DUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubilee5etop betting site 。

Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, as Wall Street kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 ended 0.7% higher after having been down 0.5% in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recovered from an early slide to eke out a 0.2% gain. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Gains in technology and communications stocks accounted for much of the gains, outweighing losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.7%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1%. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 12.7%, while Nissan ended flat. Eli Lilly rose 3.7% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.5% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. All told, the S&P 500 rose 43.22 points to 5,974.07. The Dow gained 66.69 points to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq rose 192.29 points to 19,764.89. Traders got a look at a new snapshot of U.S. consumer confidence Monday. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets closed mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.Wall Street tumbles as Fed projects slower rate cuts next yearHoly Cross secures 82-46 victory over Regis (MA)

One person died in Ecuador and ports closed across Peru as massive waves up to four meters (13 feet) high pummeled the region, officials said Saturday. Many beaches along the central and northern stretches of the Peruvian coastline were closed to prevent risk to human life, local authorities said. Waves there submerged jetties and public squares, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, according to images on local media. In neighboring Ecuador, the National Secretariat for Risk Management said a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta. "The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 am, the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector," the agency announced on social media. Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1, the National Emergency Operations Center said on its X social media account. The municipality of Callao, close to the capital Lima and the location of the country's main port, closed several beaches and barred tourist and fishing boats from venturing out. "These waves are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States," navy Captain Enrique Varea told Channel N television. "They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts," he said. Dozens of small fishing boats and businesses near the sea were affected, according to images broadcast on television and social networks. axl/rmb/nro/acbNov 21 (Reuters) - Bitcoin neared $100,000 for the first time on Thursday as the election of Republican Donald Trump as president fuelled expectations that his administration will create a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. The world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency has more than doubled from this year's low of $38,505 and is up about 45% in the two weeks since Trump's sweeping election win. Here are key events in bitcoin's journey towards $100,000: 2008: Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the cryptocurrency's presumed developer, introduces the concept of bitcoin 2010: The first retail transaction takes place when a user pays 10,000 bitcoin for two Papa John's pizzas 2013: As bitcoin's popularity grows, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founders of crypto exchange Gemini, file their first application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to create a spot bitcoin ETF. Grayscale Investments launches the Bitcoin Investment Trust, an open-ended private bitcoin trust. 2016: The Winklevoss brothers adjust their application numerous times, such as the exchange on which the product would be traded. They also file amendments naming State Street as administrator. Grayscale files with the SEC to convert its bitcoin trust into a spot bitcoin ETF. 2017: The SEC rejects the Winklevoss application on the grounds bitcoin markets were not mature enough. Grayscale withdraws its first attempt to convert its trust into an ETF, saying the regulatory environment was not developed enough. 2018: The SEC rejects the Winklevoss twins' second application to launch a spot bitcoin ETF, saying cryptocurrency exchanges do not have the necessary controls to prevent manipulation. 2020: Grayscale transforms its trust into an SEC-reporting entity, and its shares begin trading on the pink sheets, for stocks that trade over the counter. Although not an ETF, it is the first publicly traded bitcoin fund in the U.S. 2021: The first spot bitcoin ETF launches in Canada . Gary Gensler replaces Jay Clayton as SEC chair in April. In October, the SEC approves the ProShares Bitcoin Trust listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, noting the CME has a satisfactory mechanism for surveilling abuse in the futures market. It is the first U.S.-listed futures-based bitcoin ETF, accumulating $1 billion in assets within its first days of trading - faster than any other ETF. Also in October, Grayscale again submits an application to the SEC to convert its trust into a spot bitcoin ETF. 2022: The SEC rejects several applications from would-be spot bitcoin ETF issuers, including SkyBridge, Fidelity and Bitwise. The SEC also rejects Grayscale's application, prompting the company to sue the agency. Amid crashing crypto prices, multiple crypto companies file for bankruptcy , including Three Arrows Capital, Celsius Network and FTX, whose founder Sam Bankman-Fried is also charged with fraud. 2023: May: Cathie Woods' ARK Investments and CBOE Global Markets (CBOE.Z) , opens new tab file for a spot bitcoin ETF, giving the SEC a maximum of 240 days to approve or reject the application. June: BlackRock (BLK.N) , opens new tab files a spot bitcoin ETF application with the SEC, raising industry hopes the agency may approve the product and sending the price of bitcoin to a one-year high. A flurry of other issuers and exchanges, including Fidelity and Invesco, file bitcoin ETF applications in the subsequent weeks and months. August: A federal appeals court in Washington D.C. rules in favor of Grayscale , saying the SEC did not justify why it had rejected its proposal. Europe's first spot bitcoin ETF begins trading on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. October: The SEC opts not to appeal the court's ruling in the Grayscale case and is required to reexamine the application. 2024: Jan. 10: The SEC approves 11 proposals from issuers including BlackRock, Fidelity and VanEck, among others, to launch spot bitcoin ETFs. February: Net inflows into the 10 largest ETFs hit $4 billion in the first month, according to LSEG data. March: Bitcoin tops $70,000 for the first time to hit a record high, having doubled in value in the five months. June: Trump pitches himself as a champion for cryptocurrency and slammed Democrats' attempts to regulate the sector during a San Francisco fundraiser. July: Trump tells a bitcoin conference that, if elected, he will create a strategic national bitcoin stockpile and will ensure the United States is the "crypto capital of the planet." October: The SEC grants "accelerated approval" to U.S. exchanges to list and trade options tied to 11 spot bitcoin ETFs. Nov 6: Trump is declared winner of the presidential election, sparking a huge rally in a range of assets, with bitcoin being the standout gainer. Nov 12: Total crypto market cap reaches $3 trillion for the first time. Year-to-date ETF net inflows hit $25.8 billion, according to LSEG data. Nov 21: Bitcoin nears $100,000 for the first time in history, driven by a swell of buying from investors in anticipation of Trump dismantling a lot of the regulation around crypto investment. The price has risen by around 40% since the election. Sign up here. Reporting by Amanda Cooper, Hannah Lang and Suzanne McGee; Editing by Rod Nickel Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabThe Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”Record Number Of Migrants Lost At Sea Bound For Spain In 2024 - NGO

Several male celebrities took the internet’s heart by storm in 2024, but a handful stood out from the rest of the pack. For those unfamiliar with the phrase “Internet Boyfriend,” the term is applied to popular celebrities who fans collectively have a crush on at the same time. For example, Nicholas Alexander Chavez not only won fans over with his impressive performance in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story but also for a viral TikTok fan edit. Longtime internet boyfriend Timothée Chalamet , meanwhile, had a jam-packed 2024 with his films Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown . Not to mention, he was one of the first stars to be the subject of the recent celebrity look-alike competition trend. He even showed up to his own New York City doppelgänger contest in October. 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 Similar to Chalamet — who sang live on the set of A Complete Unknown — Jonathan Bailey made fans fall in love with singing chops as Fiyero in Wicked: Part One . Stars such as Adam Brody and Josh Hartnett made millennials nostalgic with 2024 comeback projects, while Marcello Hernandez and Jack Schlossberg made waves online with their hilarious personalities. Keep scrolling for Us Weekly ’s unofficial ranking of the internet’s top boyfriends of 2024: Credit: Getty Images (3) Ranking the Internet’s Best Boyfriends of 2024: Jonathan Bailey, Paul Mescal and More Several male celebrities took the internet’s heart by storm in 2024, but a handful stood out from the rest of the pack.For those unfamiliar with the phrase “Internet Boyfriend,” the term is applied to popular celebrities who fans collectively have a crush on at the same time. For example, Nicholas Alexander Chavez not only won fans over with his impressive performance in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story but also for a viral TikTok fan edit.Longtime internet boyfriend Timothée Chalamet , meanwhile, had a jam-packed 2024 with his films Dune: Part Two and A Complete Unknown . Not to mention, he was one of the first stars to be the subject of the recent celebrity look-alike competition trend. He even showed up to his own New York City doppelgänger contest in October.Similar to Chalamet — who sang live on the set of A Complete Unknown — Jonathan Bailey made fans fall in love with singing chops as Fiyero in Wicked: Part One . Stars such as Adam Brody and Josh Hartnett made millennials nostalgic with 2024 comeback projects, while Marcello Hernandez and Jack Schlossberg made waves online with their hilarious personalities.Keep scrolling for Us Weekly ’s unofficial ranking of the internet’s top boyfriends of 2024: Credit: Phillip Faraone/WireImage 20. Ryan Gosling Ryan Gosling followed up his 2023 Barbie success with the action movie The Fall Guy . As if we couldn’t love him enough already, his character in the film cried while listening to Taylor Swift’ s “All Too Well” in a car. Gosling even tweaked the lyrics to the hit song during his Saturday Night Live hosting monologue on April, bringing out costar Emily Blunt as a special surprise. Credit: Araya Doheny/WireImage 19. Tyler James Williams Tyler James Williams ’ Gregory Eddie and Quinta Brunson ’s Janine Teagues are finally a couple on Abbott Elementary , and fans couldn’t be happier. “What we have seen up until this point was a mutual admiration for each other,” Williams exclusively told Us of the TV couple’s future in October. “Regardless of where it goes, it's about how much they really respect and care for each other. That's the key. Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust 18. Jack Schlossberg The only grandson of late President John F. Kennedy , Schlossberg has made waves on social media since becoming a political correspondent for Vogue earlier this year. “If you’re going to ask people to think about something serious, you need to make it entertaining or fun,” he told the outlet in July. “That’s what all the great leaders do. You can’t just hammer people with how bad stuff is. You’ve got to bring some positivity and good energy to the things you think are important. That’s the only strategy I have.” Credit: Maya Dehlin Spach/WireImage 17. Taron Egerton The Welsh native added another swoon-worthy role to his Hollywood resume as Ethan Kopek in the Netflix holiday thriller Carry-On . The film quickly rose to the No. 1 spot on the streamer’s Top 10 movies list following its December premiere. Credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images 16. Kit Connor and Joe Locke One year after the release of Heartstopper season 2, Kit Connor and Joe Locke returned to their beloved roles as Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, respectively, for the Netflix series’ third season. Outside of Heartstopper , Locke joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Billy Kaplan (a.k.a. Wiccan) in the Disney+ series Agatha All Along . In addition to voicing the adorable Brightbill in The Wild Robot , Connor made his Broadway debut alongside Rachel Zegler in the play Romeo + Juliet . Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images 15. Nicholas Galitzine The British actor romanced Anne Hathaway as boy band star Hayes Campbell in the Prime Video film The Idea of You . Plus, he surprised fans by showing off his impressive body transformation into He-Man for the upcoming Masters of the Universe movie with a buff Instagram Story snap earlier this month. Credit: Ernesto Ruscio/WireImage 14. Josh Hartnett Hartnett made moviegoers fall in love with a serial killer thanks to his performance in the thriller Trapped . He also made a surprise appearance on a season 3 episode of The Bear . Credit: Michael Tran / AFP 13. Marcello Hernandez Hernandez — or should we say, Domingo — went viral for his latest Saturday Night Live original character . He played-up the Domingo hype by appearing as the character at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in November. Credit: Getty Images (4) 12. Chase Stokes, Drew Starkey, Jonathan Daviss and Rudy Pankow The cast of Netflix’s Outer Banks made Us fall in love with them all over again when the show’s fourth season dropped in November. Unfortunately for the on-screen besties, the season ended with the shocking death of Rudy Pankow ’s character, JJ. (R.I.P.) Credit: Mike Coppola/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue 11. Donald Glover Donald Glover had big footsteps to follow for Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV adaptation, as Brad Pitt starred in the original 2005 spy romance. Luckily, Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino) pulled off the role with ease and cemented himself as an action star to watch. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix 10. Glen Powell Glen Powell showed fans many sides of himself in 2024, from taking on multiple personas in the Netflix movie Hit Man to chasing storms as Tyler Owens in the summer blockbuster Twisters . Credit: Getty Images (3) 9. Luke Newton, Luke Thompson and Victor Alli The men of Bridgerton continued to make Us swoon in season 3. While the latest installment ended with Luke Newton ’s Colin Bridgerton and Victor Alli ’s Lord John Stirling happily in love with their respective romantic partners, the finale set up Luke Thompson ’s Benedict Bridgerton to take on the leading man role in season 4. Credit: David Eulitt/Getty Images 8. Travis Kelce Taylor Swift ’s “guy on the Chiefs” continued to prove he’s the ultimate Hollywood boyfriend goals by attending several of her Eras Tour concerts and taking the Grammy winner out for several romantic date nights. Not to mention, he threw Swift a surprise Eras -themed party to celebrate her December birthday and the end of her record-breaking tour. Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage 7. Timothee Chalamet On top of earning critical and fan praise for his work in A Complete Unknown and Dune: Part Two , Timothée became an uncle in 2024 with the birth of his sister Pauline Chalamet ’s baby girl. Credit: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival 6. Andrew Garfield Andrew Garfield made fans fall in love and cry their eyes out with his role as Tobias in We Live in Time , cementing himself as a British rom-com heartthrob. Credit: Stewart Cook/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios 5. Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist The internet was just as obsessed with Challengers stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist as their characters were with Zendaya ’s Tashi Duncan in the sports drama. Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images 4. Adam Brody Gilmore Girls and The O.C. fans rejoiced when Brody returned to the small screen as Noah (a.k.a. the hot rabbi) in the Netflix series Nobody Wants This . Luckily for viewers, the show was renewed for a second season. Credit: Getty Images (3) 3. Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn As if fans weren’t already obsessed with Paul Mescal , Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn before their roles in Gladiator II , the Ridley Scott -directed sequel furthered their status as some of the internet’s favorite boyfriends. Credit: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix 2. Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez The two actors gave emotional and chilling breakout performances as the Menendez brothers in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story . Chavez went on to play the hot priest in the Ryan Murphy series Grotesquerie , while Koch scored a 2025 Golden Globes nomination for his portrayal of Erik Menendez . (Shout-out to Koch’s performance in the show’s one-take episode titled “The Hurt Man.”) Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage 1. Jonathan Bailey To Us , Bailey dominated the 2024 pop culture zeitgeist. He began the year reprising his beloved role of Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton season 4, and later made a cameo as Nick and Charlie’s famous author crush, Jack Maddox, in Heartstopper season 3. However, it’s his performance as Fiyero in Wicked: Part One that will have Us dancing through life and into the new year. In order to view the gallery, please allow Manage Cookies For access to all our exclusive celebrity videos and interviews – Subscribe on YouTube!The most anticipated matchup of the second round of the College Football Playoff is set to be a rematch between the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on Jan. 1 in the iconic Rose Bowl Game, with a trip to the semifinals on the line. The first meeting back in Week 7 ended in dramatic fashion, with the Ducks escaping Eugene with a 32-31 win in what could be considered one of the biggest victories in program history, especially in front of their home crowd. 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Achieves doubling in remote patient enrollment. Plans Expanded Launch of RH 2.0 Care Management Platform WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RemoniHealth, a leading medical technology company providing enterprise vision monitoring and extended care solutions for eye care practices, announces a significant milestone of surpassing 80,000 remote monitoring encounters for patients with chronic retina diseases. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to transform remote care management and diagnostics for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The milestone comes amid significant growth in patient enrollment in its early access service to select centers, which has surged over the past 12 months. This growth reflects the increasing adoption of RemoniHealth's solution among eye care providers and their patients which underscores the critical role of remote diagnostic monitoring to enhance patient care. Adding to these accomplishments, RemoniHealth is rolling out its next generation 2.0 integrated digital service platform with extended care management capabilities. In addition, the company is piloting its comprehensive Glaucoma 360 remote monitoring and care management service, including at-home IOP testing and online perimetry. These advancements will empower practices to deliver comprehensive patient engagement, streamlined disease monitoring, and improved adherence to Medicare and commercial health insurance reimbursement standards. Milestone Achievement with Macustat Retina Product Line RemoniHealth's Macustat retina product line has been at the forefront of this success. The early access program, implemented across leading retina practices and multi-practice networks such as Retina Consultants of America (RCA) and OCLI/ Spectrum Vision Partners, has enabled out-of-clinic remote monitoring for patients managing chronic eye diseases. These encounters form the backbone of the largest validated enterprise system for multi-specialty remote physiologic monitoring in eye care. Dr. Robert Avery says: "We are excited to offer remote care services to our retina patients. It expands our care beyond the busy clinic lanes and patients love the high-touch engagement, with the peace of mind that their disease is monitored continuously between the episodic visits.” Dr. Avery is Founder and CEO of California Retina Consultants, and member of Retina Consultants of America (RCA). Expansion Plans in Eye Care Management and Beyond Building on this momentum, RemoniHealth is expanding its focus to include principal care management for chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma. This move aligns with the company's mission to broaden its impact on eye care by addressing a wider range of chronic diseases through innovative remote monitoring and management solutions while also preparing to extend its innovative remote monitoring and management solutions to other health areas beyond eye care. This strategic expansion aligns with the company's mission to enhance patient outcomes across multiple chronic disease categories. About RemoniHealth RemoniHealth is a private medical technology company revolutionizing eye care practices with enterprise remote monitoring and care management solutions. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, RemoniHealth delivers unparalleled patient engagement, compliance, and monitoring capabilities for chronic eye diseases. CONTACT: Contact Information Elina Ianchulev RemoniHealth [email protected] www.remonihealth.com

David Coote will not appeal against the termination of his contract by referees’ body PGMOL, the PA news agency understands. Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.

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Stormont minister Maurice Morrow told an official he would not raise the issue with the Northern Ireland Executive, despite similar measures being considered in England and Wales. A file on planning arrangements for the jubilee celebrations reveals a series of civil service correspondences on how Northern Ireland would mark the occasion. It includes a letter sent on January 11 2001 from an official in the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) to the Department of Social Development, advising that a committee had been set up in London to consider a programme of celebrations. The correspondence says: “One of the issues the committee is currently considering is the possibility of deregulating liquor licensing laws during the golden jubilee celebrations on the same lines as the arrangements made for the millennium. “It is felt that the golden jubilee bank holiday on Monday 3 June 2002 is likely to be an occasion on which many public houses and similar licensed premises would wish to stay open beyond normal closing time.” The letter said a paper had been prepared on the issue of extending opening hours. It adds: “You will note that paragraph seven of the paper indicates that the devolved administrations ‘would need to consider deregulation separately within their own jurisdictions’. “I thought that you would wish to be aware that this issue is receiving active consideration for England and Wales and to consider whether anything needs to be done for Northern Ireland.” Some months later a “progress report” was sent between officials in OFMDFM, which again raised the issue of licensing laws. It says: “I spoke to Gordon Gibson, DSD, about Terry Smith’s letter of 12 January 2001 about licensing laws: the matter was put to their minister Maurice Morrow (DUP) who indicated that he would not be asking the NIE (Northern Ireland Executive) to approve any change to current licensing laws in NI to allow for either 24 hour opening (as at the millennium) nor a blanket approval for extended opening hours as is being considered in GB. “In both cases, primary legislation would be required here and would necessitate consultation and the minister has ruled out any consultation process.” The correspondence says individual licensees could still apply for an extension to opening hours on an ad hoc basis, adding “there the matter rests”. It goes on: “DSD await further pronouncements from the Home Office and Gibson and I have agreed to notify each other of any developments we become aware of and he will copy me to any (existing) relevant papers. “Ministers may well come under pressure in due course for a relaxation and/or parity with GB.” The document concludes “That’s it so far...making haste slowly?” Emails sent between officials in the department the same month said that lord lieutenants in Northern Ireland had been approached about local events to mark the jubilee. One message says: “Lord lieutenants have not shown any enthusiasm for encouraging GJ celebrations at a local level. “Lady Carswell in particular believes that it would be difficult for LLs to encourage such activities without appearing political.”

