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EasyKnock, a real estate company offering controversial sale-leaseback deals to financially strapped homeowners, announced abruptly on Thursday that it is going out of business. "After many years of serving consumers, EasyKnock has closed its doors," reads a post on the company's website. "We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us to be part of the financial journey of so many." EasyKnock promises to help people "unlock" the equity in their homes by buying the property from them and then letting them remain in the home as a renter. This type of real estate transaction, known as a sale-leaseback, focuses on homeowners who struggle to get traditional loans due to bad credit or insufficient income. An NPR investigation in June, citing court records obtained from lawsuits against the company, found that the deals can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in equity, and that customers rarely buy back their homes as the deal's allow. Some people were even evicted from homes they once owned. EasyKnock has said its deals have helped hundreds of people improve their finances. The company faces over two dozen lawsuits around the country and several investigations by state attorneys general. In May, the Michigan attorney general sent EasyKnock a cease and desist letter calling on the company to end certain "unfair and deceptive trade practices." EasyKnock denies any liability in these lawsuits and investigations and says it is cooperating with attorneys general. In October, the Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert about the "risky business" of sale-leasebacks. "The ads make these agreements — called sale-leasebacks — sound like a simple and risk-free way to get cash upfront and stay in your home," reads the alert. "But the truth is these agreements are far from risk-free." Neither the statement on EasyKnock's website, nor notices sent to current clients, explained the cause of the company's sudden closure. EasyKnock did not respond to NPR's request for comment. The news came as a shock to Randee Noggle, who sold her house in Michigan to EasyKnock in April 2023. She had hoped that it would help stabilize her family's finances, which took a hit during the pandemic. Instead, she said it made things worse. Noggle is still living in the home as a tenant, along with her husband and their son. She filed a lawsuit against EasyKnock earlier this year. "It came as a surprise. It's just like, well, okay, now what?" Noggle said. The notification she received on Thursday morning offered little detail. It said management of the property will be handled by a company called NESE Property Management. NESE's website, which was purchased Nov. 26, is still under construction. Noggle does have some protection because of her lawsuit against EasyKnock. The company agreed not to initiate eviction proceedings while the case is ongoing, according to court documents reviewed by NPR. Noggle and her husband agreed to make monthly rent payments of nearly $400 into an escrow account. "Everything's a little bit of a question mark right now, so we've got to wait and see what happens," said Robin Wagner, who represents Noggle and several other Michigan homeowners in their lawsuits against EasyKnock. EasyKnock markets itself as the nation's first technology-enabled residential sale-leaseback company. The types of transactions it offers have been facing a heated debate in the courts over whether they are subject to mortgage regulations that protect homeowners. EasyKnock argues that its sale-leaseback deals are not loans, and therefore those laws don't apply. The lawsuits against the company, the state attorneys general investigations and the company's sudden closure call into question the viability of these residential sale-leaseback deals, said Stacey Tutt, a senior staff attorney at the National Housing Law Project. "I think it's a lesson to be learned by any other company that is operating in this space," Tutt said. "It should be something that the industry is paying very close attention to because it is an indication that there are flaws within their model that open them up to these claims of unfair practices." NPR's investigation found that people rarely repurchase their homes. Even after EasyKnock's closure, it's still unlikely people like Noggle will be able to buy their houses back, said Tutt, who reviewed several of EasyKnock's contracts at the request of NPR. "It's a buy-back provision that is likely unaffordable for the homeowner to be able to pay it back. And I think it would be very unlikely that a purchaser of those contracts then would be able to modify them enough to make them affordable," she said. "That's where I get very concerned about their ability to stay in the homes, given the terms of the contracts themselves." Noggle is just hoping she can stay in the home – the first house she ever purchased, bought with an inheritance left by her grandmother. With everything so up in the air, Noggle isn't sure what she makes of the news of EasyKnock's closure. "I'm just hoping that maybe this is like the light at the end of the tunnel," she said.Brazilian congressional committee votes for bill to ban abortionslots game logo 。

The match unfolded with heightened anticipation and tension, as Wolves, plagued by a series of disappointing results in recent weeks, were desperate for a breakthrough. Their opponent, a tough contender in their own right, brought a fierce challenge to the table, setting the stage for a gripping battle on the field.

