9 11 gaming

9 11 gaming Nicaragua's legislature is gearing up for a crucial vote on a bill that proposes a major overhaul of the country's banking system, effectively granting the state significant control. If passed, this legislation, introduced by President Daniel Ortega, would empower the state to appoint leadership at private financial institutions. This sweeping measure would also enable the national banking regulator to dissolve or liquidate banks by decree, signaling increased state influence over the financial sector. The proposal follows last month's legislative move requiring banks to sidestep sanctions against local Nicaraguans, further tightening state control. Critics, including economist Marco Aurelio Pena, argue that the bill distorts market dynamics, emphasizing that there is a clear difference between regulation and administration. With the proposal expected to pass swiftly through the unicameral legislature, it could soon become law upon publication in the national gazette. (With inputs from agencies.)The Bermuda Post Office [BPO] advising that a “social media post circulating on FaceBook and via Whatsapp, claiming persons can buy lost parcels is fake.” A BPO spokesperson said, “Please be aware that this is a scam, and not a promotion by the Bermuda Post Office or the Government of Bermuda. The BPO is urging customers not to click on the link in the caption, as it may lead to personal data theft or financial fraud.” The spokesperson said, “Individuals should report the post to FaceBook if they come across it and remind the public to only trust official, verified information from the Government of Bermuda.” : , , ,

