Ayar Labs, a developer of computer chips that use light to transmit data between each other, has captured $155 million in Series D capital to support its push into high-volume manufacturing. Founded in 2015, Ayar Labs is pushing its optical input/output technology as an alternative to traditional electrical I/O in light of growing demand for large-scale artificial intelligence workloads . Advent International and Light Street Capital led the Series D round, which brings Ayar Labs’ total amount of investment raised since inception to $370 million and touted valuation to $1 billion. AMD Ventures, Intel Capital, Nvidia, 3M New Ventures and Autopilot are among the new investors announced Wednesday. Take note of the first three names in the list, all of them being notable chip manufacturers themselves. They join this group of existing investors that also took part in the new round: Applied Ventures LLC, Axial Partners, Boardman Bay Capital Management, GlobalFoundries, IAG Capital Partners, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Playground Global and VentureTech Alliance. By leaning on optical solutions, Ayar Labs believes enterprises can maximize compute efficiency and performance for AI infrastructure with an eye toward reducing energy costs and power consumption. “The leading GPU providers – AMD and NVIDIA – and semiconductor foundries – GlobalFoundries, Intel Foundry, and TSMC – combined with the backing of Advent, Light Street, and our other investors underscores the potential of our optical I/O technology to redefine the future of AI infrastructure,” Ayar Labs’ co-founder and chief executive Mark Wade said in a release. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the backing of Light Street’s deep expertise in technology-specific investments as well as Advent’s robust private and growth equity background in this funding round.” Ayar Labs describes its flagship product as the first in-package optical I/O offering that is standards-based, commercial-ready, and optimized for AI training and inference. Jordan Katz, a partner at Advent Global Opportunities, will join Ayar Labs’ board of directors following the Series D round’s closure. Lockheed Martin’s venture capital arm first backed Ayar Labs in 2020 to aid in the further development and commercialization of the latter’s main offering for use in AI and high-performance computing, among other applications. Below is Mark Wade's Wednesday appearance on Bloomberg TV to explain Ayar Labs' strategy and vision.Hours before dawn, while most Canberrans are fast asleep, the Fyshwick Logement Centre is bustling. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue The biggest sales period of the year has Australia Post staff processing thousands of parcels in Canberra to keep up with the high demand. Executive general manager Gary Starr says the sorting facility in Fyshwick can process up to 30,000 parcels per day and up to 36,000 during peak periods. To meet the demands, Australia Post has recruited seasonal casuals, extended shifts and brought back weekend operations. Delivery facility manager Dale Hyde says overtime hours are available pre-shift and post-shift, with shifts running from 11pm to 8am and some starting from 2am, 3am and 4am. Organised chaos at the Fyshwick lodgement centre. Picture by Karleen Minney Unlike larger automated hubs, the Fyshwick facility operates entirely on manual labour, which means parcels arriving from Melbourne and Sydney are sorted by hand into postcodes before being loaded into vans for nationwide delivery. As vans travel from across the country, the team handles the sheer volume in "a ballroom of activity", says Hyde. Delivery drivers have plenty of overtime shifts in the lead-up to Christmas. Picture by Karleen Minney He says during this period, drivers are delivering 100 to 200 more parcels than usual. The increased volume is sent from a wide range of businesses across Canberra, both large and small. "We work with every type of business, from those operating large-scale bricks and mortar ... to small businesses operating out of their garage or running a side hustle," says Starr. It's a busy time for Australian retailers, and while small businesses may not be able to compete with big companies, they're making efforts to participate in the cyber sales. "Many small businesses are keen to look at anything they can do to get customers through the door... Black Friday is a really good opportunity to help them do that," says Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford. The Fyshwick faclity can process up to 30,000 parcels per day. Picture by Karleen Minney He says consumers expect the biggest sales to be available towards the end of November in the lead-up to Christmas, and many take advantage of lower prices . "Consumers are keen to get out and spend money, in particular during a cost of living crisis," he says. As our inboxes overflow with discounts of up to 80 percent, local businesses are feeling the pressure to keep up. Ryan Mongich, who owns local garden-ware business Eché Pots, says the Black Friday Sales have not met his expectations. "It's difficult for my business to take a large loss on sales to get customers in," he says. Ryan Mongich, who owns local garden-ware business Eché Pots. Picture by Karleen Minney Smaller businesses typically lack the profit margin to fund large discounts and struggle to compete during this period. "A bigger company has the funds to be able to mark down products in order to draw people in, but most small businesses are operating with a much smaller cash flow," he says. He emphasises the importance of prioritising a loyal customer base rather than immediate sales. "I think it's important to have customers want your product at a regular retail price, rather than just come in if there's a sale," he says. It's a good reminder in the midst of the cyber sales to consider local businesses. "The chamber certainly sends the message to customers to get out and support local businesses wherever you can, and use the opportunity surrounding Black Friday to help you stock up and get ready for the festive season," Harford says. 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Children as young as ten could be banned from using the internet or engaging in forums under terror orders designed to crackdown on the number of teenagers being radicalised online. Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, has announced youth diversion orders that could be used to force teenagers to participate in programmes designed to mitigate their terrorist risk under Prevent, the government’s counter-extremism strategy, which identifies people at risk of radicalisation. Police will be able to apply to courts for an order, but conditions must be “necessary and proportionate to mitigate terrorist risk”, Cooper said. Home Office sources said restrictions on online activity could bar young people from specific websites, online forums and social media channels such as Telegram, whose encrypted technology is favoured by terrorists
LEADING a conga around the floor, TV presenter Angellica Bell is spreading Christmas joy. But behind the dancing, there’s a serious message. The former kids’ telly host is backing The Sun’s Christmas SOS Appeal with Age UK, to combat loneliness and isolation among older people . We are asking readers to donate money to Age UK, volunteer as a phone befriender or visit one of its shops. And at the charity’s Merton centre in Mitcham, South London , Angellica takes to the microphone to lead the pensioners in singing and dancing at their Sparkle Party. The former CBBC presenter, now a consumer journalist who has worked on The One Show , says we can all do our bit to help. I have worked with older people a lot in my job, especially on The One Show. Look at the energy here. They’ve got such a wealth of knowledge and often, sadly, their needs are forgotten about Angellica, 48, said: “I value the older generation, their wisdom and what they give. READ MORE ON CHRISTMAS SOS “I have worked with older people a lot in my job, especially on The One Show. “Look at the energy here. “They’ve got such a wealth of knowledge and often, sadly, their needs are forgotten about.” Figures from Age UK show more than 4.6million people aged 65 and over in England experience one or more of the following: Loneliness , poor health , an unmet need for care, and poverty. Most read in Health And in the current tough financial climate, the charity’s centres provide vital assistance, helping pensioners learn about the benefits they can claim — and to not be afraid to ask for help. Angellica said: “Age UK provides not just the social aspect but helping with forms. “Older people can be one of the worst groups for coming forward and asking for support. “And there is the not knowing what they can claim. “The wealth of information and technology can be daunting for a generation where a lot is done online.” As a big supporter of the charity , Angellica, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, says we can all learn from older people. “My grandmother was the keystone of our family and I loved spending time with her,” she says. “She was a cook from the Caribbean in St Lucia. Reassuring support “The time with her, the songs we learnt, those experiences I had with her helped me to go on and win MasterChef. “I’m grateful for that. “A lot of people are in their family units now, but you never know what is going to happen in 20 or 30 years and who you will be with. “If you know these sorts of charities are around, to have that support and network is really reassuring.” Anne Pittham, 72, retired from nursing after more than 50 years in April 2023. She says the centre has been a lifeline for her. “Coming here really saved me because I am prone to depression ,” says Anne. “Loneliness could have been the problem for me. “I found having a structure to my day helps.” I come about four times a week. If you are not here a couple of times, they will phone you to see if you are all right. And if I’m feeling a bit down, they know. They are ever so kind and considerate. Anne comes to the centre for singing, craft sessions, board games and their days out. She said: “We’ve been to the Science Museum, a boat trip on the River Thames. “There are lots of things I wanted to do but didn’t want to do on my own.” Lynda Matson, 72, has been attending the centre regularly since April after her husband John, 86, died. “This is my home from home,” she says. “I come about four times a week. “If you are not here a couple of times, they will phone you to see if you are all right. “And if I’m feeling a bit down, they know. “They are ever so kind and considerate.” Its lunch club serves freshly prepared hot meals. Lynda, who was as a shop assistant in Sainsbury’s before retiring, says the centre has helped her practically. “You are saving on your heating and you can have proper food,” she says. “Last year, when my husband wasn’t very well and I couldn’t keep him warm, they said, ‘Don’t heat the house, heat him’. “I bought him slippers, more clothes and a warm blanket. “It’s little things like that that have helped.” The practical advice from the support teams is more in demand than ever since the Government axed the Winter Fuel Payment for hundreds of thousands of pensioners, making the allowance means tested. Those who receive Pension Credit will keep the Winter Fuel Payment , worth up to £300. But an estimated 800,000 people eligible for pension credit do not currently claim it so the race is on to make sure they do not miss out. Roaring success They have until December 21 to apply and ask for it to be backdated to keep the Winter Fuel Payment. Amanda Gibson, 54, the centre’s information and advice manager, says: “Our main focus is benefits — housing benefits, council tax support, pension credit, attendance allowance , trying to maximise that person’s income. "We tend to do home visits and telephone appointments. “From June to the end of August we had 11 drop-ins and 100 home visits. “But since the Winter Fuel announcement we have had 28 drop-ins and about 230 visits. “We knew we were going to get an influx of people. “We say to people, ‘You have got nothing to lose by having a pension check’. “The older generation are quite proud and feel they don’t want to come cap in hand. “But we tell them they have worked really hard, they deserve to have a little bit of extra help.” Age UK’s research also shows that almost two thirds of older people who live alone are women, but the number of older men living alone is rising fast — by 66 per cent in the past 20 years. Retired civil servant Tony Townsend, 92, attends for the facilities, food and the dancing — and whisks Angellica off for a waltz on the floor. The keen ballroom dancer says: “Coming here, it makes sure I eat all my greens and you get to meet people. “I’ve never married but I’m still on the lookout!” The party has been a roaring success, says Sarah Goad, the branch’s chief executive officer. She adds: “We are so thankful to Angellica and the team at The Sun for shining a light on what local charities like Age UK Merton are doing this Christmas to help reduce social isolation and to support older adults in this cost-of-living crisis.” IT is her first Christmas as a married woman – and amid the madness of work and volunteering, Vicky Pattison is throwing her support behind The Sun’s SOS at Christmas campaign with Age UK. The 37-year-old Geordie Shore star started volunteering for the charity during lockdown in 2020 and is still one of its biggest supporters. So much so, she wants to help again over the festive season. The I’m a Celebrity 2015 winner said: “Lots of older people just want to be surrounded by their family, their friends and loved ones at Christmas but not everyone has that opportunity. “Loneliness at that age is so crippling. “The thought that there are people facing the prospect of Christmas on their own and not feeling like they’ve got anyone to talk to or turn to is heartbreaking. “These are people who worked their whole lives, who have raised their families. They don’t deserve to spend their twilight years like this. “They need someone to talk to, they need to know they are not alone.” Vicky, who married ex-Towie regular Ercan Ramadan, 31, in August, says her passion for helping and supporting the elderly generation is driven in part by her beloved grandparents David and Mavis Birdsey. Having lost David, 92, to dementia in 2022 and Mavis in 2019, Vicky says the devoted pair who were married for 67 years instilled her sense of family values. ‘Very fortunate’ “Mavis and David were the backbone of our family. “Some of my fondest memories are of them taking us to the beach in the summer – sandy sandwiches and swimming in the North Sea and cricket and candy floss in the theme park afterwards – it was just so lovely. “Grandad was the life and soul of every party too. “He just wanted everyone to have a good time. I probably get an awful lot from him. “Grandma was strong, a real formidable woman but kind and generous. I’m very fortunate and I credit them for the upbringing they gave us. “It was very stable.” Vicky recalled how she got involved with Age UK initially to support those shielding from the pandemic. She said: “I started an isolation care package project with the help of my local Age UK in Northumberland and Gateshead, navigating with them what people needed. “It gave us a sense of purpose through lockdown as well. “But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Age UK.” WHAT YOU CAN DO Donate Give online at ageuk.org. u k/christmassos or scan the QR code Or by phone: 0800 077 8751 (lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Or by text: To give £5, text: SOS5 to 70507 To give £10, text: SOS10 to 70507 VOLUNTEER! Give the gift of your time by signing up as one of Age UK’s telephone friendship volunteers Just 20 to 30 minutes a week to chat with an older person who might be in need of company To find out more go to ageuk.org.uk/volunteer or scan the QR code READ MORE SUN STORIES SHOP Age UK has 250 shops across the country, great places to pick up Christmas presents and support the elderly. See Age UK site for locations.
Thrissur to host Kerala Science Congress in FebruaryIceland's centre-left Social Democrats look on course to win the most votes in a snap election, suggesting the political landscape is likely to be shaken up, although a snowstorm could still delay tallying of ballots. Login or signup to continue reading The North Atlantic island nation, home to 384,000 people, has enjoyed relative political stability since 2017 and ranks among the wealthiest countries in Europe per capita, bolstered by tourism, fisheries and cheap geothermal- and hydroelectric-powered aluminium production. However, inflation and borrowing costs that are near their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis have helped spark an economic slowdown, propelling growing hardship to the forefront of voters' concerns. A series of volcanic eruptions near the capital Reykjavik, causing displacement of thousands of people and costly infrastructure repairs, have also dampened tourism. A snowstorm in the northern and eastern part of the country could still delay the final result early on Sunday, according to public broadcaster RUV. Opinion polls ahead of the election had indicated that the ruling coalition of the Left-Green Movement, the conservative Independence Party, and the centre-right Progressive Party, in power for the last seven years, was likely to be unseated. However, the Independence Party led by Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson placed second after polls closed with just over 18 per cent of votes according to preliminary results, benefiting from a late surge in support. It was very closely followed by the centre-right Liberal Reform Party with just under 18 per cent, according to RUV. The centre-left Social Democratic Alliance, which was last in government between 2009 and 2013, stood to come in first by taking over 20 per cent of votes. Katrin Jakobsdottir of the Left-Green Movement resigned as prime minister in April to run for the presidency, a bid she lost. Her replacement, Bjarni Benediktsson, dissolved parliament in October and called an election following escalating coalition disagreements and public discontent over migration and energy and housing issues. Iceland's population has surged by 20 per cent over the past decade, the most significant increase among OECD nations, fueloed by high immigration rates, further pressuring housing and healthcare. While inflation and interest rates have recently started to decline, the cost of living crisis has reignited the question of EU membership in election debates. Polls suggest the pro-EU Social Democrats and the Liberal Reform Party combined would garner 40 per cent of votes. "The biggest issue here right now is cost of living," Social Democratic leader Kristrun Frostadottir told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. The 36-year-old economist, who took over as party leader two years ago, is a champion of the Nordic welfare model and a favourite to become the new prime minister. Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicle
Iceland set for change of government as polls closeNumber of seats: 4 Seats filled: 1 10.45pm: The redistribution of the 292 surplus votes of Neale Richmond has resulted in the elimination of Independents, Kevin Daly and Conor Murphy and National Party candidate Garrett McCafferty in the second count. The largest beneficiary of Mr Richmond’s surplus was, as expected, his running mate Maeve O’Connell with 198 votes. 9.15pm: As the dust settles after the first count, here are the full results as counting staff work to redistribute Mr Richmond’s surplus of 292 votes. Candidates are battling it out to reach the quota of 9,752 votes. Turnout was 61pc in Rathdown, with a total valid poll of 48,759. Shay Brennan (FF) – 5913 Liam Coughlan (Aon) – 1808 Kevin Daly (IND) – 253 Elaine Dunne (FF) –1417 Michael Fleming (IND) – 4380 Sinéad Gibney (SD) – 4277 Catherine Martin (GP) – 4146 Garrett McCafferty (NP) – 367 Lettie McCarthy (LAB) – 3043 Conor Murphy (IND) – 66 Síomha Ní Aonghusa (PBP) – 1336 Maeve O'Connell (FG) – 6375 Neale Richmond (FG) –10044 Alan Shatter (IND) – 1783 Shaun Tracey (SF) – 3551 8.45pm: Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond has been re-elected on the first count, topping the poll with 10,044 first preference votes. Speaking after his election and surpassing the quota of 9,752 by 292 votes, Mr Richmond said he was “lucky” to be backed by his team of supporters through an “exhaustive” campaign. "Myself and Maeve O’Connell were given a very clear task by Simon Harris, to deliver two seats here and it looks like we will. Personally, obviously, I’m chuffed and hopefully we will see a lot more Fine Gael seats elected over the next couple of hours and days,” he said. Mr Richmond, who grew up "500 metres” from the count centre at Ballinteer Community School, said he “fully expects” his running mate Ms O’Connell to be elected as the pair ran a “united campaign” in their constituency. "We ran a really united ticket that delivered two seats for Fine Gael in Dublin Rathdown again even though many people said that we couldn’t do it.” 6pm: A first count looks imminent in Rathdown as Green Party minister Catherine Martin has said it has been a "disappointing day" for her party. Speaking to reporters as she arrived at the count centre, she said her seat remains in the "hands of the electorate" after initial tallies of first preferences placed her in sixth-place in her constituency of Rathdown. She thanked those who voted for her in what has become a "very, very tight" race in her constituency. "It's very, very tight here (in Rathdown) but still, all is to play for but we will have to see what unfolds in the next few counts." Asked what she believes may have "gone wrong" for the party, Ms Martin said she believes it could be "the old story of the junior coalition partner gets the punishment of a government". "I remember being at the count centre in 2011 when Eamon lost his seat and at that time there was a feeling or a sense that the Green Party hadn't delivered enough in that government. I certainly felt coming into this election that we had a track record of delivery and certainly punched above our weight." She said she had been "hopeful" that the party would have retained seats in this election, adding that the party remains "in contention" for her own seat and for the seats held by party leader Roderic O'Gorman and Dun Laoghaire incumbent Ossian Smyth. "They are very tight, tight battles. I felt throughout the campaign that there was no anger on the doorsteps and I congratulate all the candidates actually on really terrific campaigns, very respectful campaigns in Dublin Rathdown by everybody too. We'll see what happens but its a very, very disappointing day for the Green Party and my heart goes out to everyone, all of the candidates. "We ran in every single constituency and it's a tough day but this has happened before and we will come back and we will come back stronger than ever before, that I can be sure of." She said climate action did not feature in the campaign even though constituents had raised the issue on the doors, adding that she is "proud" of her work and the work of the Green Party in government. Ms Martin said there was a warm reception on doors but "maybe it was just a case of the smaller party get edged out". "I am incredibly proud to be here having represented Rathdown," she said, adding that the fate of the party is "in the hands of the electorate and I respect that". She said the issue of climate is "much more important than us as a political party". "I was in the hands of the electorate and I'm still in the hands of the electorate," she said, adding that the Green party term in government was "challenging at times" but it was also "rewarding". "It is an absolute privilege to serve at Cabinet and be one of the few women, I was very conscious of that at all times. I never forgot that honour and every day I've been in Leinster House I look back and go 'It's an honour to be here'." Ms Martin said she was surprised by the scale at which the Green Party appears to be struggling across the country as counting continues. She paid tribute the Green Party teams working on campaigns across the country, adding that even as the exit poll results came in last night that she believed the party would maintain at least "5 or 6 seats" but the party is now looking at three tight contests in Dublin. 4pm: Rathdown is still counting in a quiet Ballinteer Community School. Conversation has turned to speculation over when the first count can be expected – a fairly inexact science. 2.20pm: There is a sense of calm before the storm as the count chugs steadily onwards in Rathdown, with Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond expected to top the poll. It is a conclusion foreseen since ballot boxes were first opened this morning, with the real race beginning once transfers enter the state of play after the first count later today. His running mate Maeve O’Connell is well placed to take the second seat. The count continues in Ballinteer Community School as Rathdown looks to elect four TDs. 1pm: Counters have taken a break here in the hall of Ballinteer Community School, with party supporters making peace with the results of their tallies before the official outcome of the first count rolls in later this afternoon. The electorate in Rathdown has often dealt the blows of what can only be described as a mild ‘curse of the minister’ in elections past, with sitting Media minister Catherine Martin likely to now face an uphill battle for the final seat in this four-seater with a sixth-place finish in the tallies with 8pc of first preferences. Transport minister Shane Ross lost his seat in Rathdown four years ago, while former justice minister Alan Shatter also lost his seat here in 2016. It remains to be seen whether Ms Martin will be the latest casualty of this ‘curse’, having been the one to benefit from Mr Shatter’s loss eight years ago when she was first elected to the Dáil. 12pm: We are close to a full tally in Rathdown, with 99pc of the boxes open and a clear trend emerging for Fine Gael based on first preferences. Junior minister Neale Richmond looks likely to take 20pc, now followed by his running mate Maeve O’Connell on 13pc. It shows signs of two seats for Fine Gael here once our first count is completed and transfers are taken into account. Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan is on 12pc, followed by both independent Michael Fleming and Social Democrats candidate Sineád Gibney on 9pc. Catherine Martin is still in the race with 8pc of first preferences based on these tallies, but she could face an uphill battle for the final seat and be more reliant on transfers than anticipated. Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey is on 7pc, followed by Labour’s Lettie McCarthy on 6pc. Neale Richmond was re-elected on the first count. Tallies indicate first major wins and casualties in tight race 11.10am: Tallies are showing it will be a tight race in Rathdown as first preferences are keeping multiple candidates in with a fighting chance of a seat, including Green Party minister Catherine Martin. With 66pc of the boxes opened, Neale Richmond continues to lead based on tallies with 21pc of the first preference vote share. He is followed by Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan on 12pc, who is closely followed by independent Michael Fleming on 10pc and Social Democrat Sineád Gibney, Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey all on 9pc. Fine Gael councillor Maeve O’Connell has an 8pc share of first preferences based on these tallies and she will be expected to benefit from the transfers of her running mate on the ticket, Mr Richmond. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter, who is running as an independent, does not appear to be fulfilling the disruptive role he was initially cast in when he announced his candidacy. Based on first preference tallies, Mr Shatter is performing at around 4pc. Transfers will be the key to victory in Rathdown. 10.25am: Initial tallies are being calculated as parties and supporters keep a close eye on the counting here. Tally people have told each other it is “early days” when others have optimistically pointed to strong first preference showings for their candidates in boxes across the constituency. Although just 24pc of the boxes have been opened, initial tallies show Fine Gael minister Neale Richmond leading the pack with around 21pc of first preferences, followed by Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan with 14.3pc, Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney on 10pc, Green Party minister Catherine Martin on 9.8pc and Sinn Féin candidate Shaun Tracey on 9.2pc. Turnout is around 59pc based on these initial tallies. There are candidates here which will do better in some parts of the constituency over others. A local election poll topper like independent Michael Fleming is a prime example of this, who appears to be polling well in his own local electoral area of Glencullen-Sandyford. It remains to be seen whether his local success can translate across the constituency. Counting begins in Ballinteer Community School. 9am: Boxes have been opened in Rathdown The ballot boxes have now been opened in Ballinteer Community School, where the constituency of Rathdown will soon return four seats to the Dáil. There are just two incumbent candidates seeking re-election in Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond after Fine Gael’s Josepha Madigan left politics and an additional seat was added to the constituency. Tally people have received their instructions and will be keeping a close eye on first preference votes throughout the morning to see which way the wind has blown in Rathdown. While both incumbents have been considered safe throughout the election campaign, the remaining two seats will make for an interesting contest. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter has run in this election as an independent, while Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan will be looking to make a gain for the party in this constituency alongside his running mate Elaine Dunne. Local councillor Michael Fleming, who was elected to the local council in June with more than double the necessary quota of votes, has been among the favourites to pick up the new fourth seat in Rathdown. Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney, the former chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission who raised her profile in the European elections earlier this summer, and the Labour Party’s well-tested local poll topper Lettie McCarthy also cannot be ruled out. It all remains to play for in Rathdown as counting begins and the early tallying gets underway.
After a thrilling double-overtime win over Fresno State, California Baptist makes the nearly 2,500-mile trip to Orlando to face Central Florida on Sunday. The Lancers (5-3) capped their time at the Acrisure Holiday Invitational in Palm Springs, Calif., with an 86-81 victory over the Bulldogs on Wednesday. That followed a last-second, 79-77 loss to SMU the day before. Dominique Daniels Jr. played 45 minutes against Fresno State and led California Baptist with 29 points. He paces the Lancers with 20.3 points per game, while Kendal Coleman averages 15.1 points and is shooting 59.7 percent form the floor. However, coach Rick Croy's team has struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 30.7 percent entering its first true road game this season. UCF (5-2) is coming off of an 84-76 win over Milwaukee last Wednesday despite being outrebounded 41-31. The Knights were helped by the heroics of senior guard Darius Johnson, who had 28 points as he shot a career-best 8-for-10 from beyond the arc. "Darius was terrific," UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. "He's so comfortable in his leadership role now, he's leading our team and running the show, and our new players are becoming more comfortable playing with him. He's been a rock for us this season, and you love to see it out of a senior point guard." "I had an extraordinary night shooting the ball from three," Johnson said. "I rarely think that would happen again, but it's great. I know my teammates are going to have nights like that as well." Johnson is among the nation's leaders in minutes per game (36.6) and is shooting a team-high 50 percent from 3-point range (23 of 46). He, along with his fellow guard Jordan Ivy-Curry, are each averaging 16.9 points to lead UCF. The Knights opened the season with an impressive win over Texas A&M, now No. 20 in the AP poll, but lost both games at last weekend's Greenbrier Tip-Off, including a triple-overtime defeat against LSU on Sunday. UCF has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018-19. This will be the first meeting between the Knights and the Lancers, who will each have time off afterwards. UCF won't play until Dec. 8 against Tarleton State, while California Baptist is idle until its Dec. 11 game at San Diego State. --Field Level Media
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