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News anchor Kendis Gibson is claiming the toxic workplace culture during his time at ABC News played a role in his 2018 suicide attempt. Gibson, 52, opens up about his experience at ABC News in his book Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing and Saving a Life , which will hit shelves on Tuesday December 3. According to an early excerpt from Page Six , Gibson’s time at the network in 2014 started off pleasant as he received “heartwarming reception” from the Good Morning America crew. He gushed over his “official” announcement from Robin Roberts when she dubbed him as “the newest member of the Good Morning America ” live on air. While Gibson noted that Roberts, 64, “couldn’t have been nicer and more genuine on and off camera,” some of his other coworkers warned him of the Disney-owned network’s toxic environment. Gibson claimed that an unnamed Black correspondent welcomed him “to Mickey’s plantation,” seemingly referring to the brand’s notable character, Mickey Mouse. “The sense I got from them was that it was in reference to veiled racism,” Gibson told Page Six in an interview published on Monday, November 25. “And there was some truth to what was behind it.” Gibson shared that throughout his tenure at the network, he worked with “19” different coanchors. As Gibson tried to “perform at the top of the game,” he felt unheard by the executives. He alleged he was spoken down to and recalled a moment he was scolded for dressing like he was “attending a rap concert” by wearing jeans. “I was so naïve ... I had rose-colored glasses on,” he claimed to the outlet. “I didn’t think there was racism taking place. I didn’t see all the indications.“ Gibson shared that he pitched stories for GMA involving Lewis Hamilton , Maluma and an interview with Ricky Martin but they were allegedly passed on. The journalist added that while he was popular with overnight viewers, the real respect came from the prestigious GMA . “If you’re not on GMA , you’re not earning your keep. [It feels like] there’s something wrong with you,” he claimed. “It was screwing with my psyche.” While Gibson confessed that he was struggling with “underlying depression” before joining ABC News, the environment made things worse for him. After working for the network for four years, Gibson reached his lowest point. After returning home from an overnight newscast shift, Gibson took two Ambien while having two glasses of Chardonnay and cried himself to sleep. Gibson later woke up in the middle of the night with thoughts of suicide. He texted his former partner goodbye and was going to jump out his kitchen window. However, the medication and alcohol sent him backward on the floor. Gibson woke up to see his friend and meteorologist, Mike Woods , who remained by his side. Woods ended up staging an intervention for Gibson. Following his suicide attempt, Gibson returned to work. He also sought out therapy and was prescribed antidepressants. “I didn’t like therapy. I had a love-hate relationship with SSRIs,” he reflected. “It allowed me to function a little bit, but it felt more like it was suppressing, and didn’t treat it.” When Gibson’s contract with ABC was up, the network offered him a one-year extension with a $10,000 raise. However, Gibson ended up turning down the offer as he “didn’t think it was worth my time and health to sacrifice another year working that difficult schedule.” 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 Following his time at ABC, Gibson moved on to NBC News. Currently he is an anchor at New York’s local station PIX11 News. ABC News declined to comment. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .None
Islamabad's local governance system is likely to undergo a structural overhaul as relevant authorities plan to increase the number of wards in each union council from six to nine. According to sources, the move is expected to necessitate fresh delimitation of constituencies, potentially delaying the city's local government elections. Currently, Islamabad comprises 125 union councils, each consisting of six wards, amounting to a total of 750 wards across the federal capital. Sources said the proposed increase in wards will raise the total number to 1,125, expanding the number of general, labour, and women councillors. The decision is being reviewed, with planning already in advanced stages. If implemented, it will significantly alter the local administrative framework and representation dynamics. However, the necessary reorganisation and delimitation may postpone the upcoming municipal elections. The final decision is expected in January 2025, with the working process already underway. Officials have confirmed that planning for increasing ward block codes within union councils has been completed. While the expansion aims to enhance representation and administrative efficiency, it may also complicate the election schedule and logistical planning for local governance. Observers are awaiting further clarity on how this change will impact Islamabad's political and administrative landscape. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourThis Week in Web3: A Crypto-Friendly SEC, Stablecoins, and Payments
