increases as they age, reported Yahoo News . Over 75% of children between the ages 10 and 12 own a smartphone, as do 90% of kids 13 through 15 and 95% of teenagers 16 years and older. Despite the popularity of smartphones among the younger generations, experts recommend that children under 12 years old should not have unsupervised internet access while using smartphones. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that children under the age of 2 should not have any screen time with electronics in an effort to prevent cell phone addiction . AVG, an internet security company, found that more young kids can use technology but can't tie their shoes , a rite of passage that children learn between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. This lack of fine motor skills can be attributed to a study by the Pew Research Center, which reveals a smartphone addiction has the ability to alter the brain chemistry of young people . Too much screen time also is associated with issues involving learning development and memory , reported IBTimes. In turn, many parents provide their children with dumb phones, smartphones that cannot access the Internet. Bernhard Rohleder, who was interviewed by Yahoo News, emphasized the need for parental guidance, with a 2018 study by MIT , revealing that monitoring and reducing a child's screen time leads to better sleep, which is necessary for cognitive function. A study in JAMA Pediatrics found that limiting screen time actually boosted physical activity but only in kids . Earlier this year school officials across the country sounded the alarm on banning smartphones and tablets in the classroom, with the Los Angeles Unified School District being the most vocal. The National Institutes of Health determined that excessive smartphone use has been linked with impaired cognitive functions and mental health problems among children and teenagers.

Musk, Ramaswamy Face MAGA Uproar After Saying Tech Firms Need Foreign Workers

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. The Bucs (8-7) have won eight of the last nine meetings between the NFC South rivals, including the past three with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. It hasn’t exactly been smoothly sailing against the Panthers (4-11), though, for the three-time defending division champions. And, with at least a share of first place on the line Sunday, Bowles and his players say they are focused solely on rebounding from last week’s disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys. “We know it’s going to be a tough ballgame. It went overtime last time. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “We know what’s at stake for us. It doesn’t need to be talked about. Everybody understands that,” Bowles added. “We’ve got to clean up our own mistakes, and we’ve got to play an error-free football game.” The Bucs are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, however the Falcons (8-7) hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams. To claim a fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay needs to win remaining home games against the Panthers and New Orleans Saints while Atlanta loses at least once in the last two weeks of the regular season. If the Falcons hold on to win the South, the Bucs can earn a wild-card playoff berth if they win out and the Washington Commanders lose twice. Mayfield, who has resurrected his career since being released by Carolina two years ago, summed up the attitude in a resilient locker room. The Bucs have won four of five games following a four-game losing streak threatened their playoff hopes. “I keep saying it, this team has the mental makeup of a great team. We just have to continue to fight and find ways to win,” the quarterback said. “If we don’t take of business, we won’t be in the playoffs.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard cost his team the game four weeks ago against Tampa Bay when he fumbled on the second possession of overtime just after Carolina had reached field goal range. Mayfield responded by leading the Bucs back down the field for the winning field goal. The loss was devastating for Hubbard at the time, but he promised himself when the opportunity arose again he’d make the most of it. He did that this past Sunday, when he carried twice for 49 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in which he broke two tackles, in overtime to lift the Panthers to a 36-30 win over Arizona, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoff hunt. “I’d let it go, but it’s definitely been in the back of my head a little bit,” Hubbard said. “Like I said, when the next opportunity came, I told myself I’m going to get it back for them. To be able to have them trust me in that opportunity again, and to have it in that way is a blessing from God.” Bryce Young has shown solid progress in his decision making, particularly when the pocket begins to break down. Last week, the second-year QB ran for a career-best 68 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown. Young was benched after two games this season, but since returning to the lineup has played better, restoring some faith that perhaps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 can be the team’s quarterback of the future. “Just time in the system and time as a team for us to come together,” Young said of why he has improved. “For me, being able to get reps, and get time with everyone. It’s just all of us being able to feed off of each other, and it’s been able to allow us to turn in the right direction.” The Panthers have been abysmal against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per game on the ground over the last seven games. In the last meeting with Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, so Carolina’s defense has a good idea of what's coming Sunday. Mayfield has beaten Carolina three times since joining the Bucs in 2023. All of the meetings have been close, though, with the Panthers losing twice by three points and Tampa Bay settling for three field goals in a 9-0 regular season-ending victory that clinched its third straight NFC South championship last January. “We know them well. They know us well,” Mayfield said. AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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