Shockwaves are reverberating through the e-bike industry in Canada and the United States after a year that saw several prominent brands declare bankruptcy or stop selling in the North American market, citing an inability to compete in an increasingly consolidated environment. Experts say changes that followed the industry’s unprecedented pandemic boom – from a rise in factory direct sales to rapidly evolving technology – have been devastating for independent brands. Vancouver-based DOST Bikes, California-based Juiced Bikes and iGO Electric of Montreal all declared bankruptcy or went into receivership within roughly the past year. Even global brands such as Japanese motor sports giant Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and Swiss company Stromer recently announced they were pulling their out of North America, citing a softened market. The speed and comfort of e-bikes set them apart from traditional bicycles, opening up the age-old mode of transport to a wider range of users. From delivery people to commuters, the resounding sentiment from most e-bike fans is it’s fun to go fast and the power assist makes long trips so much easier. In Canada, the federal standard for an e-bike’s maximum speed is 32 km/h, and range varies from about 50 to 100 kilometres. The pandemic saw e-bike sales soar, as consumers with extra time and pent-up energy splurged on devices to stay active outdoors. In 2022, the Canadian market was worth about $240-million, with about 70,000 e-bikes sold that year, according to Rize Bikes. By 2025, Rize estimates the market will reach $345-million, with more than 100,000 bikes sold annually. Prices range from $14,000 for a Stromer bike to $3,100 for an ENVO and just $600 on Amazon.com Inc. for a bike from an overseas manufacturer. But makers and retailers say the domestic industry is flatlining. While it’s nowhere near taking its last breath, the changing landscape is forcing local brands to carve out a niche for themselves just to survive, in a market that has become dominated by cheap, direct-to-consumer sales. Sam Atakhanov, the founder of multiple e-bike startups, launched DOST Bikes in 2019 – just before the industry took off. “Things were going normal. Then there was that chain of events that happened over the last few years that really crippled our industry,” he said. For Mr. Atakhanov, it all began with Apple’s release of the iOS 14 operating system in September, 2020. The update affected advertisers’ ability to reach their target audiences, which meant Mr. Atakhanov’s ads on Google weren’t working as well as they used to. Then, pandemic supply-chain disruptions threw a wrench into his company’s cash flow, bumping manufacturing lead times from three months to a year, he said. “We’re sitting here with no stock for nearly a year before the money comes in, so we’re living off of lines of credit, our own cash, investment capital. We’re digging ourselves a hole,” he said. While supply chains improved by 2022, Mr. Atakhanov said rising interest rates and a receding customer base were some of the final blows dealt to his business. Retailers had rushed to double their stock during the pandemic, but the high demand disappeared almost as quickly as it came. “Then it’s a vicious cycle, race to the bottom, everybody’s trying to offload,” Mr. Atakhanov said. The last straw for DOST Bikes was when e-bike factories overseas began bypassing local companies, like DOST, to sell directly to North American consumers, Mr. Atakhanov said. “When that happened, our value proposition for all that great design, branding, marketing, all that just went right out the window because a factory can sell for half the price.” DOST Bikes filed for insolvency in December, 2023. “It was death by a thousand cuts,” Mr. Atakhanov said. And it wasn’t unique to DOST, said Haseeb Javed, a member of the product and engineering team at electric mobility company ENVO Drive Systems in Vancouver. He conducts industry research to determine what causes companies to fail and said most of them have a story similar to DOST’s. Based upon his research, Mr. Javed said ENVO has been very careful to diversify where its products are sold so it’s not reliant on a single revenue stream. For example, the company sells through Costco Wholesale Corp., storefronts and direct to consumers online. ENVO also sells more than just e-bikes, with e-scooters, water bikes with pontoons and snow bikes with skis also in its repertoire. Mr. Javed said this helps with the company’s brand awareness. “Some business models are better for this market. But ultimately, I believe that anyone who survived, either you need to be a Chinese factory who is selling at very low margins or you need to have differentiation,” he said. Kevin McLaughlin, the CEO of Zygg E-Bikes, which operates in Toronto and Vancouver, said 2024 has been a challenging year for his subscription-based company. At Zygg, customers can rent or buy new and used e-bikes, a model that sets the company apart from stores that only sell new bikes. He said Zygg is a popular choice with food delivery workers. At the peak of the pandemic, Zygg did about $2.5-million a year in sales. This year, revenues will come in under $2-million. Amid the technological evolution of e-bikes, Mr. McLaughlin said he’s scrambling to modernize his fleet. And bikes that he bought at $2,000 and once sold for $3,000 now have a markup of just $400. “There’s enormous downward pressure,” he said. Mr. Atakhanov said his company has also had to compete with bigger brands that can afford to innovate – and market those innovations – at a much faster pace. For example, tech company DJI created an e-bike drive system that can connect to a user’s smartphone, allowing them to control things such as their bike’s lock status or power assist through an app. “My product, all of a sudden, over the weekend, looks like it’s last year’s model,” he said. While smaller companies may be struggling to keep up, the prevailing sentiment among industry players is that demand for such micromobility devices isn’t going away. Michael Pasquali, the founder of the Canadian Electric Bike Association, said people are going to continue to buy e-bikes even if the industry never again reaches the heights it did during the pandemic.Lucid Group, Inc. LCID shares are trading higher Friday after the company announced that commenced production of its second vehicle , the Gravity SUV. What To Know: On social media, Lucid Group posted a video of CEO Peter Rawlinson driving the Gravity SUV within the factory. Lucid described the start of production as a significant milestone and noted the efforts of its team in bringing the vehicle to market. Lucid recently began taking orders for the Gravity, starting with the Grand Touring trim priced at $94,900. Production for the lower-priced Touring trim, starting at $79,900, is scheduled to begin in late 2025. The Gravity is positioned to compete directly with Tesla Inc .'s TSLA Model X, which is similarly priced at $79,990 for the base model and $94,990 for the premium Plaid trim. According to Rawlinson, the Gravity enters a market six times larger than Lucid's first vehicle, the Air sedan. Rawlinson has stated that the SUV is designed to offer a more traditional three-row SUV experience compared to the Model X, which he described as “car-like.” Lucid has also indicated plans to produce a midsized platform priced at approximately $48,000 by late 2026, targeting Tesla's mass-market offerings, the Model 3 and Model Y. Despite these expansion efforts, Lucid continues to operate at a loss. The company reported an adjusted loss of 28 cents per share for the third quarter of 2024. Lucid shares have declined nearly 50% year-to-date. Analysts have given the stock a consensus "Neutral" rating, with price targets ranging from $2 to $12. The average price target from recent analyst ratings stands at $3.33, implying a potential 59% upside from current levels. LCID Price Action: Lucid Group shares were up 7.89% at $2.255 at the time of writing, according to Benzinga Pro. Read Next: Tech Stocks Rise; Meta Rallies As Court Upholds Tiktok Ban; Bitcoin Roars Above $101,000: What’s Driving Markets Friday? Image Via Shutterstock. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Strictly star STRIPPED in front of me & left me stunned – there’s reason why celebs think they can behave how they want

AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:53 p.m. ESTREEDSVILLE, W.Va. (WV News) — Valley District Lions Club Members devote their time to raise money for the Valley District Food Pantry throughout the Christmas season. For many years, members of the the Valley District Lions Club have coordinated seasonal bell ringing fundraisers to raise funds for those in need during the holidays, officials said. Club President Judy Harder said volunteers participate in bell ringing at the Shop and Save in Reedsville. The bell ringing has been a longstanding tradition for the Valley District Lions Club, she said. Members always try to make it fun, dressing up in crazy Christmas sweaters and wearing funny hats as well, she said. Additionally, they lend a hand at the store by pushing carts and helping with small chores to show appreciation for their permission to use the space, she said. Overall, the Lions are always flabbergasted at the amount of community generosity they receive from the event, she said. “We are so appreciative to all the members of the communities that shop there and give,” she said. Preston county residents really do try to help their own, she said. While Christmas certainly invokes the spirit of giving, there is something more to the charity of Prestonians during the winter season, she said. “It’s about being there for the people that they know need the help. It’s like looking out for your neighbor and that’s what they do in smaller communities,” she said. In November, the Lions Club made a notable donation to the food pantry as well, she said. Pantry Treasurer Marvin Stuck said the donation was desperately needed. The Valley District Food Pantry served 108 families this year for Thanksgiving, officials said. While there is always a great need during the holiday season, the local food pantry constantly needs more every-day necessities like toiletries and hygiene products, officials said. Club Marketing Chair Judy Pratt said the Lions have always played an important role in their community. It was their constant effort to support those in need that inspired her to step up and become a new member herself, she said. “To much given, much is required,” she said. In the past she and her husband had volunteered for the bell ringing, she said. “Right now, a lot of people are hurting in our community and I think we can make a contribution — or I can as a Lions Club Member,” she said. Sometimes the holiday and winter season generates a little more need within the community but “the lions are built to serve,” she said. Their whole goal is to host various fundraisers, community events and programs to tackle the hardships in the area, she said. The bell ringing is just one of the many efforts they have to help those in need, she said. The Lions Club will keep ringing the bells hoping to stock the shelves for those in need, Harder said. One may find a lion ringing the bells until Dec. 23rd this year, she said. Additionally, for anyone interested in helping those in need this Christmas season the Valley District Lions Club is always accepting new members, she said. Those interested in joining can find more info by emailing the valleylionsclub@gmail.com or by calling 304-698-9387.Wildlife monitoring tech used to harass, spy on women in India

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings waived cornerback Akayleb Evans on Saturday in another setback for their beleaguered 2022 draft class. Evans started 15 games last season, but he had been relegated to a special teams role this year after the Vikings added veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. Evans was a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, one of three defensive backs among Minnesota's first five selections in 2022. Lewis Cine (first round) was waived and Andrew Booth (second round) was traded earlier this year. One of their second-round picks, guard Ed Ingram, lost his starting spot last week. Evans was let go to clear a roster spot for tight end Nick Muse, who was activated from injured reserve to play on Sunday at Chicago. The Vikings ruled tight end Josh Oliver out of the game with a sprained ankle. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defense. Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballScottsdale, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hosted at the prestigious Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, this year's MedSpa Pro Meeting brought together pacesetting voices in medical aesthetics under the guidance of industry pioneers and co-chairs Barry DiBernardo, MD, Jason Pozner, MD, and Joseph Russo, MD. Over three intensive days, participants immersed themselves in a wealth of cutting-edge, comprehensive content that spanned advanced injection techniques, emerging technologies, and business management strategies. Program highlights included an exclusive Head-to-Head Anatomy Masterclass led by preeminent anatomist Sebastian Cotofana, MD, PhD, and an innovative Weight Loss Track spearheaded by Johnny Franco, MD. Complementing these sessions, expertise-driven curricula featured a dedicated Aesthetician Track and Master Injector Live Injection Program. Beyond the core curriculum, expert-led panel discussions explored today's most pressing aesthetic medicine topics while market-leading brands showcased game-changing products and services in the exhibition space. Together, these experiences equipped participants with fresh perspectives, practical insights, valuable partnerships, and lasting connections, empowering them to elevate their clinical and personal success. MedSpa Pro's rebranding represents expanding pathways for advancing this booming specialty. "As we embrace the next chapter in aesthetic medicine, we are excited to unveil our new identity as MedSpa Pro," stated Doreen Brown , CEO of Informa Connect Medical Division. "This evolution reflects our commitment to keeping pace with our ever-evolving industry and serving our expanding community through gold-standard training and unmatched networking opportunities." MedSpa Pro's refined brand identity will roll out in the coming months as the company prepares for a breakthrough 2025. Among exciting new initiatives, next year introduces specialized training opportunities led by the distinguished Dr. Russo and fellow acclaimed experts, strengthening the organization's position as the foremost resource in medical aesthetics. Aesthetic medicine providers, medical spa professionals, and industry stakeholders can mark their calendars for the 3rd Annual MedSpa Pro Meeting, set to take place at the iconic Boca Raton resort in November 2025. Further details about upcoming programs will be announced soon; in the meantime, please visit MedSpa Pro's LinkedIn profile for updates. ### MedSpa Pro serves as the leading educational platform for medical aesthetics professionals, delivering targeted education, tailored training, and strategic networking opportunities across the industry. Through its premier conference and progressive initiatives, the organization connects enterprising practitioners with renowned experts to advance excellence in aesthetic medicine. MedSpa Pro is part of the Informa Connect Medical Division, a global force in medical education across the entire healthcare ecosystem. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Oklahoma State's 3-point accuracy sends Miami to defeatBelarus grants asylum to fugitive Polish judge wanted on spying allegations

World reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29

The entertainment here at The Rec was not dampened by a wet and wild night out west, and was only enhanced by listening to La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara roar, rant and rave. His French side won a spiky tie, sealing it with a huge scrum penalty to snuff out Bath’s last faint hope. A Bath fan, at the bottom of a two-pint jug of beer, who had been listening to O’Gara’s smack talk all game told him that “swearing shows a lack of intelligence”. The Irishman smiled and waved him away, high-fiving his coaching staff. Ultimately, it was Bath’s shoddy lineout that put paid to their chances here, letting down all the grit they showed to pull back a half-time score of 21-6. Their losing bonus point was well fought for.ETSU, Lamb agree to contract extension through 2028

Key Stocks, ETF To Watch As French Government Faces No-Confidence Vote

Seafood industry awaits Trump

49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknownVladimir Putin's secret lover has been seen strutting her stuff at an international rhythmic gymnastics tournament, as her despot partner brings the world to the brink of World War 3 . Alina Kabaeva , 41, a former Olympic gymnast who is widely reported to be in a relationship with Putin, 72, was spotted dancing at the climax of the international Sky Grace Cup 2024 in Doha, the capital of Qatar , this week. Kabaeva called for unity as Putin peppered Ukraine with missiles and stoked the flames of Russian aggression. Speaking at the competition, she said sport and art "should unite people and remain outside politics", while thanking Doha organisers. She said: "Sport and art should unite people and remain outside politics. The sole aim of the international tournament 'Heavenly Grace' is to promote rhythmic gymnastics as an Olympic sport. It is amazing that we are in Doha today. Thank you Doha for your hospitality." She danced at the end of a tense week for the world, which has seen leaders sitting at the edge of their seats as Putin unveiled his latest hypersonic weapon - the Oreshnik - which has fired at Ukraine but which he threatened to aim at targets in Europe. Kabaeva and Putin are known to have two sons together - Ivan, nine, and Vladimir Junior, five. But the dictator’s relationship with the sportswoman has not been officially disclosed, and the children have never been seen in public. Kabaeva - a highly decorated rhythmic gymnast who holds two Olympic medals, 14 World Championship medals and 21 medals from the European Championships - is known to share Putin's numerous palaces, including those in Moscow and in Valdai. Putin, who is officially divorced from his first wife, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Ocheretnaya, has severely put down attempts to invade his private life. He once said: "I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected." Putin also condemned "those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives". Kabaeva has been slightly more open about her personal life, and publicly answered questions about her "ideal man" on a children's television show. In one clip showing her appearance on One Hundred Questions for Adults, a question and answer show recorded to an audience of children, she was asked by a young boy if she had met her "ideal man" to which she replied giggling: “I have.” She was then asked who the mystery man in her life was but would only reveal "he’s a very good man, a great man" though she added: "I love him very much." Kabaeva said: "Sometimes you feel so happy that you even feel scared." In Doha she boasted: “I am very happy that we have been able to hold our competition for the fourth time, and this year it brought together more than 100 gymnasts from 25 countries."By REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of who will be in charge of executing President-elect Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration and border policies has come into sharper focus after he announced his picks to head Customs and Border Protection and also the agency tasked with deporting immigrants in the country illegally. Trump said late Thursday he was tapping Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief who’s been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures, for CBP commissioner. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump said he’d nominate Caleb Vitello, a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency who most recently has been the assistant director for firearms and tactical programs. Related Articles They will work with an immigration leadership team that includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security ; former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement head Tom Homan as border czar ; and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Scott led during Trump’s first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country’s borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he joined the agency, San Diego was by far the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Traffic plummeted after the government dramatically increased enforcement there, but critics note the effort pushed people to remote parts of California and Arizona. San Diego was also where wall construction began in the 1990s, which shaped Scott’s belief that barriers work. He was named San Diego sector chief in 2017. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump’s policies. “He’s well known. He does know these issues and obviously is trusted by the administration,” said Gil Kerlikowske, the CBP commissioner under the Obama administration. Kerlikowske took issue with some of Scott’s past actions, including his refusal to fall in line with a Biden administration directive to stop using terms like “illegal alien” in favor of descriptions like “migrant,” and his decision as San Diego sector chief to fire tear gas into Mexico to disperse protesters. “You don’t launch projectiles into a foreign country,” Kerlikowske said. At the time Scott defended the agents’ decisions , saying they were being assaulted by “a hail of rocks.” While much of the focus of Trump’s administration may be on illegal immigration and security along the U.S.-Mexico border, Kerlikowske also stressed the importance of other parts of Customs and Border Protection’s mission. The agency is responsible for securing trade and international travel at airports, ports and land crossings around the country. Whoever runs the agency has to make sure that billions of dollars worth of trade and millions of passengers move swiftly and safely into and out of the country. And if Trump makes good on promises to ratchet up tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada, CBP will play an integral role in enforcing them. “There’s a huge amount of other responsibility on trade, on tourism, on cyber that take a significant amount of time and have a huge impact on the economy if it’s not done right,” Kerlikowske said. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s hard-line immigration agenda. He has appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He’s also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, he advocated for a return to Trump-era immigration policies and more pressure on Mexico to enforce immigration on its side of the border.

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Kyiv Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has warned Nigeria and other African countries against partnership with Russia, saying that such collaboration may eventually lead to Russian missiles falling on their countries. Speaking with journalists from African countries on the sidelines of the ‘Summit on Food Security – Grain from Ukraine,’ Zelenskyy said that when the time comes, it will not matter what kind of partnership African countries have with Russia. He particularly said African countries will have a lot of problems with Wagners and Russia’s influence on the continent. “I think that you will have a lot of problems with Wagners and with Russian influential politics in your country. It is about security and as we know very well, it is a pity, but we know it very well. “When you are very dependent on Russia, they will come to you. And when they will come, it doesn’t matter what economic issues you will have, what benefits you have – energy benefits, chemical benefits, grain et cetera from Russia. “It doesn’t matter when missiles come to your houses, when your country begins to be destroyed backward, when your children just, you know, die. It doesn’t matter what you have, what the price you can reach. At this moment, it doesn’t matter what the price of petrol is in your country. Trust us,” Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian President further said it was very important for the world to preserve the sanctity of human lives. Earlier, Zelenskyy said the programme, Grain from Ukraine, is working really successfully and will continue to expand. “I want to thank everyone who makes this possible. Today, important figures, important volumes are being announced here, which represent the most important thing – the real lives of people: children, families in different parts of the world. And it’s not just Europe, of course, which is very important for us. But Africa and Asia – the entire world. These are the countries that we have really helped. Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen. “Now there was a very sensitive video. It was Nigeria and Gaza and so on. Many parts of the world. And I am very pleased, and I want to express my gratitude. And I would like us to applaud the whole team, all the countries that provide all this – such support for people. They bring life to people. Thank you very much!” the Ukrainian President also said. He disclosed that overall, during the operation of the Grain From Ukraine programme, Ukraine managed to save 20 million people from hunger. “And this is solely due to one of our humanitarian programmes. In total, Ukraine’s food exports feed 400 million people in 100 countries of the world. “Ukraine is one of the world’s largest contributors to food security. And we maintain this status despite everything. Despite this colonial challenge from the Russian Federation. This war is a war against the lives of Ukrainians, against our people, our families.” Zelenskyy added that the full-scale Russian invasion began, among other things, with the Russian fleet blockading Ukrainian ports.The clock may have finally wound down for TikTok after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled on Friday that Congress has the power to ban the popular social media app if it fails to shed its Chinese ownership. The judges dismissed the First Amendment challenge that was brought by TikTok and many of its highest-profile users, who argued the ban was unconstitutional. "The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States. Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary's ability to gather data on people in the United States," wrote Judge Douglas Ginsburg. Sell-or-Ban—No Other Option The sell-or-ban law was signed by President Joe Biden in April, after receiving bipartisan support from lawmakers—including many who received classified briefings from the U.S. intelligence community. Critics of Friday's ruling were quick to call for the Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals ruling. "This law threatens the free speech rights of our client and millions of other Americans who use TikTok to share and hear political ideas," said Jacob Huebert, president of the Liberty Justice Center, which filed a lawsuit to challenge the TikTok ban in June. "To protect their rights, we'll ask the court to stay its decision until we seek Supreme Court review and receive a final decision," Huerbert added. Not Over Until It's Over While the company has until January 19, 2025, to either be sold or be banned—there are still possible lifelines available for TikTok. "One is the Supreme Court, which doesn't have to accept the case but could," explained social media analyst Greg Sterling, co-founder of Near Media. It is a long shot, as the high court may opt not to hear the case. Yet, even if the case is heard, it doesn't mean SCOTUS would rule in favor of TikTok, especially as lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum have pushed for the ban. "It's unlikely to say that the First Amendment outweighs U.S. national security interests, especially in the wake of the recent Chinese 'Salt Typhoon' hacking incident ," said Sterling, who added the other lifeline could come from the incoming administration. During his first term, President-elect Donald Trump had actually tried to ban TikTok, only to see the Biden administration overturn it. It is possible the same could play out again, just with the roles reversed. Trump has said he no longer supports a ban . "Although the ban is scheduled to take effect before he's inaugurated, Trump could push Congress to repeal the ban," added Sterling. "It's not clear whether that would be successful because of divisions within the Republican Party on TikTok." Are The Security Concerns Valid? Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have warned of the potential danger that the app presents as it could share user data with China, yet, some critics of the law say TikTok is just part of a much larger and more serious issue of how social media companies have access to the personal data of users. "The U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on TikTok highlights critical issues in mobile app security, API vulnerabilities, and the overarching role of big technology companies in app ecosystems dominated by Apple and Google," said Ted Morocco, CEO of cybersecurity provider Approov. "While the TikTok ban focuses on national security risks due to foreign ownership, the conversation must expand to address systemic flaws in app distribution and privacy regulation," Morocco added. "The lack of a federal data privacy framework in the U.S. exacerbates the issue, allowing platform owners to set their opaque policies." The cybersecurity expert added that the current policies enable practices that prioritize profit over user protection, including permissive data harvesting and inadequate penalties for privacy violations. "A clear, enforceable policy would mitigate these risks, especially for minors, who are disproportionately targeted by app-based surveillance and manipulative algorithms," explained Morocco, who said similar scrutiny should apply to all apps, regardless of their origin. TikTok's ban is largely justified by concerns over data flowing to a foreign adversary, even as American companies don't operate all that differently in how they gather customer data. "U.S.-based companies like Meta and Amazon have also faced allegations of privacy abuses," said Morocco. "A robust framework would ensure equal accountability and provide mechanisms for imposing meaningful penalties globally." TikTok's case simply serves as a microcosm of broader issues within cybersecurity, and how users are largely oblivious to how their data may be used. This ruling could address some national security concerns, but Morocco said a more comprehensive and transparent approach is needed to tackle the structural problems of app ecosystems. "Only by prioritizing security, transparency, and accountability, can the U.S. safeguard its citizens," he continued. Where Does This Leave TikTok Users? There is now less than a month and a half until TikTok could be banned in the U.S., and those who have large followings may need to look to other platforms . "If TikTok is shut down, which would be highly disruptive for many creators and users, Instagram is the most likely place that both groups would turn," said Sterling. "Instagram Reels is essentially a TikTok clone. But they could move to other networks as well. Bluesky is a possibility but I would be surprised if people moved over there vs. Instagram."

Novak Djokovic says his rivalry with Andy Murray has “one final chapter” after his long-time adversary joined him as his coach for the upcoming Australian Open. Murray – Britain’s greatest ever player – retired after this summer’s Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body. Many in the game expected the Scot would one day return to tennis and become a coach, particularly due to his love of the sport, hard work and his tactical acumen. He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024 But it came with some degree of shock on Saturday afternoon when a social media post from Djokovic, playing on Murray’s light-hearted tweet upon his departure, read: “He never liked retirement anyway”. The attached video announced Murray, who he lost to in two Slam finals but beat in four Australian showpieces, would coach him over the winter and through January’s Open in Melbourne. “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic said. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.” Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals as well as the French Open final in 2016. It was after he unseated Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 that Murray suffered the hip injury which ultimately derailed his career. Since his retirement, Murray has been playing golf with the same dedication he pursued his tennis but will now return to his natural habitat. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game after he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.NoneFinal Jeopardy Today December 6, 2024 – Question, Answer, Wages & Winner