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ATLANTA — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats grappled Monday with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She, along with Biden and other White House officials, insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who argues that indictments and a conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote on social media. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., posted: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote on social media. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump’s apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Photo: The Canadian Press This photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian White Helmets civil defence workers carry a victim after the Syrian government forces hit Idlib city, Syria, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets via AP) The recent rapid advance by opposition fighters in Syria shows that Syrian President Bashar Assad must reconcile with his own people and hold dialogue with the opposition, the Turkish foreign minister said Monday. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan said Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides in Syria’s civil war, have agreed to resume diplomatic efforts along with Russia to restore calm days after insurgents launched a lightning offensive and captured almost all of the country’s largest city, Aleppo. The swift advance by fighters that Turkey supports was a huge embarrassment for Assad and it comes at a time when his allies — Iran and groups it backs and Russia — are preoccupied with their own conflicts. The push is among the rebels’ strongest in years and raises the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government’s refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports. “Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition,” the Turkish minister said. “Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this.” Fidan’s comments emerged amid Turkish frustration that recent efforts toward a reconciliation with Assad have fallen flat. The comments indicated that the shock offensive launched by opposition fighters could be aimed at pressuring the Syrian leader to engage in political talks. Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted that Turkey’s withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Assad on Sunday before traveling to Ankara, reiterated Tehran’s full support for the Syrian government. Iran has been one of Assad’s principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the government’s counteroffensive against the insurgents, an Iraqi militia official and a war monitor said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, some 200 Iraqi militiamen riding on pickups crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian army’s pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. Meanwhile, Associated Press video showed armed insurgents at Aleppo's international airport, one of them standing on a Syrian government flag and others tearing down a poster of Assad. Insurgents were also seen mounting abandoned aircraft and walking around airport grounds strewn with weapons and ammunition boxes. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. Fidan reiterated Turkey’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity, but suggested that Turkey would not hesitate to intervene against Syrian Kurdish militia groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists if they “exploit the environment of instability.” “It was a mistake to ignore the legitimate demands of the opposition and for the (Syrian) regime not to sincerely engage in the political process,” Fidan said. Turkey, he added, "will never, ever allow terrorist organizations that seek to exploit the environment of instability," Fidan said. “We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the instability in Syria would come to an end “in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.” He spoke Monday at a joint news conference with the president of Montenegro. Both Fidan and Araghchi said Turkey, Iran and Russia would convene a new three-way meeting to address the conflict in Syria. "We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue, and with God’s permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region,” Araghchi said. Russia, whose intervention in Syria’s civil war on behalf of Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favor, has said it will continue to support him. “We continue our contacts at the appropriate level,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday. “A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilize the situation.” The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the Assad regime has ignored Security Council resolutions and refused to come to the table. “We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path for the situation to go back to calm,” she said. As Syrian and Russian jets continued pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, the Syrian Civil Defense force that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets, said. Two people in Idlib University Hospital died after their oxygen machines turned off following the strikes. Ceiling panels and doors at the hospital were blown off, while ambulances and vehicles outside were severely damaged according to footage taken by journalist with The Associated Press at the hospital. At least 15 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the White Helmets. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led northeast regions.Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Matthew Downing threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead Elon to a 31-21 season-ending win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday. The game was tied at 7 in the second quarter when the Phoenix turned a fumble recovery into a field goal. That started a string of four-straight scoring possessions. Downing was 16 of 21 for 203 yards. Chandler Brayboy had 12 receptions for 118 yards with a score. Rushawn Baker ran for 106 yards for the Phoenix (6-6, 5-3 Coastal Athletic Association). Julian Bumper also had a 10-yard rushing touchdown on his only carry and Jamarien Dalton had a 30-yard receiving touchdown on his only catch. Freshman Cortez Lane returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown for the Aggies (1-11, 0-8), who lost their 11th straight. Justin Fomby threw for 190 yards and a touchdown pass to Daniel Cole and Shimique Blizzard ran for 87 yards and a TD. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Teenage West Ham goalkeeper dies aged 15 after cancer battleDCIU tech team amps up cybersecurity protection efforts for education field

Fast Attack Craft Market 2024 Opportunity Assessment, Production Analysis, Growth Rate And Forecast To 2033 11-23-2024 01:38 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: The Business Research Company Fast Attack Craft Market Share The Business Research Company recently released a comprehensive report on the Global Fast Attack Craft Market Size and Trends Analysis with Forecast 2024-2033. This latest market research report offers a wealth of valuable insights and data, including global market size, regional shares, and competitor market share. Additionally, it covers current trends, future opportunities, and essential data for success in the industry. According to The Business Research Company's, The fast attack craft market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.22 billion in 2023 to $5.6 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to maritime security concerns, geopolitical tensions, protection of exclusive economic zones (eez), combatting asymmetric threats, modernization of naval fleets. The fast attack craft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to emerging naval threats, continued regional tensions, focus on coastal defense, upgradation programs, naval force projection. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of composite materials, integration of next-generation sensors, focus on multi-mission capabilities, collaboration and joint development programs, sustainability and fuel efficiency initiatives. Get The Complete Scope Of The Report @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/fast-attack-craft-global-market-report Market Drivers and Trends: A rise in maritime security is expected to propel the growth of the fast attack craft market going forward. Maritime security refers to protecting vessels and providing safety from crimes at sea. A fast attack vessel helps in maritime security in the areas from which ships and maritime operations need protection, including terrorism, robbery, piracy, and illegal trafficking of goods and people. For instance, in June 2023, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, a France-based organization, there was a rise in the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships, with 65 recorded in the first half of 2023 compared to 58 incidents during the corresponding period in 2022. Therefore, a rise in maritime security is driving the growth of the fast attack craft market. Product innovation is the key trend gaining popularity in the fast-attack craft market. Major companies operating in the fast-attack craft market are developing innovative products and high-quality attack crafts to sustain their position in the market. For instance, North Sea Boats, an Indonesia-based boat-building company, launched KRI Golok, a stealth trimaran fast attack craft, for the Indonesian Navy. The fast attack craft (FAC) is a trimaran with a modern Wave Piercing design. The greater beam provides inherent stability and allows the vessel to cut through waves rather than climb up and over them. This combination of characteristics decreases pitching and rolling, resulting in a stable weapons platform and allowing the vessel to maintain greater average speeds in unfavorable weather comfortably and safely. It includes stealth design elements that reduce detection by decreasing Radar, Infrared, Acoustic, and Magnetic signatures. Key Benefits for Stakeholders: • Comprehensive Market Insights: Stakeholders gain access to detailed market statistics, trends, and analyses that help them understand the current and future landscape of their industry. • Informed Decision-Making: The reports provide crucial data that support strategic decisions, reducing risks and enhancing business planning. • Competitive Advantage: With in-depth competitor analysis and market share information, stakeholders can identify opportunities to outperform their competition. • Tailored Solutions: The Business Research Company offers customized reports that address specific needs, ensuring stakeholders receive relevant and actionable insights. • Global Perspective: The reports cover various regions and markets, providing a broad view that helps stakeholders expand and operate successfully on a global scale. Ready to Dive into Something Exciting? Get Your Free Exclusive Sample of Our Research Report @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=10674&type=smp Major Key Players of the Market: BAE Systems plc;Fr. Lurssen Werft GmbH;Navantia SA;CMN Group;China Shipbuilding And Offshore International Co. Ltd.;Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.;Damen Holding B.V.;Fincantieri S.p.A.;Goa Shipyard Limited;Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Holdings Co. Ltd.;Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.;Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. Ltd.;Fassmer GmbH and Co. KG;Kangnam Corporation;L&T Shipbuilding Limited;Northrop Grumman Corporation;Austal Limited;Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.;Lockheed Martin Corporation;General Dynamics Corporation;Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn. Bhd.;COTECMAR;EDGE PJSC Group;Israel Shipyards Ltd.;Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.;Kawasaki Heavy Industries;Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited;Swiftships LLC;ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems;United Shipbuilding Corporation;Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited;Thales Group Fast Attack Craft Market 2024 Key Insights: • The fast attack craft market will grow to $7.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. • Maritime Security Surge Propels Fast Attack Craft Market Growth • Innovative Advancements In The Fast Attack Craft Market • Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the fast-attack craft market in 2023 We Offer Customized Report, Click @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/Customise?id=10674&type=smp Contact Us: The Business Research Company Europe: +44 207 1930 708 Asia: +91 88972 63534 Americas: +1 315 623 0293 Email: info@tbrc.info Follow Us On: LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company Twitter: https://twitter.com/tbrc_info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessResearchCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24_fI0rV8cR5DxlCpgmyFQ Blog: https://blog.tbrc.info/ Healthcare Blog: https://healthcareresearchreports.com/ Global Market Model: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/global-market-model Learn More About The Business Research Company The Business Research Company ( www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com ) is a leading market intelligence firm renowned for its expertise in company, market, and consumer research. With a global presence, TBRC's consultants specialize in diverse industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, chemicals, and technology, providing unparalleled insights and strategic guidance to clients worldwide. This release was published on openPR.

A million dollars? For a baseball player? People could hardly believe it. In November of 1979, Nolan Ryan and the Houston Astros agreed to a four-year, $4 million agreement, making the Texas hurler the first player in MLB history to make at least a million dollars per year. Reporters and the public soon christened him “The Million Dollar Man.” It was a headline-catching, paradigm-shifting contract — evidence the sport had changed and was still changing. The advent of free agency in the 1970s, brought about by a series of player-led labor battles, sent contract values skyrocketing. Ryan and the game’s other top stars were finally being paid what they were worth. Still, the sticker shock of that big, fat, round number attached to Ryan’s name made it difficult for some fans to wrap their heads around. Oh, if they could see us now. The ink has hardly settled on Juan Soto’s with the New York Mets. It is a mammoth number, one that can grow even larger. If Soto opts out after 2029 and the Mets choose to retain him by adding $4 million to each of the final 10 years of the agreement, $765 million will turn into more than $800 million. It is a mountain peak that won’t be summited again for quite some time. Soto is, of course, generational. Also, the bidding war to earn his services was amplified by the perfect storm: . But Soto aside, the current MLB landscape is not particularly ripe with young stars hurtling toward the open market. Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Chourio and Corbin Carroll all signed lengthy extensions that will keep them from reaching free agency at a young age. There is no obvious candidate to surpass Soto. But surely, similar things were said about Ryan and that first class of baseball millionaires. The thought of a baseball player earning a billion dollars would’ve fritzed the mental circuit boards of any early-21st-century ball fan. But time rolls on, money gets more expensive, and our expectations adjust. That is to say: One day, some big leaguer will sign a $1 billion contract. Who will that be? Let’s dive down that rabbit hole and theorize irresponsibly. Soto’s contract might reach $800 million, in large part because the contract is 15 years long. Still just 26 years old, Soto’s massive payday was made possible by his notably early MLB debut at age 19. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, widely considered superior players to Soto during their own free-agent sweepstakes, received “only” $360 million and $460 million in present-day value because they hit the market at 30 and 29, respectively. It pays to be young. And so, whoever eventually crosses the nine-figure threshold will need to reach the bigs and free agency as early as possible. Unless we get massive advances in medical technology, the first billion dollar player will be a position player. Elbows are simply too fragile, pitchers too susceptible to wear and tear. If Paul Skenes wants a contract that starts with a B, he should start hitting again like he did in college. These three are grouped together because they represent a similar archetype: a very good, very young player with a mile to go before free agency. Henderson, who is 23 years old with more career bWAR compiled already than Nick Castellanos, is the best of the trio. He is also a client of agent Scott Boras, the man who negotiated Soto’s megadeal. But Henderson (1) will hit free agency two years older than Soto was and (2) doesn’t yet have Soto’s no-doubt, generational offensive track record. It’s unlikely, but he get there. For De La Cruz, also represented by Boras, the question is about his ceiling; nobody in the world offers such a tantalizing speed-power combo. But teams will certainly have concerns about how the 6-foot-6 shortstop will age. Soto’s value was entirely focused on his bat, something clubs believed wouldn’t fade over time. Merrill, who debuted this past season at 21, is on this list simply because he’s a phenomenally skilled young hitter who, barring an extension, would hit free agency entering his age-27 season. Will he be the first billion dollar player? Probably not, but again, nobody thought Soto would get $800 million when he debuted. The baby-faced Baltimore infielder thoroughly underwhelmed in his 2024 debut season. But the former No. 1 overall prospect did something massively important for this dumb exercise: He debuted at 20. That means he’ll be a free agent heading into his age-27 season. Holliday still has to, you know, develop into a generational big leaguer, but the bones are here. Caminero, born a few months before Holliday, will hit the open market in 2031, at the same time as Holliday. The Tampa Bay third baseman also showed a bit more aptitude than his division counterpart in 2024, though there’s still a long way to go before a free-agent payday. OK, follow me on this one. Nimmala, drafted 20th overall by the Blue Jays in 2023, took a huge developmental step forward in Low-A this past season. But that’s not why he’s on the list. To earn $1 billion, you have to be a financial draw. And Nimmala, who is Indian American and spent his summers as a kid visiting family in India, has a chance to break into a new market as a global superstar. Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker became the first Indian American big leaguer when he debuted in 2024, but Nimmala, currently 19, has a chance to move the needle even further, both as a position player and as a player who could get to the big leagues at a young age. In the (highly unlikely) scenario that Nimmala figures it out, becomes one of the best players in MLB and makes the world’s most populous country fall in love with baseball, well, that might be worth a billion dollars. The 18-year-old Dominican shortstop was signed by the Padres less than a year ago, but he’s already making waves. San Diego sent him to Low-A Lake Elsinore this past season, where De Vries held his own despite being the youngest player in the entire league. He struggled somewhat in the Arizona Fall League but remains an extremely exciting prospect. There’s a scenario, albeit an unlikely one, in which the Padres, who have a track record of rocketing their players up the ladder, push De Vries to the majors for some part of next season. That could make him a free agent heading into his age-24 or age-25 season — even younger than Soto. Of course, for that to matter for this exercise, he also has to be really good. Jackson’s brother and Matt’s second son is considered by many prognosticators to be the top prospect . Ethan is much bigger and more physical than his older brother, which gives him a higher power potential and makes a corner infield spot his more likely defensive home. The youngest Holliday would have to jet his way up whichever farm system he lands in, but the offensive ceiling is there. That said, probably not for a billion dollars. At the recent winter meetings, I strolled the premises asking various baseball people within organizations this billion dollar question. The most common response, a near consensus, was: We don’t know his name yet. Nearly everyone I talked to believed that the billion dollar boy is indeed already walking this earth, likely somewhere in Japan or the Dominican Republic at the moment, but the billion dollar day is too far in the distance for us to actually know anything about the human in question.

Chicago corn futures ticked lower on Friday as strength in the dollar and disappointing weekly U.S. export sales encouraged the market to move away from a 5-1/2-month top struck this week. Wheat eased further from a two-week peak earlier in the week while soybeans also edged down, further pressured by weakness in related vegetable oil markets. The most-active corn contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Cv1 was down 0.3% at $4.42-1/4 a bushel by 1117 GMT. The contract had reached its highest since late June at $4.51-1/4 on Wednesday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut its estimate for U.S. end-of-season corn stockpiles to 1.738 billion bushels from 1.938 billion. But USDA weekly export data on Thursday showed net U.S. corn sales at 946,900 metric tons, below analyst forecasts for at least 1.1 million tons. The dollar index .DXY, meanwhile, rose to a two-week high on Friday, making U.S. commodities more expensive overseas. “Corn prices fell from technically overbought levels, dragging wheat prices down with them,” commodity data platform CM Navigator said in a note. “Weak U.S. weekly sales contributed to the negative sentiment.” CBOT soybeans Sv1 fell 0.5% to $9.91 a bushel and CBOT wheat Wv1 inched down 0.1% to $5.58 a bushel. U.S. weekly soybean sales of 1,173,800 metric tons were also below trade estimates, although the USDA later announced another 334,000 tons of daily sales to undisclosed buyers. The prospect of huge South American production hangs over the soybean market. Brazilian national crop agency Conab and oilseed crushing group Abiove on Thursday increased their estimates for the country’s 2025 soybean crop, which could reach record levels following improved weather conditions. In wheat, support this week from the USDA’s reduced estimate of U.S. ending stocks, as well as market chatter that a planned Russian export quota may be reduced, has been countered by rain forecast for U.S. crops and signs of good yields in southern hemisphere harvests. The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) on Friday raised its estimates for wheat, barley and canola production in the state, saying yields from the ongoing harvest had continued to exceed expectations. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris and Peter Hobson in Canberra; Editing by Janane Venkatraman, Mrigank Dhaniwala and Jane Merriman)ZICC: Internet Experts Pay Attention to the Development of Artificial Intelligence

RCCF awards more than $64,000 in fall grants - nearly $1.1 million overall in 2024(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

EPAM Systems Rises On Barclays Upgrade Citing ‘Thawing Of Investment Dollars’: Retail Sentiment Remains Subdued

Teenage West Ham goalkeeper dies aged 15 after cancer battleA range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's two stuck astronauts just got their space mission extended again. That means they won't be back on Earth until spring — 10 months after rocketing into orbit on Boeing's Starliner capsule. NASA announced the latest delay in Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams' homecoming Tuesday. The two test pilots planned to be away just a week or so when they blasted off June 5 on Boeing's first astronaut flight to the International Space Station. Their mission grew from eight days to eight months after NASA decided to send the company's problem-plagued Starliner capsule back empty in September. Now the pair won't return until the end of March or even April because of a delay in launching their replacements, according to NASA. A fresh crew needs to launch before Wilmore and Williams can return and the next mission was bumped more than a month, according to the space agency. NASA's next crew of four was supposed to launch in February, followed by Wilmore and Williams' return home by the end of that month alongside two other astronauts. But SpaceX needs more time to prepare the new capsule for liftoff. That launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late March. NASA said it considered using a different SpaceX capsule to fly up the replacement crew in order to keep the flights on schedule. However, it decided the best option was to wait for the new capsule to transport the next crew. NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station for a smoother transition, according to officials. Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year.

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