geothermal turbines market which was USD 67.61 billion in 2023, would rocket up to USD 111.89 billion by 2031, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 6.5% 11-22-2024 06:59 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research Private Ltd / PR Agency: Data Bridge Market Research "Global Geothermal Turbines Market, By Type (Flash Steam, Binary Cycle, and Dry Steam), Capacity (Low Capacity (10MW)), Application (Electric Power Generation, Direct Use, and Cogeneration), End Use (Industrial, Residential, Agriculture, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global geothermal turbines market which was USD 67.61 billion in 2023, would rocket up to USD 111.89 billion by 2031, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. Explore Further Details about This Research Geothermal Turbines Market Share Report https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-geothermal-turbines-market **Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Market Analysis 2021 & 2029** **2021 Analysis:** - The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) market in 2021 witnessed steady growth with an increasing focus on research and development efforts to combat the disease. The market was primarily driven by the rising prevalence of MERS infections in the Middle Eastern region, leading to a higher demand for diagnostic tools, treatment options, and preventive measures. The market also saw advancements in technology and innovations in therapeutic approaches to manage MERS. **2029 Analysis:** - By 2029, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) market is projected to experience significant growth due to continued research and development activities aimed at finding more effective treatment modalities and preventive strategies. With an increasing emphasis on public health initiatives and infrastructure development in the Middle East, the market is expected to expand further, offering new opportunities for market players to introduce innovative solutions. **Segments:** - **Diagnostic Tools** - Advanced PCR testing kits - Rapid antigen detection assays - Serology tests - **Treatment Options** - Antiviral medications - Immunomodulators - **Preventive Measures** - Vaccines targeting MERS-CoV - Public health campaigns on hygiene practices **Market Players:** - **Abbott Laboratories** - **Roche Diagnostics** - **Tetracore Inc.** - **Siemens Healthineers** - **Thermo Fisher Scientific** - **Cepheid** - **Fujirebio** - **BioFire Diagnostics** - **Qiagen** - **Biocartis** https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-mers-marketThe Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) market is poised for significant growth between 2021 and 2029 as key market players continue to invest in research and development efforts to combat the disease effectively. With advancements in technology and therapeutic approaches, there is a growing focus on developing more precise and rapid diagnostic tools to detect MERS infections early on. This emphasis on early detection is crucial in controlling the spread of the disease and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems in the Middle East region. In terms of treatment options, the market is witnessing a shift towards innovative antiviral medications and immunomodulators that target the specific mechanisms of MERS-CoV, the virus responsible for the syndrome. These novel therapies offer promising outcomes in managing the symptoms of MERS and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, preventive measures such as vaccines targeting MERS-CoV and public health campaigns promoting hygiene practices are becoming increasingly crucial in preventing the spread of the disease and minimizing its impact on public health. Market players such as Abbott Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, Tetracore Inc., and Siemens Healthineers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions for the MERS market. These companies are leveraging their expertise in diagnostics, treatment development, and public health initiatives to address the evolving needs of healthcare systems in the Middle East. Collaborative efforts among industry players are also driving innovation and propelling the market forward by introducing new products and solutions that cater to the specific requirements of combating MERS effectively. Moreover, with the growing emphasis on infrastructure development and public health initiatives in the Middle East, there is a ripe opportunity for market players to expand their reach and introduce their offerings to a broader audience. The increasing awareness about MERS and the importance of early detection and treatment among healthcare providers and the general population is creating a conducive environment for market growth. As a result, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome market is expected to witness a surge in demand for diagnostic tools, treatment options, and preventive measures, presenting lucrative opportunities for**Market Players:** - GeneOne Life Science (South Korea) - INOVIO Pharmaceuticals (U.S.) - Pfizer Inc. (U.S.) - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (U.S.) - Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan) - Merck KGaA (Germany) - Sanofi (France) - Biocare Medical, LLC (U.S.) - Lilly (U.S.) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel) The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) market is witnessing substantial growth driven by the concerted efforts of key market players in research, development, and innovation. With a focus on developing advanced diagnostic tools, treatment options, and preventive measures, the market is poised to expand significantly between 2021 and 2029. Collaborative efforts among industry leaders such as Abbott Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, Tetracore Inc., and Siemens Healthineers are paving the way for cutting-edge solutions to combat MERS effectively. These companies are leveraging their expertise to introduce novel therapies, diagnostic kits, and public health initiatives tailored to the unique requirements of the Middle Eastern region. The shift towards more precise diagnostic tools, including PCR testing kits and rapid antigen detection assays, is crucial for early detection of MERS infections, thereby aiding in containing the spread of the disease and reducing the strain on healthcare systems. Additionally, the market is witnessing a transition towards innovative treatment options such as antiviral medications and immunomodulators that target the specific mechanisms of M Table Of Content 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives Of The Study 1.2 Geothermal Turbines Market Definition 1.3 Overview 1.4 Limitations 1.5 Markets Covered 2 Geothermal Turbines Market Segmentation 2.1 Geothermal Turbines Market Covered 2.2 Geographical Scope 2.3 Years Considered For The Study 2.4 Currency And Pricing 2.5 Dbmr Tripod Data Validation Model 2.6 Multivariate Modeling 2.7 Primary Interviews With Key Opinion Leaders 2.8 Dbmr Geothermal Turbines Market Position Grid 2.9 Dbmr Vendor Share Analysis 2.1 Secondary Sources 2.11 Assumptions 3 Executive Summary............. Browse Related Reports: https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/glass-substrate-market-driving.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/gasoline-market-trends-in-production.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/frozen-potato-market-increasing-demand.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/hall-effect-current-sensor-market.html Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. This release was published on openPR.Cassia Networks presents the new M1500, a compact Bluetooth Gateway designed to provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for enterprise IoT applications . SAN JOSE, Calif. , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cassia Networks, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions, announces the launch of its new M1500 Bluetooth Gateway in China . Further announcements for the global release will follow. Cassia's M1500 is a compact and cost-effective Bluetooth gateway that delivers exceptional performance. It is designed to be easy to install and use, offering the convenience of supporting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet as backhaul options, along with Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply capabilities. The M1500 provides customers with enterprise-grade security, flexibility, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for deploying IoT projects in a cost-effective manner. Like all of Cassia's Bluetooth gateways, the M1500 can be managed using Cassia's IoT Access Controller (AC), which stands as the industry's most robust enterprise Bluetooth network management solution. The M1500 also supports Bluetooth roaming and positioning, features that are shared with other Cassia enterprise Bluetooth gateways such as the M2000, E1000, and X2000. It serves as a complementary addition to this lineup. The M1500 is available in two distinct versions: the M1500 Standard and the M1500-XT. The M1500 Standard is an indoor model equipped with an omni-directional antenna. In contrast, the M1500-XT is designed for outdoor use, featuring a robust outdoor enclosure and a directional antenna. The versatility of the M1500 gateway allows it to be utilized across a wide range of industries and applications. These include continuous vital sign monitoring in hospitals, telehealth, Industrial IoT, smart campuses, supply chain management, and personnel and asset tracking. Felix Zhao , CEO of Cassia Networks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new product, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the M1500. This addition enhances our suite of enterprise IoT solutions by providing flexible, secure, and cost-effective connectivity for our enterprise customers." To learn more about the M1500 technical specifications visit: https://www.cassianetworks.com/products/m1500-bluetooth-gateway/ About Cassia Networks Cassia Networks is the leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions. Our patented technology provides the most reliable and easy to manage long-range, multiple device connectivity, edge processing and locationing for Bluetooth IoT networks. Our mission is to solve the IoT connectivity, locationing and management challenges faced by today's enterprises and make IoT easy. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cassia-networks-releases-the-m1500-enterprise-grade-compact-bluetooth-gateway-enhancing-enterprise-application-flexibility-302334088.html SOURCE Cassia Networks

$4b spent a year on healthcare abroad

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A desperate confession in my group chat shows the 'mummy cocaine' trend has gone too far. JANA HOCKING reveals what this very middle-class epidemic has done to the women she once adored By JANA HOCKING FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 13:42, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 13:53, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Confession time: Last week, I took the 'Peter Pans of Sydney ' to task over their rampant cocaine use , arguing they're far too old to still be risking their health and relationships for a few hours of 'fun' on the weekends. The response was interesting. Yes, I had many women (and men) flooding my DMs to say I was absolutely right. I also had my fair share of abuse from misogynistic little cokeheads who didn't like me pointing out that cocaine causes erectile dysfunction. But then, I was also reminded to look at my own backyard. In focusing on how coke had wrecked a generation of men, I had neglected the women over 40 who are also hopelessly hooked on the stuff. And there are plenty of them doing lines at nightclubs with strangers every single weekend while their poor husbands look after the children at home . It's time to correct the record . I'll always hold my own sex accountable (myself included) so it's only fair I dish the dirt on what it's like on the other side of the fence. Let's start with a Sunday morning that, sadly, wasn't too long ago. I woke up feeling that familiar dread - an emotional hangover paired with a muted sadness. My mouth tasted like the remnants of last night's dirty martinis, and I anxiously scrolled through my texts and Instagram to make sure I hadn't sent or posted anything regrettable. 'Thank God,' I thought as it all came up clear. Then the messages started pinging in on a WhatsApp group created by some new girlfriends. I felt a slightly terrible sense of relief as I realised a few of them were waking up with worse anxiety than my silly little hangover. 'Oh, God. I spent $600 last night just on coke!' wrote one of them, subtly hinting that others who had partaken in her 'party favours' might want to chip in. In focusing on how coke had wrecked a generation of men, I had neglected the women over 40 who are also hopelessly hooked on the stuff, writes Mail+ columnist Jana Hocking Jana (left) was neck deep in the Sydney party scene in the 2010s, when Instagram was new and cocktails didn't cost $25. But many women of her generation are still partying like they're in their twenties and thirties Suddenly, my $120 bar tab seemed like nothing in comparison. A hangover I could handle. A cocaine comedown at my age? No, thank you. I've got deadlines to meet and serotonin reserves I'm clinging onto for dear life. It made me realise something: many of the women I once admired - glamorous, carefree, unstoppable forces of the social scene - are still chasing the same highs they did in their twenties. We all know that one woman at a party desperately asking if we've seen any blokes with 'a bag'. Sure, it may have been cute to flirt with a guy for a cheeky line when you were young and single, but now it just looks desperate. I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that now the stakes are higher, and the consequences are etched into these women's faces. Botox appointments are becoming more frequent, not just to fend off natural ageing but to repair the wear and tear of years spent trying to keep up. Take Fiona, for example (name changed, of course). She's a real estate agent in her forties who swears by the 'one line, one dance floor' rule she has followed since 1999. But when I saw her at a Christmas party, I barely recognised her. The spark in her eyes had dimmed, her laugh sounded strained, and her famous cheekbones looked hollow. Over a few glasses of wine, she confessed, 'It's not just once in a while anymore. I think I've forgotten how to have fun without it.' Then there's the alarming trend of women using cocaine as a weight-loss drug in lieu of Ozempic. The so-called 'miracle' injections might be all over the headlines, but their high price and limited availability have driven some women to a more dangerous (and illegal) alternative. 'It curbs your appetite and gives you energy,' one woman whispered at a lunch, as though sharing a life hack. But the reality is very different. Regular cocaine use not only wreaks havoc on your body but also creates a dependency that's hard to escape. The irony is bitter: women are striving for health and vitality (I blame you, Gwyneth Paltrow, and all your Goop glowiness!) but are using a method that is about as far from Goop's kooky wellness philosophy as you can get. They are destroying their bodies from the inside out. As one friend who finally quit put it, 'I wanted to look my best, but I ended up feeling my worst.' And honestly, why would we willingly pile more stress on our bodies? Being a woman in your early forties is tough. Between PMS and the mood swings of perimenopause, we've already got enough emotional chaos to contend with. Why add to that the dreaded Tuesday Blues from a weekend 'on the bags'? No, thanks. I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that now the stakes are higher, and the consequences of weekend cocaine binges are etched into these women's faces (stock image) Read More What cocaine has done to the men of my generation is tragic. These are their terrifying confessions Take Amelia, a divorcee in her fifties who recently re-entered the dating world. 'It's just to keep up,' she told me over coffee, explaining her new boyfriend's love of 'kicking on' after a night out had made her revisit her long-abandoned cocaine habit. But the toll was obvious - her radiant complexion had given way to visible exhaustion. And her tales of wild nights? They weren't romantic escapades but cringeworthy stories of lost phones, awkward apologies to babysitters, and comedown-induced arguments. One of the saddest revelations came from Claire, a mother of two who admitted her 'mummy's little helper' wasn't just the odd glass of rosé. 'It started with school fundraisers,' she confessed, 'but now it's my go-to whenever I feel overwhelmed.' The temporary relief is quickly replaced by sleepless nights, anxiety and guilt she carries into every parent-teacher meeting. Don't get me wrong: these women aren't 'bad people' or sad caricatures of their younger selves. They are accomplished, intelligent and loving individuals caught in the same cultural trap: the allure of a quick fix, a temporary high to numb the stress and fear of midlife. But the price they're paying is steep. Physically, the signs are impossible to ignore. Cocaine's damage doesn't discriminate between genders. It steals your glow, accelerates wrinkles and leaves your body crying out for rest. (Honestly, even just one martini can do that to me these days, let alone anything stronger!) Emotionally, the toll is even worse. Relationships fray, trust erodes and self-esteem takes a nosedive. So, why do they keep doing it? The same reasons men do: to escape, to feel alive, to cling to the illusion of youth. But as we all know, illusions shatter. As I reflect on the women I once idolised for their effortless charm and unshakable confidence, I can't help but feel sadness. They deserve better. We all do. So maybe it's time to say bon voyage to 'those' kinds of bags, ladies, and invest in ones that last. Like a Birkin. It might even end up being cheaper in the long term - and it'll definitely go better with the outfit. Instagram Ozempic Gwyneth Paltrow Jana Hocking Share or comment on this article: A desperate confession in my group chat shows the 'mummy cocaine' trend has gone too far. JANA HOCKING reveals what this very middle-class epidemic has done to the women she once adored e-mail Add commentChildren of the wealthy and connected get special admissions consideration at some elite U.S. universities, according to new filings in a class-action lawsuit originally brought against 17 schools. Georgetown’s then-president, for example, listed a prospective student on his “president’s list” after meeting her and her wealthy father at an Idaho conference known as “summer camp for billionaires,” according to Tuesday court filings in the price-fixing lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court in 2022. Although it’s always been assumed that such favoritism exists, the filings offer a rare peek at the often secret deliberations of university heads and admissions officials. They show how schools admit otherwise unqualified wealthy children because their parents have connections and could possibly donate large sums down the line, raising questions about fairness. Stuart Schmill, the dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote in a 2018 email that the university admitted four out of six applicants recommended by then-board chairman Robert Millard, including two who “we would really not have otherwise admitted.” The two others were not admitted because they were “not in the ball park, or the push from him was not as strong.” In the email, Schmill said Millard was careful to play down his influence on admissions decisions, but he said the chair also sent notes on all six students and later met with Schmill to share insight “into who he thought was more of a priority.” The filings are the latest salvo in a lawsuit that claims that 17 of the nation’s most prestigious colleges colluded to reduce the competition for prospective students and drive down the amount of financial aid they would offer, all while giving special preference to the children of wealthy donors. “That illegal collusion resulted in the defendants providing far less aid to students than would have been provided in a free market,” said Robert Gilbert, an attorney for the plaintiffs. Since the lawsuit was filed, 10 of the schools have reached settlements to pay out a total of $284 million, including payments of up to $2,000 to current or former students whose financial aid might have been shortchanged over a period of more than two decades. They are Brown, the University of Chicago, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Emory, Northwestern, Rice, Vanderbilt and Yale. Johns Hopkins is working on a settlement and the six schools still fighting the lawsuit are the California Institute of Technology, Cornell, Georgetown, MIT, Notre Dame and the University of Pennsylvania. MIT called the lawsuit and the claims about admissions favoritism baseless. “MIT has no history of wealth favoritism in its admissions; quite the opposite,” university spokesperson Kimberly Allen said. “After years of discovery in which millions of documents were produced that provide an overwhelming record of independence in our admissions process, plaintiffs could cite just a single instance in which the recommendation of a board member helped sway the decisions for two undergraduate applicants." In a statement, Penn also said the case is meritless that the evidence shows that it doesn't favor students whose families have donated or pledged money to the Ivy League school. “Plaintiffs’ whole case is an attempt to embarrass the University about its purported admission practices on issues totally unrelated to this case," the school said. Notre Dame officials also called the case baseless. “We are confident that every student admitted to Notre Dame is fully qualified and ready to succeed,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. The South Bend, Indiana, school, though, did apparently admit wealthy students with subpar academic backgrounds. According to the new court filings, Don Bishop, who was then associate vice president for enrollment at Notre Dame, bluntly wrote about the “special interest” admits in a 2012 email, saying that year's crop had poorer academic records than the previous year's. The 2012 group included 38 applicants who were given a “very low” academic rating, Bishop wrote. He said those students represented “massive allowances to the power of the family connections and funding history,” adding that “we allowed their high gifting or potential gifting to influence our choices more this year than last year.” The final line of his email: “Sure hope the wealthy next year raise a few more smart kids!” Some of the examples pointed to in this week's court filings showed that just being able to pay full tuition would give students an advantage. During a deposition, a former Vanderbilt admissions director said that in some cases, a student would get an edge on the waitlist if they didn’t need financial aid. The 17 schools were part of a decades-old group that got permission from Congress to come up with a shared approach to awarding financial aid. Such an arrangement might otherwise violate antitrust laws, but Congress allowed it as long as the colleges all had need-blind admissions policies, meaning they wouldn't consider a student’s financial situation when deciding who gets in. The lawsuit argues that many colleges claimed to be need-blind but routinely favored the children of alumni and donors. In doing so, the suit says, the colleges violated the Congressional exemption and tainted the entire organization. The group dissolved in recent years when the provision allowing the collaboration expired. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .

DUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubilee

Mixed views of how climate policies impact the U.S. economyNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, state media reported Sunday, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president. Trump’s return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the North’s nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Korea’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say. During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party that ended Friday, Kim called the U.S. “the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.” Kim said that the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into “a nuclear military bloc for aggression.” “This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how,” Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. It said Kim’s speech “clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction to be launched aggressively” by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security. KCNA didn’t elaborate on the anti-U.S. strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defence technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers. The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim “fell in love.” But their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over U.S.-led sanctions on the North. North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such U.S.-led exercises as invasion rehearsals. Further complicating efforts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for economic and political benefits is its deepening military co-operation with Russia. According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscow’s war against Ukraine. There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russia’s Kursk region. It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October. Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the U.S., have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led pushes to levy more U.N. sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washington’s “unchangeable” hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.