Yes Nigel Farage can become Prime Minister – but it will take him two or even three elections to get thereNEW YORK — Stocks closed higher on Wall Street as the market posted its fifth straight gain Nov. 22 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average notched another record high. The S&P 500 rose 0.3 percent Friday. The benchmark index's 1.7 percent gain since Monday erased most of its loss from last week. The blue-chip Dow rose 1 percent as it nudged past its most recent high set last week, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.2 percent. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's presidential victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. It's now within about 0.5 percent of its all-time high set last week. "Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks," said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 12.8 percent after handily beating third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount merchandiser Ross Stores rose 2.2 percent after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.8 percent after the sale of its Dish Network subscription TV business was called off. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8 percent. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 gained ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.2 percent. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.7 percent after it gave investors a disappointing quarterly earnings forecast. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.7 percent following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action lawsuit filed by investors to proceed against the company. The complaint stemmed from a 2018 privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, bitcoin hovered around $99,000, a day after breaking through that price point, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Rival chain Target, though, reported weaker earnings than expected and its outlook disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to an index developed by the University of Michigan. The survey also showed that inflation expectations among shoppers for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6 percent, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. It is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last reading before the central bank's next policy meeting in December.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed “special” Mohamed Salah after seeing him fire the Premier League leaders to the brink of victory at Newcastle. The Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/tMXidgeA0P — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2024 “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”Got a new phone for Christmas? Casetify's holiday sale cuts price of iPhone and Samsung cases
Excitement is building as the Lebanese Muslim Association prepares to host the first ever “Australian Muslim Community Golf Tournament” on Saturday 14 December, at the Brighton Lakes Golf Course at Moorebank in south west Sydney. With less than two weeks to go, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, showing a keen interest in this ground-breaking event – organised by the LMA’s charity arm, Feed The World. Registrations for the tournament have seen a remarkable response, and only limited vacancies remain for players eager to participate. Male golfers aged 18 and above can still sign up for the Ambrose format tournament, either in teams of four for $400 or individually for $100, with the golf committee handling team placements. Entry fees include green fees and a golf cart, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. The ‘Shotgun start’ will be at 1:30 pm, preceded by Dhuhur Prayer which will take place near the clubhouse at 1:00 pm. Brighton Lakes Golf Club board, management and staff have been extremely accommodating with regard to the Muslim community’s requirements and the course will be closed to club members and all other members of the public for the duration of this event. LMA spokesman Gamel Kheir is both “excited and optimistic” about the tournament’s potential success and is looking forward to a memorable day filled with camaraderie, competition and community spirit. LMA Secretary and spokesman Hajj Gamel Kheir. “We’re thrilled by the overall enthusiasm of the community towards the event,” Mr Kheir told AMUST. “It’s all shaping up to be an unforgettable day and night, from the history-making tournament to the gala dinner that promises to be a highlight in itself.” The gala dinner will be held at Brighton Lakes’ award-winning function centre, The Lakehouse. All are welcome – men and women, golfers and non-golfers alike – and the gala dinner is set to be the perfect capstone to an incredible day. The $100 per head ticketed dinner will feature a superb Middle Eastern halal menu. A charity auction – compered by the inimitable Hussin Goss – will offer guests the chance to support Feed The World further, with exciting items up for bid. All eyes on the prize....Brighton Lakes Golf Course has pristine greens which complement the challenging layout of the rest of the course. An awards ceremony will honour the day’s best golfers, and this will be another highlight of the dinner. For those who wish to attend the gala dinner alone, tickets are still available. The tournament and dinner will not only offer a unique opportunity for players and guests to enjoy a memorable day of sport and celebration but will also contribute to a meaningful cause. The LMA is delighted to have AMUST on board as the media partner of this very prestigious event, following hot on the heels of this newspaper’s similar support of the recent National Mosque Open Day at Lakemba Mosque. The LMA and Feed The World extend their heartfelt gratitude to the host of generous sponsors who have already committed to supporting the event, helping make this vision a reality: Gold Sponsors THE BACK SPECIALIST TRADIES ONLY PL MACQUARIE ACCOUNTANTS MCCA SHREDRIGHT PL OBA MOSQUE, CABRAMATTA YOUNG MOSQUE LMA & FEED THE WORLD PROVEN CONSULTING STARCHEM PHARMACY LAKEMBA OPEN PATH CARE SERVICES KHEIR LAWYERS FETTAYLEH SMALLGOODS OZY HOMES PURPLE PARROT CONDELL PARK SMASH REPAIRS SALAAM (SPONSORSHIP TWO HOLES) GREEN FLOW PEST MANAGEMENT Silver Sponsors The Tax Factor El Khair Florist Paragon Realty Bronze Sponsors GPS Guardian Property Specialists Giant Leap Services As a member of the LMA’s golf working committee, avid golfer Ali Bassal is one of the driving forces behind the upcoming Tournament. Mr Bassal is also a Gold sponsor of the event, being the director of Green Flow Pest Management. The above list is up to date as at the time of publication, however, the organisers also invite any additional sponsors and individual donors who would like to support the initiative to please do so, as all contributions (which are tax deductible) are welcome and will go toward helping those in need. The tournament itself promises an exceptional golfing experience at the picturesque Brighton Lakes Golf Course, known for its pristine greens and challenging layout. Participants will enjoy not only the physical challenge of the sport but also its mental rewards, embracing qualities such as patience, discipline, and concentration – values aligned with the spiritual and personal growth central to the Muslim community. With limited spots available, the LMA encourages all interested players and community members to act quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic day – whether as a golfer and/or a guest at the gala dinner – and contribute to Feed The World’s invaluable work. Well known comedian Tahir Bilgiç has put considerable support behind the event. Tahir and a number of his friends will compete in the tournament while the famous Turkish Australian comic will also perform during the gala dinner in the evening. Adding to the excitement of both the day and night, popular Turkish Australian comedian Tahir B ilgiç will not only take to the green as a participant in the golf tournament, but will also entertain guests with special routine at the gala dinner. “Tahir has been a massive supporter of the Golf Tournament since he learned about the initiative and we really appreciate all he is doing to help us make this event a truly memorable one,” Gamel Kheir said.None
In her new book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” the author and academic says you too can flee the toxic grind culture. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.CHICAGO — With a wave of her bangled brown fingertips to the melody of flutes and chimes, artist, theologian and academic Tricia Hersey enchanted a crowd into a dreamlike state of rest at Semicolon Books on North Michigan Avenue. “The systems can’t have you,” Hersey said into the microphone, reading mantras while leading the crowd in a group daydreaming exercise on a recent Tuesday night. The South Side native tackles many of society’s ills — racism, patriarchy, aggressive capitalism and ableism — through an undervalued yet impactful action: rest. Hersey, the founder of a movement called the Nap Ministry, dubs herself the Nap Bishop and spreads her message to over half a million followers on her Instagram account, . Her first book, “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,” became a New York Times bestseller in 2022, but Hersey has been talking about rest for nearly a decade. Hersey, who has degrees in public health and divinity, originated the “rest as resistance” and “rest as reparations” frameworks after experimenting with rest as an exhausted graduate student in seminary. Once she started napping, she felt happier and her grades improved. But she also felt more connected to her ancestors; her work was informed by the cultural trauma of slavery that she was studying as an archivist. Hersey described the transformation as “life-changing.” The Nap Ministry began as performance art in 2017, with a small installation where 40 people joined Hersey in a collective nap. Since then, her message has morphed into multiple mediums and forms. Hersey, who now lives in Atlanta, has hosted over 100 collective naps, given lectures and facilitated meditations across the country. She’s even led a rest ritual in the , and encourages her followers to dial in at her “Rest Hotline.” At Semicolon, some of those followers and newcomers came out to see Hersey in discussion with journalist Natalie Moore on Hersey’s latest book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” released this month, and to learn what it means to take a moment to rest in community. Moore recalled a time when she was trying to get ahead of chores on a weeknight. “I was like, ‘If I do this, then I’ll have less to do tomorrow.’ But then I was really tired,” Moore said. “I thought, ‘What would my Nap Bishop say? She would say go lay down.’ Tricia is in my head a lot.” At the event, Al Kelly, 33, of Rogers Park, said some of those seated in the crowd of mostly Black women woke up in tears — possibly because, for the first time, someone permitted them to rest. “It was so emotional and allowed me to think creatively about things that I want to work on and achieve,” Kelly said. Shortly after the program, Juliette Viassy, 33, a program manager who lives in the South Loop and is new to Hersey’s work, said this was her first time meditating after never being able to do it on her own. Therapist Lyndsei Howze, 33, of Printers Row, who was also seated at the book talk, said she recommends Hersey’s work “to everybody who will listen” — from her clients to her own friends. “A lot of mental health conditions come from lack of rest,” she said. “They come from exhaustion.” Before discovering Hersey’s work this spring, Howze said she and her friends sporadically napped together in one friend’s apartment after an exhausting workweek. “It felt so good just to rest in community,” she said. On Hersey’s book tour, she is leading exercises like this across the country. “I think we need to collectively do this,” Hersey explained. “We need to learn again how to daydream because we’ve been told not to do it. I don’t think most people even have a daydreaming practice.” Daydreaming, Hersey said, allows people to imagine a new world. Hersey tells her followers that yes, you can rest, even when your agenda is packed, even between caregiving, commuting, jobs, bills, emails and other daily demands. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is a community of escape artists, she said of the people who opt out of grind and hustle culture, waiting to embrace you. The book is part pocket prayer book, part instruction manual, with art and handmade typography by San Francisco-based artist George McCalman inspired by 19th-century abolitionist pamphlets, urging readers to reclaim their divine right to rest. Hersey directs her readers like an operative with instructions for a classified mission. “Let grind culture know you are not playing around,” she wrote in her book. “This is not a game or time to shrink. Your thriving depends on the art of escape.” The reluctance to rest can be rooted in capitalist culture presenting rest as a reward for productivity instead of a physical and mental necessity. Hersey deconstructs this idea of grind culture, which she says is rooted in the combined effects of white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism that “look at the body as not human.” American culture encourages grind culture, Hersey said, but slowing down and building a ritual of rest can offset its toxicity. The author eschews the ballooning billion-dollar self-care industry that encourages people to “save enough money and time off from work to fly away to an expensive retreat,” she wrote. Instead, she says rest can happen anywhere you have a place to be comfortable: in nature, on a yoga mat, in the car between shifts, on a cozy couch after work. Resting isn’t just napping either. She praises long showers, sipping warm tea, playing music, praying or numerous other relaxing activities that slow down the body. “We’re in a crisis mode of deep sleep deprivation, deep lack of self-worth, (and) mental health,” said Hersey. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in Illinois about 37% of adults aren’t getting the rest they need at night. If ignored, the effects of sleep deprivation can have bigger implications later, Hersey said. In October, she lectured at a sleep conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where her humanities work was featured alongside research from the world’s top neuroscientists. Jennifer Mundt, a Northwestern clinician and professor of sleep medicine, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, praises Hersey for bringing the issue of sleep and rest to the public. In a Tribune op-ed last year, that our culture focuses too heavily on sleep as something that must be earned rather than a vital aspect of health and that linking sleep to productivity is harmful and stigmatizing. “Linking sleep and productivity is harmful because it overshadows the bevy of other reasons to prioritize sleep as an essential component of health,” Mundt wrote. “It also stigmatizes groups that are affected by sleep disparities and certain chronic sleep disorders.” In a 30-year released in the spring by the New York University School of Social Work, people who worked long hours and late shifts reported the lowest sleep quality and lowest physical and mental functions, and the highest likelihood of reporting poor health and depression at age 50. The study also showed that Black men and women with limited education “were more likely than others to shoulder the harmful links between nonstandard work schedules and sleep and health, worsening their probability of maintaining and nurturing their health as they approach middle adulthood.” The CDC links a day to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and more. Although the Nap Ministry movement is new for her followers, Hersey’s written about her family’s practice of prioritizing rest, which informs her work. Her dad was a community organizer, a yardmaster for the Union Pacific Railroad Co. and an assistant pastor. Before long hours of work, he would dedicate hours each day to self-care. Hersey also grew up observing her grandma meditate for 30 minutes daily. Through rest, Hersey said she honors her ancestors who were enslaved and confronts generational trauma. When “Rest Is Resistance” was released in 2022, Americans were navigating a pandemic and conversations on glaring racial disparities. “We Will Rest!” comes on the heels of a historic presidential election where Black women fundraised for Vice President Kamala Harris and registered voters in a dizzying three-month campaign. Following Harris’ defeat, many of those women are finding self-care and preservation even more important. “There are a lot of Black women announcing how exhausted they are,” Moore said. “This could be their entry point to get to know (Hersey’s) work, which is bigger than whatever political wind is blowing right now.” Hersey said Chicagoans can meet kindred spirits in her environment of rest. Haji Healing Salon, a wellness center, and the social justice-focused Free Street Theater are sites where Hersey honed her craft and found community. In the fall, the theater put on “Rest/Reposo,” a performance featuring a community naptime outdoors in McKinley Park and in its Back of the Yards space. Haji is also an apothecary and hosts community healing activities, sound meditations and yoga classes. “It is in Bronzeville; it’s a beautiful space owned by my friend Aya,” Hersey said, explaining how her community has helped her build the Nap Ministry. “When I first started the Nap Ministry, before I was even understanding what it was, she was like, come do your work here.” “We Will Rest!” is a collection of poems, drawings and short passages. In contrast to her first book, Hersey said she leaned more into her artistic background; the art process alone took 18 months to complete. After a tough year for many, she considers it medicine for a “sick and exhausted” world. “It’s its own sacred document,” Hersey said. “It’s something that, if you have it in your library and you have it with you, you may feel more human.”
Blake Snell reportedly has joined his former team's biggest rival. After opting out of his Giants contract and entering MLB free agency this offseason, Snell has agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers pending a physical, ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo reported Tuesday, citing sources. Snell seemingly confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram account. It's no surprise Los Angeles landed the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers have shattered free-agency expectations in recent offseasons, inflating their payroll and even deferring millions of dollars to future years so they can sign stars including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman -- the list goes on. It paid off for San Francisco's NL West rivals in 2024, as Los Angeles won its eighth World Series title last month when it defeated the New York Yankees in five games. And the Dodgers appear to be taking the deferred money route with Snell, as they did when they signed Ohtani last winter. Snell's lone Giants campaign started off rocky after the ace endured an offseason without spring training while searching for a home in free agency. But after a rough first half to the 2024 MLB season, Snell quickly rounded into Cy Young form, even pitching a no-hitter for San Francisco on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. His hot second half led Snell to opt out of the remaining year on his Giants contract, making him the best available pitcher on the open market. This time, negotiations with MLB teams didn't last as long. Because the Dodgers, as usual, swooped in. Download and follow the Giants Talk PodcastPalantir Technologies, a data analytics company, started as a tech intelligence startup to provide data intelligence and security aid to the US government long before AI became a tech rage. It used to provide US intelligence agencies with high technology to recognised threats before they arise. It is rumored that the company with its cutting-edge technology likely helped the US government track down Osama bin Laden. The story of the company has its roots in the tragic event of 9/11. Palantir’s CEO Alex Karp realised the deep flaws in American intelligence that led to such a tragic event and recognised them. He felt there was a need for better tools and technology to prevent such terrorist acts and threats of such large scale. After this event, Karp co-founded Palantir with Peter Thiel in 2003. Their goal was to use data in such a way that threats like these can be prevented. The CEO said that he has created such a company that turns huge amounts of data into powerful tools used for intelligence and national security. Palantir’s products Gotham and Metropolis are Palantir’s two main products. Counterterrorism analysts at numerous US government agencies use Gotham. Till a few years ago they sold the data to only the government sector. However, the company has a secretive reputation stemming from their operations in fields like spycraft, antiterrorism, and intelligence collection. While Metropolis is mostly utilized by financial services firms, Gotham is utilized for a variety of purposes, including counterterrorism. What does Palantir do? War, surveillance, and AI are Palantir’s main areas of operations which heavily dealt in tech and privacy issues. They create software that enables soldiers and spies to track down the threats by making connections between mountains of data that are impossible for a human to handle on their own. And they do all of this while attempting to tightly control any personal information that shouldn't be involved. Not just military intelligence, they expanded into the fields of finance, medicine, and even aviation. For example, Palantir was there to help manage the crisis when COVID-19 threw the world into disarray by using data analysis to track the virus's spread and distribute supplies. However, this heroic way of functioning has not let the company or its founders out of controversies as they have always swum in the risky waters of tech and privacy. The company transformed the way technology is used in the most sensitive areas of security and privacy. By providing solutions to increase operational efficiency and reduce expenses, Palantir has set its eyes on revolutionizing the business sector. Their products are now also used to detect fraud and help charity organisations. Examples include, investigating illegal financial transactions connected to global human trafficking, they declined a sizable contract with a major tobacco corporation because they were concerned that the data might identify the groups most vulnerable to cigarette sales. Palantir’s rise in market Under Karp's direction, Palantir has become a significant force in AI and machine learning. The company's stock has risen 300 percent since April 2023, greatly exceeding both Nvidia's 180 percent gain and the S&P 500's 28 percent increase. The company has won large contracts, such as the USD 178 million TITAN combat system and the USD 480 million Maven AI project. The value of Palantir's cofounders' stock holdings skyrocketed through 2024 when the company's market capitalization nearly doubled. Who is Alex Karp? Alex Karp, an unsual leader, has been the company’s CEO since 2004, and as of December 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$7.7 billion. He completed his PhD in neoclassical social theory from Goethe University Frankfurt after which he founded Palantir. Karp donated to Joe Biden during 2020 election and even this time he supported Kamala Harris while Thiel supported Donald Trump.
World junior roundup: Finland bounces back with 3-1 win over Germany
The US dollar is gradually falling from grace in the global financial architecture on account of rising distrust and diversification efforts made by countries that are ditching the hegemony of the greenback. Simultaneously, world's population is rising; therefore international trade in other currencies may augur well. The share of the US dollar in the global foreign exchange reserves has slid to its lowest in 29 years, according to the latest data published by the International Monetary Fund. Although the dollar is slowly losing its grip, it is still strong because of liquidity, stability and the established mechanism. The greenback's long-standing status as the world's dominant currency has been jeopardised in recent years amid concerns over the soaring US debt and its sanctions on rivals such as Russia, according to the RT news channel. As part of Russia sanctions that followed the escalation of Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the US cut off the country's central bank from dollar transactions. It later banned the export of dollar banknotes to the country and spearheaded a drive to freeze Russian assets abroad. Foreign Affairs magazine wrote in June that the sanctions on Russia had "undoubtedly left other central banks wondering whether their own dollar-denominated rainy-day funds would be locked up should their governments run afoul of Washington." In a speech at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Washington's weaponisation of the dollar through sanctions and denying countries access to the Western financial system was a "big mistake" that would force them "to look for other alternatives, which is what is happening." Economic and public policy expert, corporate and management consulting firm Director Qanit Khalilullah said the global economy was witnessing increasing de-dollarisation as countries diversify their trade and foreign exchange reserves. "This trend is driven by US actions to weaponise the dollar, such as imposing sanctions and freezing reserves, as seen in the case of Russia." These actions have eroded trust and raised fears of over-dependence on the dollar. Additionally, rising calls for a multipolar economic world, regional trade blocs like BRICS and technological advancements in digital currencies have created alternatives. De-dollarisation reflects a desire for greater financial autonomy and reduced exposure to the US monetary policies, signaling a shift towards a more decentralised global monetary system. Countries are moving away from the US dollar to reduce vulnerability to geopolitical risks and sanctions. The US tendency to use the dollar as a political tool has alarmed nations, prompting them to seek monetary independence. Furthermore, reliance on the dollar exposes countries to the US Federal Reserve policy actions, which impact exchange rates and trade balances. Emerging economies are forming regional partnerships and adopting alternative currencies like the yuan or euro. Digital currencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) further enable nations to bypass dollar-based financial systems, secure sovereignty and facilitate localised trade settlements. "The decline in the dollar's share in global reserves to a three-decade low reflects a broader shift in the international monetary landscape. While this signals reduced dominance, it does not necessarily mean the dollar is falling from grace. Its role as a global reserve currency will remain strong due to its liquidity, stability and established infrastructure," Khalilullah said. "However, diversification into other currencies reflects diminishing reliance on the dollar amid geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. The dollar's status may gradually decline but will remain central to the global economy in the foreseeable future," he said. Although "non-traditional" currencies are gaining ground, despite the downward trend, the dollar has so far remained the pre-eminent reserve currency. On the one hand, it highlights a structural change in the global monetary system, where non-traditional currencies like the yuan and digital alternatives are gaining ground in trade and reserves. This signals an evolving multipolar world order. On the other hand, it underscores the enduring dominance of the US dollar, which continues to serve as the pre-eminent reserve currency due to its long entrenched use in international settlements, high liquidity, global trust and the absence of comparable alternatives. The distinction lies in recognising the growing diversification versus sustained reliance on the dollar's unique advantages. Rising sanctions have coerced Russia to de-dollarise. September data shows that Moscow and its allies in the BRICS group are making a better use of national currencies, which are utilised in 65% of mutual trade settlements. BRICS' growing use of national currencies signals significant progress towards de-dollarisation. This trend shows efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar, especially in light of the sanctions and geopolitical dynamics. However, the dollar's deeply entrenched role as a global reserve currency, supported by liquid markets and historical trust, is unlikely to be displaced substantially in the short term. Instead, the global economy may move towards a diversified system where the dollar coexists with regional currencies, fostering a multipolar monetary order where no single currency dominates entirely. International trade expert and economic analyst Aadil Nakhoda said there had been several instances of de-dollarisation throughout history, starting with the yen, then the euro, the yuan and now a currency being planned by BRICs. The yen and the euro have made a little impact. The availability of an alternative currency in the global market is a key factor in de-dollarisation. Rather than ditching the greenback, countries are trying to create their own narrative for dominance in the global market. With US policies becoming more trade restrictive, this narrative will likely grow. The trade deficit generated by the US results in higher supply of the US dollar in foreign markets. As efforts are made to curtail it, it may result in lower supply and consequently its reduced dominance. An international currency must not only be easily available but also involves less government intervention through policies. The yuan is heavily state-controlled while other currencies are unlikely to reach eminence. "We may see mutual agreements becoming more common as they reduce the risk involved with a third currency. However, trade between countries not involving BRICs is likely to continue in dollars. It is when these countries adopt other currencies, will we see non-dollar-based trade becoming more eminent. Consider how the dollar is prevalent in informal trade," Nakhoda said. The writer is a staff correspondent COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourThe United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. People are also reading... North Iredell Holiday Classic Basketball Schedule Foxy Roxy's Pizza prepares to bring pizza perfection to downtown Statesville, one slice at a time Rowan County shooting suspect apprehended at Statesville motel West Iredell’s Moore, Lake Norman’s Dingman shine brightest in cross country Iredell Memorial Hospital named one of nation’s top hospitals Mooresville duo leads list of Iredell's top football players in 2024 2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, US military says See balloons light up Statesville Park and Soccer Complex on Saturday Cauthen, Statesville pull off road win in conference opener Initial realignment draft puts 5 Iredell schools in same 6A/7A conference What’s open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024? Pine Lake Prep's Ramanata leads list of 20 All-County honorees on the pitch 5 newsmakers in 2024: North Iredell football snaps drought, Mooresville coach remembered Rudolph had a shiny nose and terrible name, former Statesville teacher writes From building glutes to shredding abs: The 4 hottest fitness trends for 2025 A man walks past a homeless encampment Oct. 25, 2023, in downtown Los Angeles. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agents assist state police as they order people living in a homeless encampment to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. People living in a homeless encampment pick up belongings Oct. 23 after Louisiana State Police ordered them to move to a different designated location during a sweep ahead of a Taylor Swift concert in New Orleans. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. A rat sniffs the hand of a sleeping man experiencing homelessness Dec. 18 in downtown Los Angeles. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium. Emergency housing resources for older Americans in need Emergency housing resources for older Americans in need Homelessness is intertwined with the cost of living, and the high cost of living is hitting older adults fairly hard. A Westat survey for the Department of Health and Human Services found that older adults are the fastest-growing cohort of the homeless population. Emergency housing for seniors can keep that number from climbing higher. Caring.com details how to access it. The number of homeless seniors isn't based solely on people remaining homeless as they age; it also includes those whose first experience with homelessness came after they turned 50. In 2023, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that 1 in 5 homeless people were over the age of 55. For seniors and other older adults, fixed incomes make it hard to battle the ever-increasing cost of expenses. Endhomelessness.org cites that 2.35 million older adults are paying over half of their limited income to rent. Based on Caring.com's July 2024 survey of seniors in the workforce , that's exactly why 1 in 15 retired seniors worry about losing their homes. Shelter use in homeless people older than 51 has gone up over 10% from 2007 to 2017, according to the HUD. But luckily, so has the number of shelters. Between 2022 and 2023, the HUD reports that emergency shelters added 28,760 more beds in emergency shelters, though this is a reduction in the amount of beds available during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. What Is Emergency Housing? Emergency homeless assistance, or emergency housing, is a temporary solution. It's designed to provide shelter while those facing housing instability figure out their next step. Emergency housing for homeless seniors gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered. Local nonprofits are often involved in placing people experiencing homelessness or housing instability into emergency shelters. Low-income seniors, seniors who are low on funds and might not make rent, or seniors who need to leave their homes for other reasons can use emergency housing. How To Find Emergency Housing For Seniors Many cities have their own emergency housing programs. There are also nationwide programs that provide emergency housing for seniors. The internet is the fastest tool for locating local emergency housing. Libraries have free internet access, for those who might not have a computer or Wi-Fi to begin their search. The list below leads to websites that include phone numbers for emergency homeless assistance. Senior Programs for Emergency Housing Crisis Hotline 2-1-1 Seniors in need of immediate assistance and resources should call 2-1-1 or contact the United Way online . The 2-1-1 crisis hotline partners with United Way, which is committed to helping homeless seniors find local shelters or access transitional housing. The service can also connect seniors with other resources, including food, mental health support, or funding for health care expenses. Calling 2-1-1 is often required as a prerequisite before trying to get into a shelter or obtaining other assistance. Because 2-1-1 is for people in crisis, there are no eligibility requirements. However, some programs seniors may access through 2-1-1 do have eligibility requirements. Seniors can simply dial 2-1-1 from nearly anywhere in the U.S. to be put in touch with the programs and resources they need. Housing Choice Voucher Program Designed specifically for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, the Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program offering low-income housing options and rent assistance. These vouchers are available through your local public housing agency (PHA). This program enables and encourages participants to choose their own housing. Housing options don't need to be a part of subsidized housing projects, but there are limits on unit size. Typically, participants must pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income towards their rent, and the voucher program pays the remainder. Applicant income and family size help the PHA determine eligibility. Citizenship and eligible immigration status also play a factor. The family's income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they're applying to live. Of the vouchers, 75% must go to people whose income is at or less than 30% of their area's median income. Contact your local public housing agency . Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program The Section 202 program helps expand the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors. This program gives low-income seniors options that allow them to live independently, with support for cooking, cleaning, transportation, etc. This program is open to any very low-income household that has at least one person 62 years old or older. Applicants must submit an application in response to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) posted on Grants.gov . U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing Voucher (HUD-VASH) The HUD-VASH program was created as emergency homeless assistance for veterans. Its goal is to give homeless veterans access to permanent housing through public housing authorities. Veterans receive rental assistance through the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program and additional case management services through the VA. By December 2023, the HUD had allocated nearly 112,000 vouchers to help house veterans nationwide. To help veterans achieve stability and remain housed, VA case managers may connect veterans with support services such as health care, mental health treatment, and substance use counseling. If you or your loved one is a low-income senior with eligible military service, you may apply. Your local VA can tell you if your service qualifies you for HUD-VASH. Senior veterans may apply online or call (877) 424-3838. Emergency Housing Resources by State Click here to learn more about the emergency housing options for seniors available in your state. The Bottom Line Low-income seniors who aren't in assisted living or independent living communities might find themselves facing housing instability. Emergency housing for seniors can help you or your loved one seek shelter. Crisis hotlines and public housing agencies can offer support. Senior Emergency Housing FAQ Finding emergency housing for seniors depends heavily on your area. The first step is to call the Crisis Hotline at 2-1-1. Finding a shelter takes less time than applying and getting approved for low-income housing voucher programs. The 2-1-1 hotline can direct you to local resources and locators. Yes and no. The duration depends on the type of housing. Shelters have limits that vary. Some shelters allow people to stay for up to six months, though that can vary based on demand. Seniors can remain in Section 202 supportive housing as long as they meet age and income requirements. Yes. Many counties have financial emergency programs that help seniors handle home repairs or short-term financial crises like utility shutoff. These programs allow the senior to focus their funds on their rent or mortgage. This story was produced by Caring.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Baba Vanga predictions were earlier considered a voodoo thing by a majority of the world for a few decades until it was reported that the Bulgarian mystic healer and astrologer had predicted the 9/11 terror attacks on US soil much in advance. This was just not the only shocking prediction, but the inferences of her sayings have been reportedly coming true for years, even after her death. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Baba Vanga predictions for 2025: Are any sinister happenings awaiting the human race? Also known as the Nostradamus of the Balkans due to her eerie predictions about world-changing altercations and incidents, Baba Vanga's predictions can be analyzed for the new year 2025 as well. It includes the outline of dramatic evolution of humanity, and it has also been prophesied that the human race could come in touch with the alien race this year. Biggest Baba Vanga prediction for Europe It has been claimed in reports that Baba Vanga has predicted that Europe could undergo a major population change, and become sparsely populated, possibly due to various geopolitical factors. Whether the Ukraine-Russia conflict could be partly responsible for that, is again a subject of opinion. Environmental factors could also be responsible for Europe becoming sparsely populated in 2025, as per a ToI report. Baba Vanga's most interesting prediction in the world of medical sciences The biggest prediction from the Nostradamus of the Balkans comes for the year 2046, according to the timeline, which reportedly states that synthetic organs could start being mass-produced, which would be a new revolution for the world of medical science, increasing survival rates of humans carrying fatal organ diseases. 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Baba Vanga passed away more than two decades ago, but her prophecies still live on after her death. Did Baba Vanga predict the 9/11 attacks on US soil? Baba Vanga reportedly predicted the terror attacks of 9/11 well in advance, and had even apparently, explained the details of the incident that was going to happen. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )