lottery 4 numbers South Beach's Premier Oceanfront Hotel Hosts Art Week Experiences with Fania Records , No Vacancy, Miami Beach Exhibition, and BATISTA Fine Art MIAMI , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Situated in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is ready to elevate Miami Art Week with three dynamic cultural activations that highlight the intersection of music, art, and history. This year, the hotel is proud to host Fania Records ' 60th anniversary celebration, a captivating installation by Miami -based artist Adler Guerrier as part of the No Vacancy, Miami Beach exhibition, and a stunning façade display by BATISTA Fine Art . "We are excited to offer our guests and the community unique ways to experience Art Week 2024," said Mohan Koka , General Manager of Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. "With Fania Records bringing its vibrant musical history to life, Adler Guerrier offering a thought-provoking installation, and BATISTA Fine Art transforming our façade into a canvas, Surfcomber is the place to be for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind Art Week experience." To kick off the week's events, Kimpton Surfcomber is thrilled to showcase BATISTA Fine Art's captivating installation dedicated to the beauty of water and its importance in our future. BATISTA Fine Art: Illuminating Kimpton Surfcomber's Facade Installation On View Through Dec. 8 / Dusk to Dawn In collaboration with BATISTA Fine Art, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is proud to present a façade installation that will light up South Beach. The dynamic display by artists Frankie Batista and Aaron Alden will transform the hotel's exterior into a vibrant temporary art exhibit, offering a visually striking experience for Art Week attendees and anyone walking by. By spotlighting Miami's delicate ocean ecosystems, the installation aims to inspire awareness and action. Adding a dynamic interactive element, the exhibit features an embedded QR code, directing viewers to learn more about vital conservation programs and how they can support these efforts. The design integrates carefully positioned lighting to enhance the artwork while ensuring guest comfort, avoiding reflections into guest rooms. The artwork exemplifies the intersection of art and technology, setting the stage for a week of dynamic cultural experiences. This fusion of creative expression continues with Fania Records' 60th Anniversary Celebration hosted on property, offering an evening of music, dance, and Latin culture. Fania Celebrates 60 Years: Arte en Sonido Friday, December 6th | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM In collaboration with Fania Records, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel invites guests to experience the legacy of one of the most influential Latin music labels of all time. Fania , known for shaping salsa and Latin soul music, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a vibrant night of music, dance, and art. The evening kicks off with dynamic salsa dance classes, led by the renowned Salsa Kings, a dance school that has been teaching South Florida to salsa since 1998. Guests can enjoy live DJ sets by the talented Mario Garibaldi from Hunters of the Alps and DJ Lagrimas de Oro , each offering a unique mix of Fania's iconic rhythms and Miami's contemporary energy. Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to witness a live portrait painting of the legendary Celia Cruz by renowned artist Seek One , blending visual and performing arts in a celebration of Latin culture. Tickets are $30 and include entry, a complimentary specialty cocktail, salsa classes, live music, and a chance to win limited-edition vinyls. Discounted parking is available for all event attendees. Click here to purchase tickets. " Fania Records is proud to bring our vibrant art exhibit and 60th-anniversary salsa celebration to Miami's Art Week," said Bruce McIntosh , Vice President of Latin Catalog at Craft Recordings and Fania Records . There's no better partner or venue to honor this classic music and its cultural legacy than the iconic Kimpton Surfcomber on Miami Beach ." Following the vibrant celebration of Fania's musical legacy, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel will close out its Art Week experience with Adler Guerrier's immersive installation, part of No Vacancy, Miami Beach 2024. No Vacancy, Miami Beach 2024: Adler Guerrier's Untitled (objects, landscape, and things) Installation On View Through Dec. 12 As part of the acclaimed No Vacancy, Miami Beach 2024 exhibition, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is proud to present a site-specific installation by Adler Guerrier , a prominent Miami -based artist. Guerrier's work, Untitled (objects, landscape, and things) , explores the themes of public space, community, and the emotional resonance of shared environments through an evocative mix of images, objects, and botanical elements. Guerrier's installation will be displayed in the hotel's chic lobby, situated within a modern, open-concept nook. The work invites viewers to reflect on how we shape the spaces we inhabit and the deeper connections that bind us. Combining abstract forms with natural imagery, Guerrier's installation challenges perceptions of public and private spaces and sparks a dialogue about how these spaces influence our lives. No Vacancy, Miami Beach is a juried exhibition that transforms Miami Beach hotels into immersive art destinations, showcasing the works of 12 talented artists across various locations. Surfcomber is proud to be part of this exhibition, which runs through December 12 . The installation is open to all guests and visitors at no charge. From art-infused events to cutting-edge installations, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel offers the ultimate base for experiencing all that Miami Art Week has to offer. Whether you're marveling at BATISTA Fine Art's illuminated façade, dancing the night away in celebration of Fania's legacy or engaging with contemporary art at Guerrier's thought-provoking installation, Surfcomber combines art, music, and culture in an unforgettable way. Guests of Kimpton Surfcomber can also enjoy the hotel's inviting atmosphere, with direct access to the beach, curated DAYLIFE experiences, and recently renovated poolside cabanas. The property also boasts vibrant dining options, including The Social Club , which has recently been reimagined with a brand-new bar and an upscale South of France -inspired menu. It's the perfect spot for indulging in Miami's best brunch or enjoying an elegant dinner after a day of Art Week festivities. For more information about Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel and to book your stay during Miami Art Week, visit www.surfcomber.com . About Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel: Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Surfcomber sits on the Atlantic Ocean's edge along 200 feet of oceanfront property in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District on historic Collins Avenue. With direct beach access in this fashionable destination, the fully renovated hotel offers visitors a distinctively relaxed, yet worldly guest experience, within a "backyard bliss" design-driven environment. At Surfcomber, guests will enjoy the perfect quartet of sun, surf, sand and social. About Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants : Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, the San Francisco -born brand now operates more than 75 hotels and over 100 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up-and-coming markets globally. From inspiring design to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul, Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com . Media Contact: TURNER PR [email protected] SOURCE Kimpton Surfcomber HotelA lifelong Chiefs fan had the experience of a lifetime after getting to dance with Travis Kelce during the Tuesday, December 3, episode of Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? “Now he’s danced with Taylor Swift and me,” Allie Dees told the Owensboro Times in an interview published on Wednesday, December 4. “I popped out of the womb a Chiefs fan. Meeting Travis Kelce and dancing on stage with him was surreal.” Dees, a traveling nurse who currently lives in San Diego, took the stage in April earlier this year to compete on the Amazon Prime game show, which Kelce, 35, hosts. The Kentucky native ended up walking away with $15,000 after correctly answering the minimum five questions to take home the prize; however, the subject of geography nearly cost her the winnings. “I had to name a U.S. territory that borders Canada but doesn’t touch the mainland,” she told the outlet after the episode aired. “I panicked and guessed Washington. Looking back, it’s embarrassing because the answer was Alaska.” In addition to appearing on Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? , Dees said she also appeared in a commercial for financial technology company Chime, where she said she won $100,000. “This whole year has been a whirlwind. Between the game show and the commercial, I’ve been able to live out some incredible dreams,” she continued before reflecting on her experience with Kelce and her time on the show. “Up on stage, I just wanted to be authentic and enjoy every second,” she said. “That mindset allowed me to fully embrace the moment and have fun.” It was announced in April that Kelce would serve as host of the new game show, which premiered on Amazon Prime in October and is based on the Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? series. “I grew up loving game shows, and I’m excited to be following in the footsteps of so many TV icons by hosting my very first one with Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? ” Kelce said in a statement earlier this year. “The original show is a great success, so to be bringing a new format with everyone’s favorite celebrities to the screen, will definitely be entertaining.” A source exclusively told Us Weekly that same month why the Kansas City Chiefs tight end was the perfect pick for the show. “He’s funny and has the wits for it,” the insider dished to Us . “He’s the perfect host. It’s a great gig for him.” The show was filmed earlier this year during the Chiefs offseason. The NFL team’s 2024-2025 season kicked off in September, with Kelce’s girlfriend, Swift, 34, making an appearance at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chiefs’ home opener against the Baltimore Ravens. The Tortured Poets Department artist has since appeared at a total of six home games, with the most recent being the Chiefs’ November 29 game against the Las Vegas Raiders , which she attended with her dad, Scott Swift , and Kelce’s mom, Donna Kelce . As the Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend in the quest for their third consecutive Super Bowl title, the 14-time Grammy winner will be wrapping her years-long Eras Tour with a string of three shows in Vancouver beginning Friday, December 6. She’ll play her final show on Sunday, December 8. You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Once the Eras Tour ends, Taylor is reportedly looking forward to spending more time with Travis, whom she began dating in the summer of 2023. “Taylor and Travis are very committed and serious about their future,” a separate source exclusively told Us in September. “Taylor is ready for the next era of her life. She knows it will be special.” A third insider added, “They’ve built a lot of trust. They both knew what they signed up for and navigated it well. They’re in love and don’t care what others think.”

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More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Vancouver this winterAMMAN — A Polish archaeological team from the Jagiellonian University of Krakow studied sites in southern Jordan, one of them is Faysaliyya located in an area of low, rolling hills, which are a dominant element in the landscape. The area under investigation is located in the upper and middle parts of these valleys. River channels are 5–10 metres wide and 1–5 metres deep, said Piotr Kołodziejczyk, director of the project. "The youngest, Holocene banks are built of gravel–sand–silt material. The gravel has up to 1 metre in diameter, with an average of 0.50–0.60 metre. The modern river dynamics have caused intensive downward erosion with very intensive cutting," Kołodziejczyk said. The project director added that the archaeological site lies on Quaternary sediments of Pleistocene-Holocene date, covering Tertiary- and Cretaceous age rocks, which were observed in several locations, small outcrops in the form of rock walls [up to 20 m] and valley steps. This is the upper part of the parallel horizontal layers of the Arabian–Nubian shield. The Tertiary sediments are referred to as the Dana Conglomerate (DC – Oligocene/ Pliocene) and the Umm Rijam Chert Limestone (URC – Paleocene/Eocene). The lowermost formations visible in the outcrops are the Cretaceous rocks of Muwaqqar Chalk Marl (MCM). "The MCM formation is interbedded with numerous (at least six) chert levels. They form widely extended nodular and tabular deposits of 10–30 centimetres in thickness. Several good quality chert outcrops are located in the vicinity of the site, their good to excellent mechanical properties enabling tool production on the spot," Kołodziejczyk explained. He added that the cherts are very easily accessible in large quantities, both in primary and secondary deposits. As for the Tertiary URC and DC formations, they are observed in the river valley slopes as relics of old (Tertiary) river terraces. They were cut and severely eroded during the Quaternary and form rock walls or steps. These rocks contain several sorts of gravels (up to 60 centimetres in diameter but usually no more than 40 centimetres), sand and silt. Chert and limestone with minor admixture of sandstone (sandstone was supplied from further west, that is, the Shawbak area, which was the river headwater) are the dominant types of primary rocks. Seasonal rivers are active from October through March/April, but precipitation usually does not exceed 50 millimetres/ month. "However, as stated by numerous authors, even this low precipitation significantly affects the geomorphology. The region is frequently soaked by torrential rains, which have gained in frequency since the 1990s, but earlier episodes are known, too," Kołodziejczyk said. "Sheet floods caused by this type of rainfall have significant impact on slope morphology and on the character of sediments and soils," Kołodziejczyk elaborated, noting that the area is deprived of permanent water flow or water sources. Regarding modern agricultural activity, it is based on deep-drilled wells. Typical dry-zone Aridisols developed mostly on hill-tops and ridges. In the area of the archaeological excavations on the hill slopes, the Aridisols are primitive and poorly developed owing to the sheet floods, surface runoff and slope erosion, Kołodziejczyk said. The second factor affecting soil formation are intensive eolian processes. The area under investigation is covered with a desert pavement built mostly of chert with limestone mixed in. Intensive eolian erosion is caused by June–to–August winds of 20–30 km/h (50–80 per cent) and by February–to–June winds of 30–50 km/h, Kołodziejczyk said. Of the assemblage of over 5,000 stone artifacts from Faysaliyya, approximately 60 per cent came from the excavation and the rest was collected from the surface in various parts of the site. "The artefacts are of local raw materials, mostly chert of a brown-beige colour, but a steely grey chert of better quality is also in evidence. Many artefacts have white-grey patina and are characterised by numerous post-depositional bruises and edge damage, as well as traces of aeolian abrasion," he said. "On the whole, the Faysaliyya inventory is not very distinctive chronologically and culturally, but there are diagnostic forms attributable to different chronological horizons," Kołodziejczyk explained, adding that the oldest are Acheulian handaxes (21 pieces). Almost all were collected from the surface in the western part of the site. They are quite diverse in size, but most of them do not exceed 10 centimetres in length. Some have traces of a soft-hammer finishing of the edges, Kołodziejczyk highlighted, noting that in two cases, hand axes were used secondarily as flake cores. The exact chronology of the inventory under consideration cannot be specified, but morphological features indicate the most likely date either in Middle and Late Acheulean or exclusively Late Acheulean. Handaxes from Faysaliyya demonstrate a significant similarity to collections from other sites in south-western Jordan, such as Fjaje and Wadi Qalkha, Kołodziejczyk underscored, noting that numerous artefacts from all over the site, especially Square A4052, may be associated with the Middle Paleolithic horizon on the grounds of characteristic typological and technological features.

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada protest on the three year anniversary of the launch of the Phoenix pay system, in Ottawa, on Feb. 28, 2019. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press David Clement and Eglė Markevičiūtė are the North American Affairs Manager and the Head of Digital and Innovation Policy at the Consumer Choice Center. Shared Services Canada is currently in the process of procuring commercially available public cloud services, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), to support its operations across different aspects of the federal government. This procedure is standard for the most digitally advanced governments around the world who, like Canada, aim to centralize IT infrastructure, reduce reliance on legacy systems and incorporate the most up-to-date cloud services. The goal is to ensure easier and more secure access to government services. This is desperately important and needed in Canada, because Canada has been lagging behind most developed countries due to its decentralized administrative nature and lack of digitalization of end-to-end public services. Canada currently ranks 47th out of 193 countries in the UN’s Global E-Government Development Index , trailing most European Union countries and the United States, which ranks 19th. Good things aside about the need for action, the devil is in the details. The agency’s tender website says the estimated contract period will be 300 months, or 25 years, which is problematic. Given Ottawa’s track record on tech vendors, such as ArriveCan and the Phoenix payroll system, contracts that stretch on for more than two decades are a recipe for disaster. ArriveCan, which was originally projected to cost $80,000, quickly ballooned to an estimated $59.5-million . The bill for Phoenix, went from $300-million in 2016 to $3.5-billion and counting in just 8 years. Now imagine the prospect of these boondoggles extending on for 25 years and that is the table Ottawa is setting with contract periods of 300 months. And beyond the costs, pigeonholing cloud services for such a long time runs the risk of Ottawa consistently falling behind as certain technologies advance. Just think about how many government institutions still use a fax machine, despite the fact that the technology expired long ago. Procuring cloud services is never an easy task, as it requires substantial financial and human-resource commitments. However, most digitally advanced countries are becoming increasingly cautious about IT contractual practices and obligations in a few notable ways. First, it is best to employ a process that is flexible regarding specific vendors. The EU, for example, is working to reduce its dependency on specific vendors via the EU Data Act. Actions by local competition authorities are making sure both businesses and government agencies have a possibility to switch between vendors and avoid costly vendor lock-ins. Second, while specific financial or time-related caps for IT public procurement are generally unsustainable and impractical, government agencies around the world are careful to commit to longer-period contracts, acknowledging technology is changing quickly, as are government needs. Not putting all of one’s eggs in one basket is practical. The most digitally advanced governments in the world aim for shorter contract periods with provisions for possible extensions, allowing agencies to adjust the duration based on evolving needs and technological advancements. On top of that, in these more dynamic jurisdictions, government agencies are encouraged to regularly assess their procurement contracts to ensure alignment with their needs and technological standards, which prevents contracts from becoming outdated or unnecessarily prolonged. These are lessons Canada should learn from before potentially making decades-long commitments that are bound to run up enormous costs and fail to provide.A film set location, a big budget production, an audience bussed in - the prime minister's Plan for Change speech had all the hallmarks of big campaign moments past when Sir Keir Starmer used the event to launch his "first steps' set of promises - from cutting NHS waiting lists and setting up a new border command to tackle small boats - and his election-winning manifesto. Five months into government, on Thursday, he gathered his cabinet and crowd in Pinewood Studios to launch this six milestones for government . But if it was meant to be a box office moment, it all felt a bit flat. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player What's in a Labour government? Over the past 18 months, we've had three foundations, five missions, six first steps and now, on Thursday, six milestones, with a 42-page plan. Speak to the prime minister at the edges of these events, and he can make a compelling case for his missions and the clarity he has for government. But somehow it is getting lost in translation as the missions become the first steps, become milestones with three foundations to boot. More on Labour Missions, first steps and milestones: How Sir Keir Starmer's priorities have changed since last year Sir Keir Starmer's milestones: What are they, what's missing and how easy are they to achieve? Labour blind spot for scandal on show as Tories exploit murky Haigh affair Related Topics: Labour Sir Keir Starmer It can be hard to find a narrative in what this government is trying to do. Read more: PM vows to take on 'alliance of naysayers' Driving test bosses 'bullying examiners to be lenient' Thursday was an attempt to change that with six measurable milestones now set up so you, Whitehall and the cabinet, are all crystal clear about where they are heading. Some of them are a departure from manifesto pledges, others are not. Some of them are genuinely ambitious, others less so. The manifesto promise to have the fastest growing economy in the G7 is now an "aim" while the new milestone is to "raise living standards in every part of the United Kingdom, so working people have more money in their pockets" is a new target. The idea is to make the pledge more "human" but the PM wouldn't say how much he wanted to raise living standards - and household disposable income is already set to rise by the end of this parliament. Then on opportunity for all, in the run-up to the election the government promised to recruit 6,500 more teachers to improve teaching in state secondaries. Now the milestone they are asking to be measured on is a promise that 75% of five-year-olds are ready to learn in England when they start school against 67% today. There is a new milestone to fast-track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects. There is a milestone to put a named bobby back on the beat in every neighbourhood, while the pledge to halve violence against women and girls has not been marked up as a milestone. 'Hold the government's feet to the fire' Why are they doing it now and to what end? At its heart this is an attempt to give voters clear targets on which they can, to quote Starmer himself, "hold the government's feet to the fire". But it felt a bit like a rag bag of measures in which some past promises were pushed aside and others pumped up. The 1.5 million housing target, the pledge to return to the NHS standard of 92% of patients being seen for elective treatment in 18 weeks, the commitment to green power by 2030 are all ambitious. But things that are perhaps too risky or hard to meet have been dropped. The migration question One of the biggest omissions in the milestones was migration. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player This surprised me, not least because the prime minister had said clearly that the economy and borders were his two main priorities in government and a clear concern for voters. But instead of making it one of his milestone measures, for which the public can hold him accountable, the PM said securing borders was one of the "foundations" of his government. There is no metric on which to measure him beyond net migration coming down from record levels of 800,000 plus in the past couple of years. Perhaps he could have been more ambitious in setting a target to hit in terms of cutting legal migration or small boat crossings. Perhaps he could have committed to a deportation figure - something that Harriet Harman suggested he might have done on our episode of Electoral Dysfunction this week. But I suspect, in the end, Number 10 decided it was too risky to try to set targets. 'The tepid bath of managed decline' But with a disaffected electorate, high levels of scepticism, and a Reform party playing into that anti-politics sentiment, Starmer knows he must galvanise his government to try to deliver tangibles before the next election, and this speech will perhaps be looked back on as one aimed as much at Whitehall as it was you, the voter. He explicitly challenged the British state to deliver in this speech saying his Plan for Change was "the most ambitious plan for government in a generation" and would require a "change to the nature of governing itself" as he called on the state to become more dynamic, decisive, innovate, embracing of technology and artificial intelligence. "Make no mistake, this plan will land on desks across Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down, a demand given the urgency of our times," he told his audience as he fired a warning shot to Whitehall. "I do think there are too many people in Whitehall who are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline. Had forgotten, to paraphrase JFK, that you choose change not because it's easy, but because it's hard." 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 Starmer and his team know that without galvanising Whitehall and setting clear navigation through this mission and now measurable milestones, delivery will be hard. The plan is for stock takes on the missions and milestones in order to hold mandarins accountable. On the back of Starmer's milestones speech will come another from cabinet minister Pat McFadden on civil service reform. At the election, Starmer ran on a platform of promising change. Follow our channel and never miss an update Five months later, eyeing a sharp fall in opinion poll ratings, he is offering a concrete plan for change. For now voters seemed tuned out, with the pledges and targets being thrown at them failing to stick. I don't think Starmer or his team expect those polls to turn around any time soon. But they are adamant that if they can fulfil promises to build more homes and better infrastructure, cut NHS waiting lists, lift living standards, and give people a sense of greater security on their streets, they can turn the tide on the tsunami of cynicism they face. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Starmer might not be the best storyteller, but in the end he'll likely be judged not on the flourish or rhetoric, but on whether he can actually deliver.

CSL’s $88 Billion Empire of Blood and Iron Sees Shares FalterWood helps Avalanche beat Ovechkin-less Capitals 2-1Wales fans and players are celebrating after they made history by reaching a major women's tournament for the first time. After a level first leg in Cardiff , Wales came out on top against the Republic of Ireland in the second leg, securing their place in the 2025 Euros. Wales' record goalscorer and cap holder Jess Fishlock described the win as being the proudest moment of her life "by far". Supporters both in Dublin and on home soil have spoke of their pride for the women who are inspiring the next generation. Eight-year-old Harlow Healey was "so happy" to be at the game with her dad in Dublin among a crowd of 25,832 supporters. Speaking of the win, her father Joey said the players have "inspired the next generation of Welsh women football players." Wales fan Vikky Perkins, 51, watched the game in Cardiff and said the grit shown by the women matches the Welsh spirit. "It was impossible to breathe for the last ten minutes, Wales played with tenacity and sustained quality and it paid of," she added. "Such an incredible achievement for these individuals, a huge moment for women's football and a proud moment for our country." Ruth Billingham, 46, from Cardiff, admitted she was not really a football fan but Wales' journey has had her and her daughter gripped. "What an inspiring win! We saw Wales play Ireland in Cardiff last week and it was a great atmosphere. Tonight was the icing on the cake. Bring on the euros!" she said. Her dad, a Cardiff city and Wales supporter for 40 years, Nigel Billingham, spoke of it being a really emotional win for him. The 76-year-old said: "I've been to see both the games in Cardiff [play-off semi-final and first leg of the final] and it's tremendous the team will go to Switzerland." "A great day for Welsh football," he added. John Foster was at the game and said the VAR got his pulse going: "I had no idea what was going on with the VAR check so it was a relief to see what way it went and Cain took it so well, you didn't get much cooler than that." The 52-year-old added that the last 20 minutes were tense but they "held on brilliantly", adding that he thought "Katie McCabe was pretty lucky to stay on as but I'm an Arsenal fan so I'll allow it."

( MENAFN - The Conversation) As we enter the holiday season many young people are no doubt beginning to consider their future options. With a range of paths to pursue, a high rate of youth unemployment in Canada and a higher education sector facing unprecedented challenges it may seem logical to wonder if university is worth it. In my role as president of York University I see these issues play out every day in the lives of my students and faculty. However, I can say with certainty that, yes, university is worth it for both students and society. And while you might think that I might be biased, there is real data to back it up. Simply put, going to university enriches both students and society over the long term. We must ensure that students and universities are supported to help ensure as broad access as possible. While many students entering the market fresh out of university will make entry-level wages, the reality is that over the longer term their earning potential has more room to expand . Those with a bachelor's degree earn 24 per cent more than the national average. The more education, the higher the earning potential. Students with a university degree are more likely to have stable employment even amidst economic disruption, as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed . Graduates are also more likely to gain employment that offers a wider range of benefits. Simply put, an education increases one's chances of finding fulfilling employment and living a longer and healthier life. Read more: Colleges' career success stats don't tell the whole story about how their graduates are doing after they get their degree Beyond individual benefits, there are also key benefits to society. Canada . Further research has shown that education is central to a healthy, democratic society To quote Nelson Mandela:“education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” The world faces a host of wicked problems ranging from economic inequality to climate change, geopolitical conflict and ongoing wars. Universities and graduates play a key role in addressing these challenges. Technology is not going away and it is not slowing down. A recent study revealed that the jobs of more than 60 per cent of Canadians may be at risk to AI . Moreover, an estimated one out of 10 employees in Canada could be at a high risk of automation-related job redundancy. Canada's already volatile job market will continue to be impacted. Those with higher levels of education are the best equipped to benefit from technologies in ways that complement the work they do . Graduates are also more likely to have the transferable skills needed to withstand workforce disruption. According to the OECD , AI technologies pose less of a risk for highly-skilled workers. In fact, their jobs are less likely to be replaced by automation because they possess the critical thinking skills needed to provide oversight to tasks that use AI and automation. While these technologies are sophisticated and becoming even more so each day, they currently cannot replicate human cognitive, critical and decision-making skills. There is also compelling research that shows students with higher education are more likely to pursue continuing education to upgrade and reskill, a quality that makes students more agile in a shifting labour market. Universities have also been increasing micro-credentials , programs which help learners re-skill while they are holding employment and balancing familial obligations, to support lifelong learning and build a more resilient Canadian workforce. Read more: I got generative AI to attempt an undergraduate law exam. It struggled with complex questions If Canada is to meet the expanding needs of students and of the country then we must invest now in higher education. Access is something I worry deeply about to ensure that we are not leaving any talent behind. Data from the 2017 National Survey of Engagement indicates that 48 per cent of first- and fourth-year undergrad students at York came from households where neither parent held a bachelor's degree. What's more, York's 2020 Economic and Social Impact Report revealed that 59 per cent of students could not have attended university without financial support. Creating accessible educational opportunities for diverse learners to develop responsive skills is critical for a vibrant future workforce and for resilient communities. York and other universities in Canada have a good track record for this. At the same time, social mobility and productivity have been declining in Canada in recent years . Continuing to ensure that eligible students have access to university education including at the graduate level is imperative to address these trends. The significant numbers of Canadian students leaving the country to study medicine overseas while Canada is facing a significant gap in primary care physicians is just one example . These are troubling trends which Canadian universities are committed to addressing. Read more: Waiting for exam results can be awful. Our research shows how best to manage the stress While the commitment and innovation of universities is evident, the unfortunate truth is that universities across much of Canada have seen a steady decline in real dollar funding for years. In Ontario, recommendations from the government's blue-ribbon panel strongly advocated for the urgent increase in financial support for universities . To meet the changes in Canada's labour market, universities have developed new programs to meet the talent needs in areas such as science, technology, engineering and health . We have also worked to enhance access through flexible teaching formats and strengthened international and cross-sector research collaborations to tackle complex societal problems . Universities have also increased supports for students including activities to help them connect with careers and become more entrepreneurial and efficient . In short, universities in Canada are one of the country's most important assets. If we are to continue delivering the high-quality education for which we are known and serving the needs of the communities who rely on us, especially given fierce global competition for talent, it is essential that we secure a financially sustainable model for universities. Canada's high youth unemployment has many people anxious about how they will fare in a job market that bears a striking resemblance to the Hunger Games. Expanding employment opportunities is necessary and will require collaboration across all sectors. But the data are clear. A university education will provide our youth with a running start and the ability to adapt as they go. MENAFN23122024000199003603ID1109025350 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The National Football League is enjoying strong viewership for the 2024 season with some records set on Thanksgiving Day, news that streaming giant Netflix Inc NFLX likely welcomes as the company may be nervous after struggles with its live boxing event. What Happened: While many people will be opening presents and enjoying time with families on Christmas Day, many will also tune into Netflix for two exclusive NFL games , similar to how they celebrated on Thanksgiving. Netflix will stream its first-ever live NFL games on Christmas with two key matchups that could once again highlight the streaming giant's growth in sports. At 1 p.m. ET, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs game will stream on Netflix, followed by the 4:30 p.m. ET matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. NFL viewership has been good for the 2024 season, which could be good and bad for Netflix as the company struggled during its recent live boxing event that featured a headline match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Netflix reported that over 60 million homes tuned into the boxing event, with a peak of 65 million. That event saw hundreds of thousands of people report issues with the stream and a class action lawsuit filed against the company. The NFL recently reported the three games that aired on Thanksgiving set a new all-time record, with data dating back to 1988. The three games had 141 million viewers, a new record and an average of 34.2 million viewers per game, another record. The early game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears on CBS, a unit of Paramount Global PARA PARAA , set a record with 37.5 million viewers, the highest average for the early Thanksgiving Day game. The midday game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants on FOX, a unit of Fox Corp FOX FOXA , averaged 38.8 million viewers, making it the fourth most watched Thanksgiving Day game ever and fifth most watched regular season NFL game ever. Read Also: Netflix To Become ‘Default Choice’ For TV, Movies? Analyst Predicts More Live Sports, Price Increases Why It's Important: Thanksgiving Day games have long been highly watched given the event-driven nature of the games on a holiday with people off work and watching games together. This could be similar on Christmas, which means Netflix could be in store for high viewership for its inaugural NFL games. For comparison, Amazon.com Inc AMZN has the exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football games and is averaging 13.3 million viewers for those games this season, up 8% year-over-year. Amazon also streamed an exclusive game on Black Friday for the second straight year. The matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs averaged 13.51 million viewers, up 41% year-over-year. The high viewership, which is above Amazon's average, came with a close battle and the Chiefs surviving a last-minute push from the Raiders. The Chiefs are the most-watched NFL team this season, having some of the more popular games and the highest average across national television games. For Netflix the odds are likely stacked for and against the company to have huge viewership, the big question is if the company can handle the demand and show the games without the same troubles it had during the boxing event. The Chiefs (11-1), Steelers (9-3), Ravens (8-5) and Texans (8-5) are among the best teams in the NFL with each team ranking first or second in their division and all four teams currently in the NFL Playoffs if the season ended today. The Texans game will also feature a halftime performance from Beyoncé , adding in potential non-football fan viewership on the holiday. Add it all up and you have two games with top NFL teams, a holiday where people watch sports together, a halftime performance from a global superstar, a game with the top-watched team in the NFL and the potential of Taylor Swift to be present at the Chiefs game and you have must-see television and sports. NFLX Price Action : Netflix stock closed up 0.75% to $917.87 on Thursday after hitting new all-time highs of $927 during the intraday. Netflix stock is up 96% year-to-date in 2024. Read Next: ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Includes New Games, Contestant With A Crypto Background, Revenge Factor, Political Overtones Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global IT asset disposition (ITAD) market size is estimated to grow by USD 14.85 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.48% during the forecast period. Growing implementation of regulatory compliances regarding data security is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing strategic partnerships and acquisitions by vendors. However, low awareness of itad poses a challenge. Key market players include 3 Step IT Group Oy, Apto Solutions Inc., Blancco Technology Plc, BRP Infotech Pvt. Ltd., CompuCom Systems Inc., DataSpan Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., EOL IT Services Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Ingram Micro Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Iron Mountain Inc., LifeSpan International Inc., Ocean Enterprises LLC, Renewtech, Sims Ltd., SK Inc., TBS Industries Inc., Total IT Global, and Xeptor BV. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 11.48% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 14.85 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 10.96 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 37% Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Key companies profiled 3 Step IT Group Oy, Apto Solutions Inc., Blancco Technology Plc, BRP Infotech Pvt. Ltd., CompuCom Systems Inc., DataSpan Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., EOL IT Services Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Ingram Micro Inc., International Business Machines Corp., Iron Mountain Inc., LifeSpan International Inc., Ocean Enterprises LLC, Renewtech, Sims Ltd., SK Inc., TBS Industries Inc., Total IT Global, and Xeptor BV Market Driver The IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) market is experiencing significant trends with a focus on data security, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. NAID AAA and ISO standards ensure secure data destruction and responsible recycling. Asset recovery through data destruction, lifecycle management services, and reverse logistics are major drivers. Personally Identifying Information (PII) protection is crucial in cloud-based computing and data centers. ERI, Iron Mountain Incorporated, and Homeboy Recycling lead the ITAD industry, addressing old assets from IT & telecom segments. Regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA security rule, pose obstacles, but comprehensive ITAD programs help organizations navigate these challenges. The evolution of technologies, including cloud migration, data center consolidation, virtualization, and cloud adoption, impacts ITAD. Apple, a key player, data security. Major drivers include regulatory compliances, environmental safety, and legislation addressing e-waste. Investments in cloud-based technologies and new technologies like online auction platforms segment the ITAD market. Asset types include computers, Mobile Devices, Servers, Digital Storage Devices, Peripherals, and various services like Data Destruction, Recycling, Reverse Logistics, De-Manufacturing, and Remarketing. The Data Destruction segment dominates, with verticals like Aerospace & Defense and Energy and Power requiring specialized services. IOS 15 and other new technologies influence the market. Organizations must adapt to these trends and work processes to effectively manage IT equipment and ensure data security and environmental protection. Vendors in the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) market are expanding their global reach and enhancing their competitive positions through strategic moves such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. For instance, IBM Corp. Bought SXiQ, an Australian digital transformation services company, in November 2021 , to broaden its cloud offerings. Similarly, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Acquired Ampool in July 2021 , to boost its hybrid analytics capabilities. In August 2020 , CompuCom Systems Inc. Teamed up with Office Depot to offer IT hardware and services to small and mid-sized businesses in the US, supporting their remote workplaces. These deals demonstrate the industry's ongoing consolidation and collaboration trends. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This it asset disposition (itad) market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Large organizations- Large organizations face the challenge of managing complex IT infrastructures with a high volume of diverse equipment and significant amounts of sensitive data. With frequent technology upgrades and refresh cycles, a substantial number of IT assets are retired regularly. Securely disposing of these assets is essential to prevent data breaches and adhere to strict data privacy regulations. IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services provide a scalable solution for managing the efficient disposal of large volumes of equipment. Outsourcing ITAD services to specialized providers ensures a streamlined and secure process, driving demand for these services among large enterprises. This demand is expected to positively impact the growth of the global ITAD market during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) market is a critical segment of the tech industry, focusing on the proper disposal and recycling of end-of-life IT equipment. ITAD services include asset recovery, data destruction, and lifecycle management. ISO standards ensure adherence to strict guidelines for data security and environmental protection. With the rise of cloud-based computing, data centers are downsizing, leading to an influx of old assets. Personally Identifying Information (PII) must be securely erased to comply with regulations like HIPAA. ERI, Netflix, and Amazon are among the companies leveraging ITAD services. Consolidation and BYOD trends drive the need for comprehensive ITAD programs. Energy-efficient products and IT lifecycle solutions are essential as technologies evolve. Obstacles include regulatory requirements and data security concerns. Las Vegas facility tours showcase best practices. The industry continues to adapt to cloud migration and the evolution of technologies. Market Research Overview The IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) market is a critical segment of the tech industry, focusing on the proper disposal and repurposing of IT equipment and technologies. ITAD services include asset recovery, data destruction, lifecycle management, and regulatory compliance. With the evolution of technologies such as cloud-based computing, data centers, and virtualization, the ITAD market is experiencing significant growth. Data security and environmental protection are major drivers in the ITAD industry, with NAID AAA and ISO standards ensuring the secure and responsible handling of Personally Identifying Information (PII) and other sensitive data. Regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA security rules, also play a role in the market. Obstacles to the ITAD market include consolidation in the industry, cloud migration, and data center decommissioning. However, new technologies, such as cloud-based ITAD solutions and online auction platforms, are helping to address these challenges. The ITAD market is segmented by asset type, including computers, mobile devices, servers, digital storage devices, peripherals, and services like data destruction, recycling, reverse logistics, de-manufacturing, and remarketing. Major industries served include Aerospace & Defense, Energy and Power, and the IT & telecom segment. Major players in the ITAD market include ERI, Iron Mountain Incorporated, and Homeboy Recycling, among others. The market is also impacted by legislation, such as e-waste regulations, and investments in new technologies, such as cloud-based ITAD solutions and new data destruction methods. Apple's recent announcement of iOS 15 includes new features for data security and privacy, further emphasizing the importance of ITAD services in the tech industry. Overall, the ITAD market is expected to continue growing as organizations seek to manage their IT equipment and data securely and responsibly. Table of Contents: 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 About Technavio 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. Contacts 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/it-asset-disposition-market-to-grow-by-usd-14-85-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-stricter-data-security-regulations-with-ai-driving-market-transformation---technavio-302322463.html SOURCE Technavio

First Lieutenant Al-Attiyah Wins Silver As World Military Equestrian Championship Kicks OffIsraeli drone strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital on Tuesday, wounding three medical staff at one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza , the facility’s director said. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said the drones were dropping bombs, spraying shrapnel at the hospital. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. In Lebanon, a tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has held despite Israeli forces carrying out several new drone and artillery strikes on Tuesday, killing a shepherd in the country's south. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed keep striking “with an iron fist” against perceived Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire. Hezbollah began launching rockets, drones and missiles into Israel last year in solidarity with Hamas militants who are fighting in the Gaza Strip. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,500 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war in Gaza has destroyed vast areas of the coastal enclave and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times . Here's the Latest: WASHINGTON — U.S. forces conducted a self-defense strike Tuesday in the vicinity of Mission Support Site Euphrates, a U.S. base in eastern Syria, against three truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers, a T-64 tank and mortars that Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said presented “a clear and imminent threat” to U.S. troops. The self-defense strike occurred after rockets and mortars were fired that landed in the vicinity of the base, Ryder said. The Pentagon is still assessing who was responsible for the attacks — that there are both Iranian-backed militias and Syrian military forces that operate in the area. Ryder said the attack was not connected to the offensive that is ongoing in Aleppo, where Syrian jihadi-led rebels taken over the country’s largest city. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. CAIRO — Israeli drone strikes hit the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on Tuesday, wounding three medical personnel, the facility’s director said. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said the drones were dropping bombs, spraying shrapnel at the hospital, located in the town of Beit Lahiya. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. In comments released by Gaza’s Health Ministry, Abu Safiya said one of the injured was in critical condition and was undergoing a complex surgery. “The situation has become extremely dangerous,” he said. “We are exhausted by the ongoing violence and atrocities.” Kamal Adwan Hospital has been struck multiple times over the past two months as Israeli forces have waged a fierce offensive in the area, saying they are rooting out Hamas militants who regrouped there. In October, Israeli forces raided the hospital, saying that militants were sheltering inside and arrested a number of people, including some staff. Hospital officials denied the claim. Abu Safiya was wounded in his thigh and back by an Israeli drone strike on the hospital last month. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli court has ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take the stand next week in his long-running corruption trial, ending a long series of delays. Netanyahu’s lawyers had filed multiple requests to put off the testimony, arguing first that the war in Gaza prevented him from properly preparing for his testimony, and later that his security could not be guaranteed in the court chamber. In Tuesday’s decision, judges in the Jerusalem district court said that following a security assessment, his testimony will be moved to the Tel Aviv district court. Israeli media said the session would take place in an underground chamber. His testimony in the trial, which began in 2020, is expected to begin on Dec. 10 and to last at least several weeks. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate scandals involving powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies wrongdoing. NABATIYEH, Lebanon — In destroyed areas of southern Lebanon, residents clearing away rubble on Tuesday said they didn’t trust Israel to abide by the week-old ceasefire with Hezbollah. “The Israelis are breaching the ceasefire whenever they can because they are not committed,” said Hussein Badreddin, a vegetable seller in the southern city of Nabatiyeh, which was pummeled by Israeli airstrikes over several weeks. “This means that they (can) breach any resolution at any time.” Since it began last Wednesday, the U.S.- and French-brokered 60-day ceasefire has been rattled by near daily Israeli strikes, although Israel has been vague about the purported Hezbollah violations that prompted them. Imad Yassin, a trader who owns a clothing shop in Nabatiyeh, said Israel was constantly breaching the ceasefire because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to continue the displacement of residents of southern Lebanon. “The Israeli enemy was defeated and the truth is that he is trying to get revenge. Netanyahu is trying to displace us as citizens of southern Lebanon,” Yassin said. They spoke as bulldozers cleared streets strewn with rubble and debris from destroyed buildings. Electricians worked to fix power lines in an effort to restore electricity to the city. Both men were displaced by the war and returned to Nabatiyeh on Wednesday, the day the ceasefire went into effect. Yassin found his clothing shop had been destroyed. He said he would wait to see if the state will dispense compensation funds so that he can repair and reopen his business. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Two separate Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine people in Gaza City on Tuesday, Palestinian medical authorities said. Six people, including two children, who were killed when an Israeli strike hit a school sheltering displaced people Tuesday afternoon in the Zaytoun neighborhood, according to the Health Ministry’s emergency services. A second strike hit a residential building in the Sabra neighborhood, killing at least three people, the services said. Israeli forces have almost completely isolated northernmost Gaza since early October, saying they’re fighting regrouped Hamas militants there. That has pushed some families south to Gaza City, while hundreds of thousands more live in the territory's center and south in squalid tent camps, where they rely on international aid. JERUSALEM — Israel's military confirmed it killed a senior member of Hezbollah responsible for coordinating with Syria's army on rearming and resupplying the Lebanese militant group. Syrian state media said a drone strike on Tuesday hit a car in a suburb of the capital Damascus, killing one person, without saying who was killed. Israel's military said he was Salman Nemer Jomaa, describing him as “Hezbollah’s representative to the Syrian military,” and that killing him “degrades both Hezbollah’s presence in Syria and Hezbollah’s ongoing force-building efforts.” Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years. Israel rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, but it has said that it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups. Iran supports both Hezbollah and the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad, which is currently fighting to push back jihadi-led insurgents who seized the country’s largest city of Aleppo . TUBAS, West Bank — Israeli soldiers opened fire inside a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday during a raid to seize the bodies of alleged militants targeted in earlier airstrikes, a Palestinian doctor working at the hospital told The Associated Press. Soldiers entered the Turkish Hospital complex in Tubas after the bodies of two Palestinians killed and one wounded in airstrikes in the northern West Bank on Tuesday were brought there, said Dr. Mahmoud Ghanam, who works in the hospital’s emergency department. The troops briefly handcuffed and arrested Ghanam and another doctor. “The army entered in a brutal way, and they were shooting inside the emergency department,” said Ghanam. “They handcuffed us and took me and my colleague.” The military confirmed that its troops were operating around the hospital searching for those targeted in the airstrikes, which they said had hit a militant cell near the Palestinian town of Al-Aqaba in the Jordan Valley. It denied that troops had entered the hospital building or fired gunshots inside. The soldiers left after learning that the wounded man had been transferred to another hospital, Ghanam said. The soldiers wanted to take the bodies of the two men killed in the strike, but the hospital’s manager refused to hand over the bodies, Ghanam said. Israeli raids on hospitals in the West Bank are rare but have grown more common since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. In Gaza, Israeli troops have systematically besieged, raided and damaged many hospitals. About 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza ignited the war there. Israel has carried out near-daily military raids in the West Bank that it says are aimed at preventing attacks on Israelis — attacks which have also been on the rise. Israel captured the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek all three territories for an independent state. CAIRO — Palestinian officials say Fatah and Hamas are closing in on an agreement to appoint a committee of politically independent technocrats to administer the Gaza Strip after the war . It would effectively end Hamas’ rule and could help advance ceasefire talks with Israel. The rival factions have made several failed attempts to reconcile since Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007. Israel has meanwhile ruled out any postwar role in Gaza for either Hamas or Fatah, which dominates the Western-backed Palestinian Authority . A Palestinian Authority official on Tuesday confirmed that a preliminary agreement had been reached following weeks of negotiations in Cairo. The official said the committee would have 12-15 members, most of them from Gaza. It would report to the Palestinian Authority, which is headquartered in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and work with local and international parties to facilitate humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. A Hamas official said that Hamas and Fatah had agreed on the general terms but were still negotiating over some details and the individuals who would serve on the committee. The official said an agreement would be announced after a meeting of all Palestinian factions in Cairo, without providing a timeline. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media on the talks. There was no immediate comment from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is dismantled and scores of hostages are returned. He says Israel will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza , with civilian affairs administered by local Palestinians unaffiliated with the Palestinian Authority or Hamas. No Palestinians have publicly volunteered for such a role, and Hamas has threatened anyone who cooperates with the Israeli military. The United States has called for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern both the West Bank and Gaza ahead of eventual statehood. The Israeli government is opposed to Palestinian statehood. Associated Press writers Samy Magdy in Cairo and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed. NUSEIRAT REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip — Palestinians lined up for bags of flour distributed by the U.N. in central Gaza on Tuesday morning, some of them for the first time in months amid a drop in food aid entering the territory. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, gave out one 25-kilogram flour bag (55 pounds) to each family of 10 at a warehouse in the Nuseirat refugee camp, as well as further south in the city of Khan Younis. Jalal al-Shaer, among the dozens receiving flour at the Nuseirat warehouse, said the bag would last his family of 12 for only two or three days. “The situation for us is very difficult,” said another man in line, Hammad Moawad. “There is no flour, there is no food, prices are high ... We eat bread crumbs.” He said his family hadn’t received a flour allotment in five or six months. COGAT, the Israeli army body in charge of humanitarian affairs, said it facilitated entry of a shipment of 600 tons of flour on Sunday for the World Food Program. Still, the amount of aid Israel has allowed into Gaza since the beginning of October has been at nearly the lowest levels of the 15-month-old war. UNRWA’s senior emergency officer Louise Wateridge told The Associated Press that the flour bags being distributed Tuesday were not enough. “People are getting one bag of flour between an entire family and there is no certainty when they’ll receive the next food,” she said. Wateridge added that UNRWA has been struggling like other humanitarian agencies to provide much needed supplies across the Gaza Strip. The agency this week announced it was stopping delivering aid entering through the main crossing from Israel, Kerem Shalom, because its convoys were being robbed by gangs. UNRWA has blamed Israel in large part for the spread of lawlessness in Gaza. The International Criminal Court is seeking to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over accusations of using “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel rejects the allegations and says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war isn't over against Hezbollah and vowed to use "an iron fist" against the Lebanese militant group for any perceived violations of a week-old ceasefire. “At the moment we are in a ceasefire, I note — a ceasefire, not the end of the war," Netanyahu said at the start of the government meeting Tuesday. He said the military would retaliate for “any violation — minor or major.” Netanyahu also thanked U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his recent demands for Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. Trump posted on social media Monday that if the hostages are not freed before he takes office in January there would be “HELL TO PAY.” Netanyahu convened Tuesday's meeting in northern Israel, where around 45,000 Israelis had been displaced by the war as of last week, according to the prime minister’s office. Netanyahu said the government was focused on getting them back in their homes and rehabilitating the area. BERLIN — German authorities have arrested a Lebanese man accused of being a member of Hezbollah and working for groups controlled by the militant organization in Germany. Federal prosecutors said the suspect, identified only as Fadel R. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in the Hannover region on Tuesday. The man is suspected of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and is not accused of direct involvement in any violence. Prosecutors said he joined Hezbollah in the summer of 2008 or earlier and took part in leadership training courses in Lebanon. From 2009, he allegedly had leadership duties in two groups controlled by Hezbollah in the Hannover area, organizing appearances by preachers close to the militants. According to prosecutors, he was briefly a correspondent for a Hezbollah media outlet in 2017 and was tasked with coordinating building work at a mosque. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel. It is also home to a Lebanese immigrant community of more than 100,000. BEIRUT — The Lebanese army is looking for more recruits as it beefs up its presence in southern Lebanon after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. Lebanon’s army is a respected national institution that kept to the sidelines during the nearly 14-month conflict. During an initial 60-day truce, thousands of Lebanese troops are supposed to deploy in southern Lebanon, where U.N. peacekeepers also have a presence. Hezbollah militants are to pull back from areas near the border as Israel withdraws its ground forces. The army said those interested in joining up have a one-month period to apply, starting Tuesday. The Lebanese army has about 80,000 troops, with around 5,000 of them deployed in the south. DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria’s state news agency says a drone strike hit a car in a suburb of the capital, Damascus, killing one person. The agency did not give further details or say who was killed. It said the attack occurred Tuesday on the road leading to the Damascus International Airport south of the city. The area is known to be home to members of Iran-backed militant groups. Israel is believed to have carried out a number of strikes in the area in recent months as it has battled Iran-backed Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Israeli officials rarely acknowledge such strikes. JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister warned that if the shaky ceasefire with Hezbollah collapses, Israel will widen its strikes and target the Lebanese state itself. He spoke the day after Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes that killed nearly a dozen people. Those strikes came after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were previous Israeli violations. Speaking to troops on the northern border Tuesday, Defense Minister Israel Katz said any violations of the agreement would be met with “a maximum response and zero tolerance.” He said if the war resumes, Israel will widen its strikes beyond the areas where Hezbollah’s activities are concentrated, and “there will no longer be an exemption for the state of Lebanon.” During the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which came to an end last week with a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France, Israel largely refrained from striking critical infrastructure or the Lebanese armed forces, who kept to the sidelines . When Israeli strikes killed or wounded Lebanese soldiers, the Israeli military said it was accidental . The ceasefire agreement that took effect last week gives 60 days for Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon and for Hezbollah militants to relocate north of the Litani River. The buffer zone is to be patrolled by Lebanese armed forces and U.N. peacekeepers. Israel has carried out multiple strikes in recent days in response to what it says are violations by Hezbollah. Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon’s airspace. Berri, a Hezbollah ally, had helped mediate the ceasefire. JERUSALEM — Palestinian officials say an Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank has killed two Palestinians. Israel’s military said it struck a militant cell near the town of Al-Aqaba, in the Jordan Valley. It did not immediately give more details. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the two deaths and said a third person was moderately wounded. About 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza ignited the war there. Israel has carried out near-daily military raids in the West Bank that it says are aimed at preventing attacks on Israelis, which have also been on the rise. Israel captured the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for an independent state. BEIRUT — Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon made his first public appearance in Beirut since he was wounded in an attack involving exploding pagers in mid-September. Mojtaba Amani, who returned to Lebanon over the weekend after undergoing treatment in Iran, visited on Tuesday the scene south of Beirut where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sept. 27. Speaking about the airstrike that destroyed six buildings and killed Nasrallah and others, Amani said Israel should get for its act “the highest medal for sabotage, terrorism, blood and killing civilians.” Amani suffered serious injuries in his face and hands when a pager he was holding exploded in mid-September. The device was one of about 3,000 pagers that exploded simultaneously, killing and wounding many Hezbollah members. A day after the pager attack, a similar attack struck walkie-talkies. In total, the explosions killed at least 37 people and wounded more than 3,000, many of them civilians. Last month, a spokesperson for the office of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pager attack was approved by Netanyahu.

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It may suit the political viewpoint of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Samaj, ideological parent of the ruling BJP, to keep igniting the debate over population in India, as its chief Mohan Bhagwat did in saying most recently that a society would perish if its population growth rate fell below 2.1 and that the total fertility rate (TFR) needs to be at least three, towards which he recommends parents to have at least three children. What the RSS chief did not bring up, wisely enough, this time is the comparative growth rate of communities as designated by religion because that could only add an incendiary element at a time when the debate is already loaded with differing views on India’s population growth and desired controls over population that have yielded positive results over the last few decades. As the world’s most populous country, India, with a population now exceeding 144 crore, is already weighed down with numbers that defeat the demographic dividend often spoken of when referring to the young average age of the country’s people. Even at the current growth rate, India is projected to have a population of 150 crore by 2030 and 166 crore by 2050. To put such a dividend from greater human capital to good use, there would have to be opportunities for productive employment, which can come only with higher education standards, skilling and training, of course, provided that economic growth can be sustained to provide for a population growing even at the lower TFR. The focus should not so much be on population control, which is not a problem now, as about raising the standard of living and quality of life of a country with so many people. Only a far higher economic growth than the currently projected 7 per cent can even attempt to provide improved standards of living for all. The challenge of providing for people in sheer terms of total number in one country can easily be guessed at when we see the figures in perspective. It is not only the RSS that is viewing the TFR of 2.1 in a different light as the chief ministers of southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have also been advocating larger families as they feel the south, having followed the family planning concepts better for decades, will suffer when and if the parliamentary seats for each state are recast proportionate to their population in this decade. How wrong all of them can be is best reflected when considering how difficult it is already for governments to provide basic education to children, job opportunities for the working age population and healthcare for all, most of all for the ageing population. Very soon India will have the largest working population in the world, and it will continue to be a problem that only about a quarter of the women are employed. The task is about improving the lives of those living now and those who are to be expected to join them soon at the existing rate of TFR. How to achieve that for all Indians when educational attainments are not up to the mark and the workforce lacks basic skills and the country's employment rates are still one of the lowest. While arguing about TFR and the perceived political need for larger families, sight should not be lost of the fact that 81.35 crore people are being given free foodgrains in 2024 and India ranks 101 out of 116 nations on the Global Hunger Index despite a vast PDS system. Politicians must think before speaking to people on the need for larger families. They may believe it is good politics, but it is very poor economics when it comes to providing for the country’s people.Terns Pharmaceuticals Reports Inducement Grant to New Employee Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(C)(4)