Leading Lebanese soccer player Celine Haidar is in a medically induced coma after she was critically wounded in an Israeli strike near her home in Beirut's southern suburbs, her international championship prospects on hold. Captain of her club team and already included in the national youth team twice, the 19-year-old refused to allow her training to be interrupted by Israel's bombardment, even as her own family fled to a mountain town east of Beirut. She convinced her parents to let her return home alone so she could continue training, assuring them she would leave every time the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for a neighbourhood it was intending to bomb. But last Saturday, she missed the warning. She was asleep when the Israeli military spokesman posted an evacuation warning for her neighborhood. Her parents called her and urged her to leave immediately, but time was short. An Israeli warplane struck as she leapt onto her motorbike. She was hit by shrapnel, which left her with severe brain injuries, including multiple skull fractures and brain bleeding. The Israeli military was not immediately available to comment on the strike. She is now in an intensive care unit at Saint George Hospital in Beirut, connected to monitors and a breathing tube, with her head bandaged, according to her coach Samer Barbary. Her parents, Abbas Haidar and Sanaa Shahrour, stand watch over her, struggling to comprehend the calamity that befell their daughter and praying for a miracle. Over 15,000 wounded by Israeli strikes "I never thought I would have a daughter like her," her father said, his voice heavy with emotion. "She has dreams and strength. She always told me, 'You'll see what I will accomplish tomorrow.'" She is among over 15,000 people wounded by Israeli strikes over the past year, with bombardment of Beirut's suburbs escalating dramatically over the last two months. The Israeli military says it is striking infrastructure belonging to armed group Hezbollah, which counted the suburbs, as well as south and east Lebanon, as its strongholds. More soccer coverage More than 670 women and 230 children are among the more than 3,500 people killed, Lebanon's health ministry says. Haidar's teammates have hung a poster at their training field saying: "We are waiting for you." "She is the cornerstone of our team," her teammate Lama Abdin, 18, said. "But we will play for her. We will achieve her big dreams." Head coach Barbary said Haidar had already represented Lebanon twice with the under-19 national team which won the 2022 West Asia cup that was held in Lebanon. She was already selected for the senior national team and was expected to be selected for the upcoming West Asia championship, he said. Even though doctors say they do not know when she will wake up again, her mother, Sanaa, has refused to give up hope. "I am waiting for you. Don't give up. You are a hero. Every night, I see you in my dreams, coming back to me," she told Reuters.

In addition to its luxurious aesthetics, the NIO ET9 also boasts a range of cutting-edge technology and advanced features. The spy shots reveal a large curved display that spans the entire width of the dashboard, serving as the focal point of the cockpit. This high-definition touchscreen interface is expected to offer seamless access to a wide range of infotainment and vehicle control options, providing a truly immersive driving experience for users.

In conclusion, the potential signing of the Premier League Golden Boot winner represents a significant coup for Barcelona, signaling their ambition to once again dominate the European football landscape. With Coach Xavi at the helm and a new wave of talent set to grace the Camp Nou, the future looks bright for Barcelona as they aim to restore their legacy of greatness. The stage is set, the fans are ready - here comes Barcelona!

SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smodin, a trailblazer in AI-powered tools for students, educators, and professionals, is thrilled to announce an exciting development: www. contemplativeinquiry.org and www. freshu.io now redirect to Smodin.io, creating a single, unified hub for innovation and productivity. This move marks a significant step forward in Smodin's mission to make advanced AI tools more accessible than ever. By integrating these domains into Smodin.io, users will enjoy seamless access to a broader range of resources, from AI writing assistance to content analysis, all on a single platform designed to meet diverse needs. "This isn't just about redirection—it's about transformation," said the founder of Smodin. "By bringing everything under the Smodin umbrella, we're creating a one-stop solution for anyone seeking smarter, faster, and more effective tools to achieve their goals." Visitors from contemplativeinquiry.org and freshu.io will now have direct access to Smodin's continually expanding suite of features, including plagiarism detection, essay generation, and tools tailored to enhance productivity and creativity. This evolution ensures users can focus on what truly matters: creating, learning, and growing. The consolidation is part of Smodin's vision to innovate and deliver an unparalleled user experience while solidifying its position as a global leader in AI technology. Discover the future of AI-driven solutions at www.smodin.io . About Smodin Smodin is a leading AI-powered platform dedicated to empowering users worldwide with smart tools for writing, research, and productivity. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Smodin transforms the way students, educators, and professionals work and create. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smodin-unites-powerful-domains-to-deliver-an-all-in-one-ai-platform-302314508.html SOURCE SmodinChelsea striker Nicolas Jackson mesmerised his teammates with his outfit choice as he returned from the international break The 23-year-old tapped into his African culture by rocking unique all-white attire paired with black half-shoes He is expected to be in action when the Blues take on Leicester City in Saturday's early kickoff in the Premier League Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now! Nicolas Jackson brought a touch of African elegance to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground as he returned from international duty. The Senegalese striker, who has been a pivotal figure for the team this season, turned heads with his distinctive attire, celebrating his heritage with style. Jackson rocks kaftan to Chelsea training Dressed in an all-white kaftan paired with sleek black shoes, Jackson carried a matching white purse, exuding confidence as he rejoined his club teammates. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! His bold choice sparked curiosity, with Moisés Caicedo light-heartedly asking, “What’s that?”. In response, Jackson playfully replied, “You don’t like it?” before explaining his penchant for standing out. Read also "I'm going to live until 100": Ronaldo talks about longevity with YouTube King Mr Beast While many of his colleagues opted for high-end designer labels like Gucci, the 23-year-old proudly showcased African culture, making a statement beyond the pitch. The focus now shifts back to football , where Jackson will aim to end a two-match goal drought as Chelsea prepare to face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, November 23, as noted by Sports Mole . With six Premier League goals to his name, the former Villarreal star stands as the Blues' second-highest scorer this term. Rediscovering his scoring form will be key as the Blues look to maintain momentum in the league. Chelsea currently sit in third position behind Manchester City and Liverpool on the Premier League table. Jackson turns heads with vibrant shirt In an earlier report, Legit.ng highlighted Nicolas Jackson's striking appearance at the Chelsea edition of London Fashion Week. Read also Atalanta icon names what makes Ademola Lookman special ahead of CAF awards The 23-year-old forward turned heads wearing a vibrant Hakuna Matata-themed shirt during the Cobham showcase. The Swahili phrase "no worries" gained global fame through the Lion King soundtrack, composed by Elton John. Jackson’s fashion statement quickly became a trending topic. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: YEN.com.gh

Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaIn addition to its cutting-edge technology, the Xiaomi YU7 prioritizes safety as a core pillar of its design philosophy. With a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including advanced collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, and robust body structure, the YU7 is engineered to provide peace of mind on every journey.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Mitch Mascari's 22 points helped Drake defeat Florida Atlantic 75-63 on Friday. Mascari shot 6 for 9 (6 for 8 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Bulldogs (5-0). Bennett Stirtz scored 17 points and added six assists. Tavion Banks had 12 points and shot 2 of 5 from the field and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line. The Owls (4-3) were led in scoring by Leland Walker, who finished with 14 points and five assists. Matas Vokietaitis and Tre Carroll each scored 10 points. Drake entered halftime up 32-28. Mascari paced the team in scoring in the first half with 11 points. Drake took the lead for what would be the final time on Banks' free throw with 14:22 left in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

According to reports, the Xiaomi YU7 is scheduled to make its debut in June or July next year, with pre-orders expected to commence in the coming months. As anticipation builds for the official launch, consumers can look forward to experiencing Xiaomi's unique vision for the future of mobility.Mohamed Salah, one of England’s most popular soccer stars, has been taking heat from some fans on social media for posting a heartwarming Christmas photo. Even though the Egyptian-born Salah practices Islam, he posts a photo every year of his family in front of a Christmas tree as a show of respect to British culture, a move that some of his fans were angered by. Per news.com.au : Mohamed Salah has caused uproar with a sweet family photo that has become embroiled in an ugly storm. As a proud Muslim man, the Egyptian has faced a backlash from Instagram users with some calling him a “hypocrite”. Salah has previously refused to buckle to the annual criticism and has explained his decision to continue to celebrate the holiday in the UK. He has previously said his decision to embrace Christmas is a gesture of “respect.” A post shared by Mohamed Salah (@mosalah) Salah’s critics referred to him as a traitor to his Muslim faith. “Delete this right now.” one Instagram user wrote. “We Muslim people look up to you, and you do this in return,” another said, with another calling it “disgraceful.” “With all the warnings, you still go ahead and post this shame post of yours,” another said. Paul Roland Bois directed the award-winning Christian tech thriller , EXEMPLUM , which has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critic rating and can be viewed for FREE on YouTube , Tubi , or Fawesome TV . “Better than Killers of the Flower Moon,” wrote Mark Judge . “You haven’t seen a story like this before,” wrote Christian Toto . A high-quality, ad-free rental can also be streamed on Google Play , Vimeo on Demand , or YouTube Movies . Follow him on X @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms .

The group of liberated prisoners, who had been detained for years in inhumane conditions, were finally granted their freedom during a prisoner exchange between conflicting factions. As they stepped out of their confines, their initial reaction was not one of sorrow or anger but of sheer euphoria. They ran with abandon, their faces beaming with smiles that seemed to radiate a sense of liberation and renewal.

Tube drivers are handed inflation-busting pay hikes - after Sadiq Khan caved in to union barons' demands to stop London Underground strikes By DAVID CHURCHIL CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 16:27 EST, 27 November 2024 | Updated: 16:32 EST, 27 November 2024 e-mail View comments London Underground train drivers were today handed inflation-busting pay hikes after Labour mayor Sadiq Khan caved in to union barons’ demands. The RMT union hailed a ‘substantial victory’ after its members were given a 4.6 per cent pay hike with no strings attached such as reform of working practices. The pay award, which also relates to station staff, is double the current 2..3 per cent CPI rate of inflation . And drivers may also soon be allowed to work a four-day week if there is a breakthrough in separate talks with the Aslef rail union. Tory critics accused Transport Secretary Louise Haigh of ‘emboldening’ militant barons after she handed mainline train drivers a 14.25 per cent hike over three years with no strings attached. Helen Whately, who was the Tories ’ transport spokesman until earlier this month, said: ‘Welcome to life under a Labour Government. ‘Unions are now running the shop, knowing that every time they go on strike Labour will cave.’ London Underground drivers already enjoy average salaries of around £65,000 a year. Aslef members on a picket line in April 2024. The RMT union hailed a ‘substantial victory’ after its members were given a 4.6 per cent pay hike with no strings attached such as reform of working practices London's Labour mayor has been accused of caving into union barons’ demands with today's inflation-busting pay hikes A London Underground train at Oxford Circus. TfL, which Mr Khan is chairman of, said: ‘The deal is fair and affordable and RMT agreeing to it is good news for London’ Aslef, which also represents Underground drivers, called off two strikes this month after Transport for London (TfL) said it was willing to allow them to work a four-day working week. They currently must work their contracted hours over five days. If on-going talks are successful then the deal will also apply to RMT drivers. RMT boss Mick Lynch, said: ‘This agreement is a landmark victory for our members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions. ‘This success highlights the importance of RMT’s resolute industrial approach, and we will continue to build on this momentum to deliver further improvements in 2025.’ An Aslef spokesman said: ‘We called off planned industrial action on London Underground in November after we reached an agreement on moving towards a four-day week, with a reduction in working hours for train drivers.’ TfL, which Mr Khan is chairman of, said: ‘The deal is fair and affordable and RMT agreeing to it is good news for London.’ London Underground Sadiq Khan RMT Labour TFL Share or comment on this article: Tube drivers are handed inflation-busting pay hikes - after Sadiq Khan caved in to union barons' demands to stop London Underground strikes e-mail Add commentNeed some assistance with NYT Strands today? Today's theme — "Just the essentials" — is rather clever, but likely won't be clear until you get one of the four answers on the board. Below, we've compiled some useful hints for Strands #300, as well as the answers, should it come to that. We'll start off with some clues, before building up to the full answer for Strands #300, so read on if you need a little help. Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Strands #300. Today's NYT Strands answer — Today's theme and hints The official theme for NYT Strands #300 is... "Just the essentials". And here's an unofficial hint from me: "Beautifully scented." If you're still in the dark, here are some useful words to give you those valuable clue tokens: Still struggling? The spangram will give you a hint about the connection word. Today, it starts with A and ends with Y. Scroll down to find out what it is... It's AROMATHERAPY. Today's Strands answers So, what are today's Strands answers for game #300? Drumroll, please... ...and the spangram was AROMATHERAPY. Strands #300 “Just the essentials” 💡🔵🔵🔵 🟡🔵 Hi Strands fans. This was a rather clever puzzle, but one that's not particuarly well suited to me. While I'm vaguely familiar with AROMATHERAPY, I couldn't claim to know all the essential oils, which is what this is all about. That meant I needed to use a clue to get me started. That revealed LAVENDER, which at least put me on tre right track, and I was able to get CEDARWOOD on the right-hand side, followed by EUCALYPTUS along the top. I was now ready to tackle the spangram, spelling AROMATHERAPY backwards in a loop covering three lines. That left one answer left to find, which required me to decode the anagram of ILOHUCATP. After much playing with the letters, I finally remembered that PATCHOULI is a thing to complete the puzzle. Yesterday's Strands answers Reading this in a later time zone? You can find the full article on yesterday's Strands answers for game #299 right here .The Xiaopeng G9, also known as the P7 in the international market, has garnered significant praise for its sleek design, impressive range, and innovative self-driving capabilities. With a stylish exterior that exudes modernity and sophistication, it is evident that Xiaopeng Motors has prioritized both aesthetics and functionality in the design of the G9. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous driving features and over-the-air updates further cements its position as a frontrunner in the electric vehicle industry.

Israeli troops burn Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say

Shares of Surf Air Mobility Inc. (SRFM) surged as much as 7% in morning trade on Friday to hit an eight-month high of $6.41, building on its gain of 56% during the previous session that helped the stock make up for some of its year-to-date decline. The stock reversed most of its gains, trading 0.36% lower in mid-day trade on Friday. The uptick in Surf Air Mobility’s shares comes after the company announced that its board members purchased stock from the open market. If the stock had maintained its gains, it would have pared its year-to-date decline to under 50% — most of this fall came in April, when the stock fell by over 40% after the company received a notice of possible delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. Surf Air Mobility’s chairman, Carl Albert, purchased 14,500 shares, while co-founder and board member Sudhin Shahani purchased 17,237 shares. The aggregate transaction is valued at approximately $110,000. “We have near and midterm goals to increase value for our shareholders. We are firmly and financially committed to successful execution of our Transformation Plan,” said Albert. Retail traders on Stocktwits expressed optimism about Surf Air Mobility’s turnaround plan, which includes securing a $50 million term loan. The company expects to become profitable in 2025. The stock purchase by board members indicates the confidence insiders have in the company’s four-phase transformation plan. While some retail traders remained confident about the stock’s long-term prospects, others may now regret not taking profits when they had the chance earlier in the day. Surf Air Mobility, a Los Angeles-based regional air mobility service, currently operates Cessna Caravan aircraft, which have a range of a little over 1,200 miles, with a top speed of 213 miles per hour. The company is also developing an AI-powered airline software operating system. It also has electric powertrain technology that is currently in the process of being certified. Surf Air Mobility’s shares have declined by 44% year-to-date. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Mattr provides the following correction to the press release issued earlier today, December 6, 2024, which stated that the yield to maturity on the 125,000 Subscription Receipts, as defined below, to be issued pursuant to the private placement offering is 6.375%. Such yield to maturity for each Subscription Receipt should read 6.735%. TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mattr Corp. (“Mattr” or the “Company”) (TSX: MATR) announced today that it has entered into an underwriting agreement to sell, pursuant to a private placement offering (the “Offering”), 125,000 debt subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts”) at a price of $1,018.75 per Subscription Receipt (yield to maturity of 6.735%), plus accrued but unpaid interest on the underlying Note (as defined below) from October 2, 2024 to, but excluding the closing of the Offering, for an aggregate issue price of $1,034 and gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $129.3 million. Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and without payment of additional consideration or further action, a newly authenticated 7.25% senior unsecured note of the Company due April 2, 2031, in a principal amount of $1,000 (collectively for all Subscription Receipts, the “Notes”). The Notes shall be issued as “Additional Notes” pursuant to the trust indenture dated April 2, 2024 between TSX Trust Company and the Company, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, such that, following the issuance thereof, $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior unsecured notes of the Company due April 2, 2031, will be outstanding. Mattr intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to pay a portion of the purchase price for the Company’s previously announced indirect acquisition (the “Acquisition”) of all of the issued and outstanding shares of AmerCable Incorporated. Mattr expects the closing of the Acquisition to occur in the first quarter of 2025. “This Offering provides continued capital structure stability and converts a portion of the anticipated AmerCable funding to fixed rates once closing conditions have been met,” said Tom Holloway, Mattr’s CFO. “We are deeply appreciative of the support and confidence of all investors and are excited by the additional balance sheet optionality created to continue our long-term value creation strategies.” The Subscription Receipts are being offered through TD Securities and National Bank Financial Markets. The Subscription Receipts will be offered for sale in Canada to accredited investors on a private placement basis, in accordance with Canadian securities laws. The Subscription Receipts have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and are being offered and sold in the United States to qualified institutional buyers only, pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act. The Subscription Receipts may be sold outside of the United States in accordance with Rule 903 of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. Subject to customary closing conditions, the Offering is expected to close on or about December 19, 2024. About Mattr Mattr is a growth-oriented, global materials technology company broadly serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy and electrification. Its two business segments: Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies, enable responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure while lowering risk. For further information, please contact: Meghan MacEachern VP, External Communications & ESG Telephone: 437.341.1848 Email: meghan.maceachern@mattr.com Website: www.mattr.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "may", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "predict", "estimate" or similar terminology are used to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions, estimates and analysis made in light of the Company's experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that are believed by the Company to be reasonable and relevant in the circumstances. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those predicted, expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Source: Mattr Corp.Sony's stock price hit a new high of $150, surpassing the previous peak set more than 20 years ago. This significant surge reflects the market's bullish sentiment towards the company's strategy and performance in the highly competitive tech and entertainment sectors.

MP: ASP Rank Officers From State Visits Cambridge University To Learn Int’l Level Policing SystemBreakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality