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Danaher Corp. stock rises Thursday, outperforms marketPearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Prices Offering of Series A Preferred StockChief Minister Atishi on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Centre of “forcing” officials to remove names of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters from the electoral rolls to win the Delhi Assembly election due in February next year. The BJP junked the charge, saying Delhi’s ruling party, like its other INDIA bloc partners, is resorting to such rhetoric to deflect people’s attention from its “impending defeat” in the upcoming election. The CM also wrote to Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra, seeking a probe into the issue by a panel comprising retired officers or former judges of the High Court or Supreme Court. “If any officer is found guilty of vitiating the free and fair election [process], the strongest possible action must be taken against him,” she said in her letter to the Chief Secretary. The CM also cited the name of a District Magistrate, alleging that he instructed booth-level officers (BLOs) and assistant electoral roll officers (AEROs) to delete names of around 20,000 voters from the rolls in every constituency falling under his jurisdiction. Earlier addressing reporters, Ms. Atishi said the BJP is resorting to these tactics due to the fear of defeat in the election. She urged all BLOs and AEROs to record on their phones any verbal direction being issued to delete voters. Ms. Atishi alleged that the BJP-led Centre hatched a “major conspiracy” by transferring 29 Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) on October 28. “They were transferred on October 28, and afterwards, officials were ordered to delete votes on a large scale,” the Chief Minister alleged, adding that the amended GNCTD Act allows the Centre to shuffle Delhi governmment officials through the Lieutenant-Governor. Reacting to the accusations, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said most members of the INDIA bloc are demoralised by their “continuous electoral defeats”. ‘AAP staring at defeat’ “So far, we have seen parties like the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (SP), and the RJD questioning the Election Commission’s impartiality and the reliability of electoral voting machines (EVMs) after facing electoral losses. Today, AAP has begun indulging in a similar rhetoric, which is regrettable,” he said. Sachdeva said Ms. Atishi’s remarks “reveal her sense of impending defeat”. “AAP’s internal survey has revealed that its defeat is inevitable,” he said, adding that most Opposition parties are demoralised by their “electoral defeats”. Published - November 27, 2024 01:01 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Delhi / politics

After losing 7-2 to the worst team in the Pacific Division on Monday, the Kings will pivot straight into Wednesday’s showdown with the NHL’s best club. The Winnipeg Jets just moved to 18-4-0 with a resounding 4-1 win over another early-season powerhouse, the Minnesota Wild. Now, Winnipeg’s trip south will signify a visit from some former Kings cohorts: Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari, all of whom became Jets as a result of the disastrous Pierre-Luc Dubois trade . Vilardi has continued to be one of the top net-front presences in the NHL on the power play as well as a threat from the slot offensively, while providing outstanding defense and winning 63.6% of his faceoffs this season. Iafallo has emerged as a solid second-unit contributor for Winnipeg and scored two goals against Minnesota, including one with the extra man that was his 100th career tally, while Kupari recorded an assist. They’ve operated behind the team’s top-five scorers – Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk – who have combined for 115 points in 22 games. During last season’s only meeting in Los Angeles, Vilardi scored a career-high four points to match the contributions of then-linemate Ehlers as the Jets turned a two-goal deficit into a comfortable win by way of five unanswered goals. That was part of a stretch of 34 straight games in which Winnipeg and its top goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, allowed three goals or fewer. This season, more feats have followed as the Jets have compiled the NHL’s best points total, points percentage, goal differential, power-play conversion rate, goals-against average and save percentage, all while scoring the most goals of any team. They’ve had two winning streaks of seven or more games in just 22 matches. While the Jets soared, the Kings remained in a holding pattern. They appeared to have four winnable games heading into this clash with the league’s top team, but continued their one-step-forward-one-step-back pattern by splitting bouts with Buffalo , Detroit , Seattle and San Jose. They’ve won consecutive games three times this season, but never more than two in a row. Their latest disappointment saw them fall to 0-2-0 in San Jose in 2024-25, losing to the lottery-bound Sharks on Monday in a game that was tied at the second intermission. No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini got the third-period party started with a goal for San Jose and later drew a penalty before scoring a second goal, five-on-three. Kings coach Jim Hiller said that no one should “disrespect” San Jose – which had dropped six of seven decisions entering the contest – but finally deemed an effort, in this case a five-goals-allowed final frame, to be “unacceptable.” “That’s not a team that’s trying to tank, that’s a good hockey team, strong players, real good back end. We played them three times, they beat us twice, we barely beat them in the one at home,” Hiller said. “We completely fell apart in the third period. That’s just unacceptable, what happened in the third.” Anže Kopitar’s hand stayed hot with a goal and an assist to match the two points of linemate Adrian Kempe. Kempe has notched 13 points over his past 12 games while Kopitar has 16 points across those same dozen contests, putting the 37-year-old on track to top his best single-season total of 92 points from the 2017-18 season. When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Crypto.com Arena How to watch: FDSNWSan Diego federal judge nominee now a political pawn in run-up to Trump inauguration

Supermarket giant Woolworths has asked the Fair Work Commission for a circuit-breaker to ban warehouse workers from blocking their distribution centres. or signup to continue reading United Workers Union members are blocking all entrances to a distribution centre in suburban Melbourne and three other sites over better conditions and pay. Plans to bring in staff on Monday never eventuated, but picketers at the Dandenong South site turned away logistics trucks trying to enter. Woolworths Group has filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday. "The application comes after the UWU refused to give any assurance of safe passage for team members seeking to return to work at our Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) yesterday and this morning," Woolworths said in a statement on Tuesday morning. The application to Fair Work alleges a breach of the Good Faith Bargaining requirements in the Fair Work Act. The matter has not yet been listed for hearing. Woolworth says the majority of staff at the Dandenong South site are not members of the union, and want to return to work and get paid. The supermarket giant confirmed it would again try to reopen the distribution centre again today but would follow advice from Victoria Police on whether it was safe to do so. The strike action has seen supermarket shelves across Victoria stripped, with scenes akin to the COVID-19 pandemic. One store, on Collingwood's Smith Street, had most of its toilet paper aisle emptied along with large portions of its bread and fridge sections. Those ordering grocery deliveries are also warned to allow substitutions to ensure they receive the products they want. The decision to go to Fair Work follows the company and union returning to the negotiating table on Monday. "We are hopeful of a breakthrough because our workers deserve to be safe at work," United Workers Union National Secretary Tim Kennedy said. Workers are protesting against "unrealistic performance expectations" which they claim lead to frequent injuries, demanding better wages, and an agreement that workers at different sites are paid the same amount. In late November, Woolworths insisted all stores were still receiving regular stock deliveries, but some were getting their goods less frequently than previously scheduled. No product limits were in place at the time apart from eggs, which have been rationed for months following bird flu outbreaks in NSW and Victoria. It's believed the strike is yet to affect Victorian farmers, whose produce normally hits supermarket closer to Christmas - but items such as nappies, toilet paper and drinks have been affected. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementJohn Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reassured security and media personnel, as well as staff of the Electoral Commission, who participated in the special voting exercise on December 2, not to be discouraged by the challenges they faced during the process. In a Facebook post following the exercise, Mahama expressed his gratitude for their participation and encouraged them to remain hopeful for a better future under his leadership. He acknowledged the difficulties encountered, particularly the fact that some voters could not cast their ballots due to issues with the Special Voters List. “I urge you to be of good cheer because the new era to reset our country beckons,” Mahama wrote, thanking voters for their support and emphasizing that change is on the horizon. Mahama also expressed regret over the postponement of the special voting in the Eastern and Western regions. He noted that the voting, originally scheduled for December 2, would now take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024. “This unfortunate delay only adds to the numerous socio-economic challenges you already face,” he said. The Special Voting exercise, which is part of the 2024 general elections, took place across 14 regions on December 2, with approximately 131,478 voters participating. However, the Eastern and Western regions were excluded due to a technical issue. Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, explained that the delay was caused by a defaced presidential ballot paper for the Eastern Region being leaked from the printing house. Mahama’s statement comes as part of his ongoing campaign to reassure Ghanaians that under his leadership, challenges like these will be addressed, and the country will move toward a more efficient and inclusive electoral process.WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app from Meta, has been working on a lot of new features recently. However, at the same time, the platform has been gearing up to release an update that will drop support for some older iPhone models. WhatsApp to stop working on older iPhones As noted by , the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone introduces a message alert for some older iPhone models. More specifically, an update to be released in May 2025 will drop support for operating system versions prior to iOS 15.1. Currently, WhatsApp works with iOS 12 and later. “Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after 5 May 2025. Please go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update to get the latest iOS version,” the message reads. In other words, this means that WhatsApp will stop working on the following iPhones: WhatsApp still doesn’t have an official iPad app, . In this case, next year’s update will drop support for the first generation iPad Air, as well as the iPad mini 2 and 3. The current beta for iPad also requires iPadOS 12 or later. Developers usually drop support for older versions of iOS so that they can focus on supporting the latest versions with new and improved technologies. Furthermore, , only 9% of all iPhones are still running a version prior to iOS 16. If you have a newer iPhone or iPad that for some reason still runs old software, make sure you update its software to keep using WhatsApp. However, if you have one of the devices listed above, you’ll probably have to buy a new phone. . Read also WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app from Meta, has been working on a lot of new features recently. However, at the same time, the platform has been gearing up to release an update that will drop support for some older iPhone models. WhatsApp to stop working on older iPhones As noted by , the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone introduces a message alert for some older iPhone models. More specifically, an update to be released in May 2025 will drop support for operating system versions prior to iOS 15.1. Currently, WhatsApp works with iOS 12 and later. “Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after 5 May 2025. Please go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update to get the latest iOS version,” the message reads. In other words, this means that WhatsApp will stop working on the following iPhones: WhatsApp still doesn’t have an official iPad app, . In this case, next year’s update will drop support for the first generation iPad Air, as well as the iPad mini 2 and 3. The current beta for iPad also requires iPadOS 12 or later. Developers usually drop support for older versions of iOS so that they can focus on supporting the latest versions with new and improved technologies. Furthermore, , only 9% of all iPhones are still running a version prior to iOS 16. If you have a newer iPhone or iPad that for some reason still runs old software, make sure you update its software to keep using WhatsApp. However, if you have one of the devices listed above, you’ll probably have to buy a new phone. . Read also

"Good evening, and thank you for allowing me to join you for a few moments on such a special night of gathering and celebration. Alongside the Queen, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, I wish you a happy and peaceful evening." This Christmas Eve, I would like to begin by addressing, and I’m sure you’ll understand, the terrible Dana storm that struck with unusual force almost two months ago in several areas of eastern and southern Spain, particularly in Valencia. The people who lost their lives and those who are still missing deserve our utmost respect, and we must never forget the pain and sorrow left behind for their families. Thousands of people saw how what had been their town, their neighbourhood, their workplace, their home, their business, or their school was reduced to rubble or even disappeared. It is a reality that is hard to come to terms with, but one from which we should all strive to draw the necessary lessons to strengthen us as a society and help us grow. We must never forget those first images of the flood that destroyed everything in its path: the rescues of people—some sick, elderly, or exhausted—trying to escape their cars or seeking refuge on rooftops. We also witnessed those who opened their homes to care for the most vulnerable, countering the relentless force of water and mud with the overwhelming power of solidarity and humanity. Neighbours, volunteers, civil protection teams, firefighters, security forces, the Armed Forces, NGOs, and even businesses that organised collections and donations, mobilising their staff and machinery—the help and collaboration of all have enabled the more than 800,000 affected people to gradually regain some sense of normality in their lives. Efforts are also being made to ensure that medium- and long-term needs are addressed to secure true recovery. This pure and practical solidarity has been recognised day after day in the tireless work of anonymous volunteers and public servants. At the same time, we have also observed—and understood—the frustration, pain, impatience, and calls for greater and more effective coordination among authorities. All these emotions—those that move and comfort us, and those that wound and sadden us—stem from a common source: the awareness of the common good, the expression of the common good, or the demand for the common good. Despite occasional differences and disagreements, there remains in Spanish society a clear sense of what benefits everyone and what must therefore be protected and strengthened. This is something the Queen and I have observed and appreciated even more deeply during this decade of reign. It is the responsibility of all institutions and public administrations to ensure that this notion of the common good continues to be clearly reflected in any discourse or political decision. Consensus on what is essential, not only as an outcome but also as a constant practice, must always guide the public sphere. This is not to stifle the diversity of opinions—legitimate and necessary in a democracy—but to prevent this diversity from leading to the denial of the existence of a shared space. It is from this agreement on the essentials that we must address the issues that concern us and affect our collective lives in various ways. The growing international instability, the climate of public debate, challenges in accessing housing, and immigration management are among the matters that deserve our attention and that I wish to discuss tonight. Immigration is a complex phenomenon of great social sensitivity, arising from diverse causes. Without population movements throughout history, present-day societies—open and interconnected—could not be understood. As a daily reality, migration, if not properly managed, can lead to tensions that erode social cohesion. The effort to integrate, which involves everyone, respect for basic laws and norms of coexistence and civility by all, and the recognition of the dignity every human being deserves are the pillars that must guide us in addressing immigration. At the same time, we must never forget the firmness required to combat the networks and mafias that traffic in human beings. How we approach immigration—which also necessitates good coordination with our European partners as well as countries of origin and transit—will reflect much about our principles and the quality of our democracy. Another pressing issue, especially for the young, is the difficulty in accessing housing. Cities, particularly large urban areas, act as growth hubs, generating a demand that supply struggles to meet. It is important that all stakeholders reflect, listen to one another, explore various options, and engage in dialogue to develop solutions that make housing accessible under reasonable conditions, especially for the young and the most vulnerable. This is the foundation of security and well-being for many life projects—and it is something we can achieve. Our lives are also shaped by an increasingly complex and volatile external environment. Too often, we see challenges to international law, resorting to violence, denial of the universality of human rights, or questioning of multilateralism to address global challenges such as climate crises, pandemics, energy transitions, trade, and resource scarcity. We even witness debates over the validity of democracy itself as a system of governance. In this context, Spain, along with other European Union member states, must resolutely defend the foundations of liberal democracy, human rights, and the social welfare achievements that underpin our shared political project. Europe—the idea of Europe—is an essential part of our shared identity and a legacy we owe to future generations. In a world that needs strong, cohesive actors, guided by principles and values, Europe remains our most valuable reference point. Domestically, our greatest reference is the 1978 Constitution, its words, and its spirit. The agreement on essentials was the fundamental principle that inspired it. Working for the common good means preserving this great pact of coexistence, which affirms our democracy and enshrines our rights and freedoms—the pillars of our Social and Democratic State under the rule of law. Even after so much time, the harmony that gave rise to it remains our solid foundation. Cultivating this spirit of consensus is vital to strengthening our institutions and maintaining the confidence of society in them. A pact of coexistence is preserved through dialogue—the kind of dialogue, conducted with dignity and generosity, that must always nourish the definition of shared will and state action. For this reason, it is essential that political competition—legitimate but sometimes deafening—does not drown out a more resounding call: a call for serenity. Serenity in public life and daily life, to pursue collective or individual projects, to prosper, and to care for and protect those who need it most. The recent reform of Article 49 of the Constitution, concerning persons with disabilities, is a good example of what we can achieve together. We cannot allow discord to become a constant background noise that prevents us from hearing the true pulse of our citizens. As I have said many times before, and I would like to repeat: Spain is a great country. A nation with an extraordinary history—despite its dark chapters—and exemplary in its democratic development over recent decades, overcoming even the threat of terrorism that claimed so many victims. It is a country with a promising present, despite the challenges that remain, such as addressing poverty and social exclusion. Our economy’s performance—in terms of growth, employment, and exports—is encouraging, and the overall level of social welfare is notable. Looking to the future, I sincerely believe Spaniards have immense potential, which should fill us with hope both nationally and internationally. This future lies primarily in our youth—the youth who have made us proud in the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the recent European Championships, who innovate despite difficulties, and who lead the way in our science. It is the youth who respect our elders and their valuable experience, who push for progress in equality, and who prepare themselves in schools, universities, and vocational training centres to enter the workforce with determination despite youth unemployment. Most of all, it is the youth who have filled us with pride, pouring into the streets of towns affected by the Dana to give their all. With this spirit of work and commitment to the common good, I conclude my words and return to where I began—to all the towns and regions affected by the floods, where so much remains to be done, and where the needs of neighbours often dwarf all efforts, though hope endures. May the solidarity that has united us in the most difficult times remain present in every gesture, every action, and every decision. May aid reach everyone in need, so they can rebuild the future they have fought for with courage and dignity, facing a present that can often be merciless. The sooner we achieve this, the stronger our sense of community and nation will be. Because the memory of the journey we have taken, the trust in the present, and the hope for the future are inescapable parts—perhaps the most valuable but also the most delicate—of our common good. May the spirit of these days of togetherness and harmony endure into the New Year. From the Queen, our daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, and me, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Eguberri On, Bon Nadal, Boas Festas.( MENAFN - IANS) New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) In today's digital age, smartphone displays serve as our window to a world of content, entertainment, and connectivity. As our reliance on mobile devices grows, the quality and design of these displays have become paramount in shaping our user experience. The evolution of smartphone screens has been marked by continuous innovation, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of design to deliver more immersive viewing experiences. Among these innovations, bezel-less quad curve displays represent a significant leap forward in smartphone design aesthetics and functionality. By minimizing the frame around the screen, these displays maximize the viewing area while maintaining a compact form factor. The curved edges not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to improved ergonomics, making the device more comfortable to hold and operate. This design approach effectively transforms the entire front of the device into an uninterrupted canvas, offering users a more engaging and seamless interaction with their digital content. The quad-curve display represents a significant advancement over both flat and dual-curved displays. This design makes the device appear lighter and thinner, while enabling smoother touch interactions when swiping from any edge. Advanced AI anti-mistouch technology reduces mistouch rates by 25 per cent, ensuring precise control whether in portrait or landscape orientation. Leading this display innovation, the realme 14 Pro 5G sets a new benchmark in display technology with its revolutionary bezel-less quad-curve design. Boasting India's slimmest bezels measuring just 1.6mm on all four sides, this engineering marvel achieves an impressive 93.8% screen-to-body ratio. The result is an almost borderless viewing experience that transforms how users interact with their content. Building on this borderless design, the expansive 6.83-inch display is enhanced by a precise 42-degree golden curvature on all four sides, creating an aesthetic that's both visually striking and ergonomically sound. The thoughtful design of realme 14 Pro series ensures comfortable handling despite the generous screen size, while the premium Crystal Armor Glass provides robust protection against accidental drops. The implementation of cutting-edge FIAA technology, typically reserved for flagship devices, ensures superior colour accuracy at the edges, effectively eliminating the common green fringe issues seen in traditional curved displays. Visual excellence is at the heart of this display, featuring a crisp 1.5K resolution that brings content to life with exceptional clarity. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, while the 2500Hz instant touch sampling rate delivers ultra-responsive touch interactions - a combination that particularly elevates the gaming experience. The impressive 1500 nits peak brightness ensures excellent visibility even under bright sunlight, while the industry-leading 3840Hz PWM dimming technology reduces eye strain during extended viewing sessions, especially in low-light conditions. The development of this advanced display technology represents a significant R&D investment, with extensive engineering solutions for complex challenges like module lamination and durability. Through customized lamination fixtures and comprehensive simulation modeling, realme has achieved a robust and reliable display that maintains its integrity even under demanding usage conditions. The realme 14 Pro 5G's display technology marks a significant step forward in smartphone innovation, where every millimeter has been optimized for an unparalleled viewing experience. From the precision-engineered bezels to the advanced eye protection features, each element has been crafted to enhance how users interact with their digital world. Stay tuned for more updates on additional features that make the realme 14 Pro 5G a true game-changer in smartphone technology. -IANS na/ MENAFN23122024000231011071ID1109025696 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions, /PRNewswire/ -- (NYSE: ) – The Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) today released its first report to elevate as an AI leader. The report provided recommendations to bolster the State's commitment to responsible development and implementation of AI. First introduced by Governor in , the ETAB was established as an independent advisory board to chart the course for a thriving emerging technology ecosystem in . The Advisory Board is co-chaired by IBM Chief Executive Officer and Girls Who Code Chief Executive Officer Dr. and is comprised of leaders from the private sector and nonprofit and foundation organizations. With input from over 40 external stakeholders and experts, the report details how is well-positioned to be at the forefront of AI advancement. This includes leveraging its robust economy, extensive tech talent pool, academic excellence, legacy for innovation, and groundbreaking investments in AI and AI-adjacent industries. In reviewing the state's current landscape, the Advisory Board also identified potential challenges, such as ensuring the workforce is equipped with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in the age of AI. The ETAB took a deeper look at how these challenges could impact organizations and communities – and, based on these insights, proposed three ambitions for the : Guided by these ambitions, the report sets forth nine recommendations – each backed by a thorough framework and next steps – designed to foster public-private partnerships and balance priorities of timely impact and sufficient scale necessary to help drive responsible AI adoption in . " is furthering its legacy of innovation and invention for the rest of the world to follow, setting a standard of greatness – and we've only just begun," Governor Hochul said. "Since the beginning of my administration I have been laser-focused on bringing good paying jobs to this state, which is why we need ethical and responsible AI that improves the lives of all New Yorkers and delivers accessible, equitable and future proof jobs with it. I want to thank the members of the Emerging Technology Advisory Board, who took the time to form these recommendations. I look forward to reviewing the report and to working with experts and stakeholders from every sector as we forge an equitable and dynamic future for AI in ." "The Emerging Technology Advisory Board has delivered on its first goal to provide a blueprint that positions as a frontrunner in trustworthy AI," said . "This comprehensive set of recommendations will help drive an innovative AI ecosystem, ensure responsible AI deployment at scale, foster a resilient workforce, and empower all New Yorkers with equitable access to the benefits of AI." "The recommendations of the Emerging Technology Advisory Board reflect a collective effort to ensure that the advancement of artificial intelligence benefits industries and workers across ," said . "These comprehensive proposals aim not only to foster economic growth and innovation but also to uphold our commitment to a technological future that mirrors the diversity and values of our communities." As the Emerging Technology Advisory Board shares its recommendations with the , it underscores the joint effort, commitment and close collaboration it will take between the State's leadership, Advisory Board institutions, private sector, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, thought leaders and advocates to fortify as an innovation hub for future technologies. Read the full report . IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit for more information. Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and is leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 670,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming, and 218,000 of our alumni are college or career-aged. Girls Who Code has sparked culture change through marketing campaigns and advocacy efforts, generating 14 Billion engagements globally. In 2019, the organization was named the #1 Most Innovative Non-Profit on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list, and in 2023 was named one of Fast Company's Brands That Matter. The organization was also named one of NonProfit Times' Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2022 and 2023. , IBM Corporate Communications View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE IBMPaddy's Pointers: Four observations after Norwich's Plymouth romp

By WILL WEISSERT, JUAN ZAMORANO and GARY FIELDS PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don’t change after he takes office next month, “We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can’t reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here’s a look at how we got here: It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt’s Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty” and the “Panama Canal Treaty.” The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country’s people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off” and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there’s no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously.” Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.

James May begs pub-goers to stop queuing for the bar as former Top Gear star brands the culprits 'un-British' for forming single file queues to get served By GEMMA PARRY Published: 18:58, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 19:13, 24 December 2024 e-mail 5 View comments James May has begged pub-goers to stop queuing for the bar, branding the culprits as 'un-British' for forming single file lines to get served. The former Top Gear presenter, 61, took to X to share his thoughts on revellers making a single file queue to wait for their drinks in the pub. Mr May wrote: 'Please stop queuing at the bars in pubs. I know we have a Nobel prize for lining up, but this is un-British'. He signed off with: 'Anyway, it's Christmas . Happy Christmas everyone. Peace and love, people'. Many people were quick to agree with his comments, with one writing the practice was 'bizarre'. 'Bizarre to have a wide, empty bar, several staff, yet a single queue back to the door', they wrote. 'I first noticed this during COVID but it seems to have continued'. Another added: 'Absolutely this. A bar queue starts and ends at the bar. Queueing in a line in any pub is an abomination. Any decent bar person will have a good idea of who is next, and any decent pub goer knows who to point to if it's not them'. And another, a bar worker themselves, said: 'As an occasional bar worker, I fully agree. If you’re half decent on the bar you can pick out who’s first, whilst being able to serve a few people pretty much at the same time. Especially if you work well with your other team members'. The former Top Gear presenter, 61, took to X to share his thoughts on revellers making a single file queue to wait for their drinks in the pub Pubs across the UK are begging customers to learn how to order a pint at a bar (Stock Image) More commented that 'good bar staff know who is next in line', while another user added that the 'architecture of bars isn't setup for queuing', before quipping: 'That's why pubs don't look like building societies'. Read More Pubs across the UK plead with Gen Z punters to stop forming single file queues at the bar And another added queuing at the bar 'needs to be eradicated immediately' as it 'massively slows down service'. But not everyone agreed with Mr May, with one asking 'how are people supposed to get a drink James? Do reverse musical chairs until we get served?' In response, Mr May wrote: 'We managed well for centuries'. Another said 'queuing is the most British thing ever' and is a way for everyone to be 'treated fairly'. It comes after pubs across the UK begged their customers to learn how to order themselves a pint at the bar, with establishments in Leeds, London , Scotland and Manchester resorting to putting up signs with instructions. Some pub landlords reportedly think Generation Z have maintained habits picked up during lockdown which were originally designed to ensure social distancing. The behaviour has resulted in an Instagram page, called Pub Queues, which is dedicated to campaigning against the recent phenomenon and to educate younger drinkers on how to approach the bar. People all around the country have sent in snaps of long single file queues at their favourite venues. The campaign states its purpose is to 'end the recent phenomenon of queuing single file in pubs'. It says: 'We queue for the bus, or for the checkout, not at bars'. Some establishments have even started fighting back and have put up signs to discourage drinkers from forming single-file lines. One notice posted on the group reads: 'Please stop queuing in a line. Come to the bar.' Meanwhile, another sign states: 'If there is a single file queue in front of you, walk straight past it and go to the bar'. 'This is not a Post Office, there is no need to queue like one,' another read. While another said: 'Please come up to the bar for service! Please don't queue single file!' James May Top Gear Share or comment on this article: James May begs pub-goers to stop queuing for the bar as former Top Gear star brands the culprits 'un-British' for forming single file queues to get served e-mail Add commentIMAX Corporation: Overseas Growth Opportunities

A new report says that media freedoms in Zambia are under attack. The report says more than 60 percent of people surveyed think that the media cannot operate freely, due to frequent instances of harassment and intimidation faced by journalists and bloggers. The Media Institute of Southern Africa, or MISA, launched its report on December 17 in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. MISA chairperson Lorraine Mwanza said that journalists in Zambia still face censorship and violence in the course of their duties. Both she and the report cited the case of Thomas Zgambo, an investigative journalist, who has been arrested three times in the last 13 months for writing stories that Zambian authorities deemed overly critical. Zgambo faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of charges that include libel and sedition. Zgambo told VOA that he will not stop writing and reporting. “All the three cases basically, it’s a journalist trying to find answers on behalf of the public but I’m now in court because instead of the government answering, they have decided to use the police to criminalize journalism and take me to court. So I’m in court with three criminal charges. I’m in court with three criminal cases before three different magistrates,” he said. Zgambo’s legal troubles started in November 2023, when he was arrested in connection with an article in which he alleged a government institution was renting a property from President Hakainde Hichilema. In August of this year, he was arrested for a 2022 story about an allegedly illegal government purchase of fertilizer. And in October, he was arrested for an article he wrote about food imports. The most recent arrest came hours after President Hichilema promised to uphold press freedom in a speech read on his behalf by chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa. Joan Chirwa, the founder of a Zambian media advocacy group, the Free Press Initiative, told VOA she agrees with the findings of the MISA report. “We have seen political party figures still storming radio stations to disturb programming and threaten journalists there," she said. "We have seen journalists being detained by the police. We have also seen journalists been lumped with criminal charges just because of what they have written and our biggest worry right now is what may likely happen as we get closer to the 2026 election.” Chirwa criticized colonial-era laws being used by authorities against journalists in Zambia. These include criminal defamation, sedition and state security laws which Chirwa says are a hindrance to journalists playing their role as a watchdog on the government. However, at the launch of the MISA report, an official at the information ministry, Mumanga Morden Mayembe, argued that the government has not interfered with media freedoms at all. Mayembe said the government has opened up the media space, as evidenced by its licensing of more than 200 radio stations, 50 TV stations and many online platforms. “When platforms are few, then there will be few people expressing themselves on those platforms. When we just had [one] tv station, for you to appear on tv you needed to be a president, you needed to be a vice president, a minister or at least somebody with a name in society,” said Mayembe. However, Muthoki Mumo, the Africa program coordinator with the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a recent statement that the continued harassment of Zgambo paints a stark picture of the emptiness behind the government ‘s pledges to protect journalists.Kings need to get right quickly against Winnipeg

This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Mega automobile merger Nissan and Honda have begun official merger discussions , the two companies announced on Monday. Negotiations will end June 2025. Japan-listed Honda shares were last up 13.4% on Tuesday and on track for their best day since October 2008 , after the company announced plans to buy back 24% of its issued shares by Dec. 23 next year. Taiwan tops Asian markets As of Dec. 23, Taiwan's Taiex had gained 28.85%, making it the best-performing stock market in Asia-Pacific in 2024. The Taiex's focus on tech and tech-related stocks helped supercharge its performance. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company soared 82.12% in 2024, and Foxconn — which trades as Hon Hai Precision Industry — advanced 77.51%. Positive start to holidays U.S. markets rose on Monday on the back of a strong showing by large tech stocks. The New York Stock Exchange closes early Tuesday for Christmas Eve. Asia-Pacific stocks traded mixed on Tuesday . Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped roughly 0.4% even as Honda shares popped. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed more than 1%. UK GDP not OK The U.K. economy failed to expand in the three months ending September, according to revised figure from the Office for National Statistics, published Monday. Previous estimates had pegged third-quarter gross domestic product at 0.1%. Earlier this month, data from the ONS showed the U.K. economy had unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in October. [PRO] Buffett's biggest war chest Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is currently holding $325 billion in cash — the largest amount it's hoarded in absolute terms. Cash now comprises around 30% of Berkshire's total assets, the highest proportion in 34 years, according to data from Oppenheimer. Buffett sold large quantities of Apple and Bank of America shares this year. Why is the 94-year-old legendary investor holding on to so much cash? Analysts weigh in. Money Report How F1 teams are turning to AI to improve performance on the track Honda shares set for best day in more than 16 years on share buyback plan, Nissan deal U.S. markets began the trading week in holiday cheer. The S&P 500 gained 0.73% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average , recovering from earlier losses, ticked up 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite added 0.98% on the back of strong performances from large tech firms such as Nvidia , Tesla and Meta Platforms . However, shares of bitcoin proxy MicroStrategy slumped 8.8% on its first day in the Nasdaq-100 index, following the cryptocurrency's price falling to below $93,000 on Monday. That said, MicroStrategy is still among the best-performing U.S. tech companies valued at $5 billion or more, according to FactSet data. Its shares have rocketed 426% so far this year, mostly thanks to the company's stockpile of bitcoins , which it started to amass in 2020. With the rally in bitcoin following Donald Trump's election victory, MicroStrategy's bitcoin holding is now worth around $42 billion. It's the basis for the company's market capitalization ballooning to $82 billion from roughly $1.1 billion from the time it began buying bitcoin in bulk. Investors looking to ride on MicroStrategy's explosive rise should remember that the company's share price is currently trading on the back of bitcoin prices. The flipside of it is that if bitcoin prices crater for any reason — volatile as cryptocurrency can be — MicroStrategy shares may stumble too. Trading is likely to be thin this week. Markets in the U.S. will close early on Tuesday and take a break on Wednesday for Christmas Day. But light trading doesn't mean small moves in markets. "With the market's primary uptrends still intact, we are not giving up on the potential for a Santa Claus to come to Broad & Wall this year," Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Sandler, said in a note. As investors celebrate the festivities — and the S&P's 25.25% year-to-date pop — they might find an extra present underneath the tree. — CNBC's Yun Li, MacKenzie Sigalos and Ari Levy contributed to this report. CNBC Daily Open will be on hiatus and return next year. Happy holidays! Also on CNBC Markets begin week with holiday cheer Inflation and dot plots With cooler-than-expected PCE, would the Fed’s dot plot have looked different?QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching season

Trump Vows To Expand Death Penalty After Biden Commutes 37 Federal Death Row Sentences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Genesis Bryant scored 27 points, Kendall Bostic secured her third double-double this season with 12 points and 11 rebounds and No. 19 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 75-55 on Tuesday in the Music City Classic. Illinois (6-0) moved to 6-0 for the second time under third-year coach Shauna Green. Illinois scored the opening nine points of the game and took a double-digit lead for good with 2:11 left in the first quarter when Makira Cook made a 3-pointer to begin 13-2 run. UMES scored 13 straight points midway through the second quarter to get as close as 32-22, but Cook answered with a basket to end Illinois' three-minute drought. Bryant finished the first half with 14 points and Cook added 13 to help Illinois build a 43-26 lead. The pair combined to make seven of Illinois’ 14 field goals. UMES was 9 of 36 (25%), including 0 of 7 from 3-point range at halftime. Illinois also got 15 points from Cook and a career-high 11 rebounds from Brynn Shoup-Hill. Bryant, who reached double figures in the first quarter, scored 20-plus for the first time this season. Zamara Haynes led UMES (4-3) with 20 points and Mahogany Lester added 14. Illinois stays in Nashville to play No. 14 Kentucky on Wednesday. UMES travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face Georgia Southern in the Battle on the Banks on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Seattle Seahawks receiver is DK Metcalf is just fine when he doesn't have the the ball because it means he gets to showcase his blocking skills. “I just look at it as a sign of respect that I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and just continue to do my job with it as blocking or being a decoy,” the two-time Pro Bowler said. While opposing defenses have keyed in on Metcalf, other aspects of Seattle's offense have surfaced during its four-game winning streak. The run has the Seahawks (8-5) sitting atop the NFC West heading into Sunday night's game against the visiting Green Bay Packers (9-4). Geno Smith's new top target is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who needs 89 receiving yards for his first career 1,000-yard season. Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and five touchdowns, while Metcalf, often dealing with double coverage, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two scores. Metcalf says he feels the pride of a “proud parent or a big brother” when it comes to Smith-Njigba's success. Seattle's offense also got a boost from the ground game in a 30-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend . Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-best 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks face another hot team in the Packers (9-4), who have won seven of nine. Green Bay's two losses over that stretch have come against NFC-best Detroit (12-1), including a 34-31 victory by the Lions on Dec. 5, which means the NFC North title is likely out of reach for the Packers. The Packers are well-positioned for a playoff berth, but that almost certainly won't come this weekend. They would need a win, a loss or tie by the Atlanta Falcons and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Metcalf, who learned to block from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, says he tries to take blocking seriously to set himself apart from other receivers. His priorities are simple when he's getting double-teamed and the ball goes elsewhere. “Trying to block my (butt) off and trying to get pancakes on defensive backs,” he said. When the Packers surged their way into the playoffs last season, quarterback Jordan Love was a major reason why. He had 18 touchdown passes and one interception during Green Bay's final eight games. During the last four games of this season, Love ranks third in the NFL with a 118.9 passer rating with six touchdowns, one interception and a league-best 10.3 yards per attempt. “I always feel like I can put the ball where I want to — and that’s part of it, too, having that confidence to be able to throw those passes,” Love said. “There’s always like I said a handful of plays that might not come off or be in the exact spot that you wanted it to or the throw might be a little bit off. So, that’s where you’ve just got to try to be at your best every play, be consistent and accurate as possible.” Green Bay’s pass defense has been picked apart the last two weeks. First, it was torched by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins in a Packers win. Next, it allowed Jared Goff to complete his final 13 passes as the Lions rallied to victory. It won’t get any easier this week. Smith is second in the NFL in attempts, completions and passing yards and is fifth in completion percentage. “It’s been a remarkable turnaround for him in terms of just where he started,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “It’s not always where you start, but where you finish. And it tells me a lot about the person in terms of his resiliency and ability to fight through some adversity. He’s a dangerous quarterback.” The potential return of former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) could help the Packers. Will the Packers break out their head-to-toe white uniforms? The last time Green Bay wore the winter white look was in a 24-22 win over Houston in October. The Packers asked fans to weigh in on social media . As for the Seahawks, they'll be sporting their “Action Green” uniforms. Metcalf is a fan. “I would say this about the Action Green, I love them personally in my opinion, but the big guys hate them. I don’t know why, don’t ask me," he said. “Hopefully, the Packers wear all white, so it’ll be a fun-looking game.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflUkraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer says