This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site. ___ Authors: Mark Turin, Associate professor, Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia; and N̓a̓ṇ̓gáinúx̌v – Robyn Humchitt, Digitization, Information & Technology and Archival Manager, Heiltsuk First Nation When it comes to digital access and internet technologies, some languages are still more equal than others. Speakers of majority languages, who type in English or text in Korean, assume their message will be transmitted accurately. But Indigenous language communities don’t share this same confidence. Computers and smartphones don’t come with the ability to type all letters in all languages. The unique characters integral to many Indigenous languages are often mangled as they travel across the ether. However, the inclusion of two capital letters needed to write Haíɫzaqvḷa in a recent update of the Unicode Standard means this Indigenous language can finally be written and read on all digital platforms. Why did it take so long? And what challenges do Indigenous communities face when wanting to type in their languages? Haíɫzaqv: “to act and speak correctly as a human being” Haíɫzaqvḷa is the language of the Heiltsuk (Haíɫzaqv) Nation whose traditional homeland is Bella Bella, British Columbia. The language has had its own orthography — an agreed written form with established spelling conventions — since the 1970s. Working in partnership with native speakers, a Dutch linguist was invited by tribal leadership to document their increasingly endangered language and develop learning resources. The results of this collaborative work included an alphabet chart, storybooks and a dictionary. Before the advent of digital technologies, Indigenous communities used specially modified typewriters to represent their languages in print. Customized typewriters designed to support the Latin, Syllabics and Cherokee scripts allowed users to publish in Indigenous languages like Haíɫzaqvḷa. The digital divide The digital age has created many opportunities and some new challenges. The American Standard Code for Information Interchange, the first computer text encoding standard, introduced in the early 1990s, did not support 44 of the 129 letters in the Haíɫzaqvḷa orthography. Special fonts and keyboards were required to render these characters on early desktop computers. Designers around the world produced countless fonts to support typing in digitally under-resourced languages, each using a unique font-keyboard pairing to encode a specific language. But this system had a major weakness: when files using custom fonts were shared, both the creator and the recipient needed to have the same font installed on their device. And if a recipient wanted to send a reply, they would need a keyboard input system that paired with that same custom font. Without these elements in place, the missing characters would be shown as “tofu,” or worse yet, rendered as a random string of meaningless characters. The Unicode Standard’s goal is to represent all characters required by all of the world’s languages and writing systems in digital form. Unicode now defines 154,998 characters covering 168 scripts and has fast become the chosen standard for digital character encoding. Yet, until version 16.0 of the standard, released in September 2024, two capital letters needed to write Haíɫzaqvḷa remained absent. Encoding Haíɫzaqvḷa Through a partnership between Heiltsuk Revitalization, the University of British Columbia and international type design company, Typotheque, we have been working to ensure that each and every Haíɫzaqvḷa character is consistently represented and accurately reproduced on all digital platforms and devices. Before this community-led collaboration, it was not possible to fully encode Haíɫzaqvḷa in digital text. This meant that community members couldn’t access the full range of characters they needed to input their language digitally. That would be like typing English without having access to capital E or S, and relying on workarounds like Σ for E or ∫ for S. Ensuring accurate character encoding that is predictable on all operating systems is a cornerstone of language justice. Yet the burden is still on communities to petition Unicode to have their scripts included, and the process is exacting. Harder still, a proposal must consider whether other languages that use the same script might be impacted by the proposed additions, and then mitigate and navigate potential conflicts. The stakes are high for changes to the encoding standard: decisions are almost impossible to reverse on account of the need to maintain stability and ensure both backward and forward compatibility. Important projects like the Script Encoding Initiative have for decades been helping communities to prepare technical proposals for the encoding of scripts and characters that are as of yet not supported by Unicode. There is still much work to be done. Language rights and government documents ’Cúagilákv — also known as Jess H̓áust̓i — is a Haíɫzaqv leader, parent, educator and poet from Bella Bella. In 2021, H̓áust̓i approached Canadian government agencies, both provincial and federal, to change Haíɫzaqv identification documents to remove colonial anglicizations and reclaim the correct spelling of their name. H̓áust̓i was informed that the existing backend systems were unable to accommodate the representation of diacritic marks. “The reason why I have an incorrect name is because it was anglicized by Indian agents. I didn’t create the problem, but I’m not getting any help to fix that,” H̓áust̓i told CBC News in 2021. “I feel that it’s important to honour my ancestors and my language by spelling and pronouncing it correctly. I would love for my children to grow up with the correct spelling of their name on their ID.” The ability to fully encode Haíɫzaqvḷa in the Unicode Standard means the language can now be successfully input into any Unicode compliant system. This is a baseline requirement for the elimination of many remaining digital language barriers. Beyond bilingualism Canada is fond of celebrating its commitment to bilingualism. Extensive provisions are in place to support English and French. But the origins of these colonial languages lie in Europe, brought by settlers as they first traded and then colonized; and both have vibrant speech communities in their original homelands and around the globe. In 2019, the Canadian government passed the Indigenous Languages Act designed to support the revitalization, maintaining and strengthening of the languages Indigenous to this land. As Canada works to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it should also simultaneously realize the slogan of the Unicode Consortium: “everyone in the world should be able to use their own language on phones and computers.” The challenges to achieving universal encoding for historically-marginalized languages are no longer technical; they are bureaucratic and political. In 2009, Canada’s then Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, was quoted as saying: “In the same way that race is at the core of ... American experience and class is at the core of British experience, I think that language is at the core of Canadian experience.” Through ensuring linguistic justice for all of its citizens, Canada can exercise global leadership in language policy and planning. This article was co-authored by Bridget Chase, a language technologist and researcher, and Kevin King, a typeface designer at Typotheque. ___ Mark Turin receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. N̓a̓ṇ̓gáinúx̌v – Robyn Humchitt has received funding from the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in British Columbia, Canada. ___ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site. Read the original article: https://theconversation.com/why-is-it-so-hard-to-type-in-indigenous-languages-245247 Advertisement AdvertisementArticle content The NFL issued a security alert to teams and the players’ union on Thursday following recent burglaries involving the homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood. Burglars have entered through side doors, via balconies, or second-floor windows. They’ve targeted homes in secluded areas and focus on master bedrooms and closet areas. Players were warned to avoid updating any social media with check-ins or daily activities until the end of the day. Posting expensive items on social media is discouraged. The homes of Mahomes and Kelce were broken into within days of each other last month, law enforcement reports show. The break-ins happened just before and the day of Kansas City’s 26-13 home victory over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, where Kelce’s superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift watched from the stands. No injuries were reported in either case.Quad Can Boost Unmanned Maritime Systems' Role In Vietnam Security
NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against The Toronto-Dominion Bank ("TD Bank" or the "Company") (NYSE: TD ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether TD Bank and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until December 23, 2024 , to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired TD Bank securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained a t www.pomerantzlaw.com . [Click here for information about joining the class action] On October 10, 2024 , TD Bank disclosed that it had pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $3 billion in penalties to resolve investigations by U.S. authorities into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and money laundering. The resolution of the investigations also included an asset cap preventing TD Bank's U.S. subsidiaries from collectively exceeding $434 billion in assets and subjects TD Bank to more stringent approval processes for its products, services, and market rollouts. In a corresponding press release, the U.S. Department of Justice described TD Bank as "the largest bank in U.S. history to plead guilty to Bank Secrecy Act program failures, and the first US bank in history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering." On this news, TD Bank's stock price fell $4.07 per share, or 6.41%, to close at $59.44 per share on October 10, 2024 . Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , Paris , and Tel Aviv , is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLPAnalysis: Week 12 full of sloppy play, especially on special teams
It's a woman's world! Forbes has revealed its 21st annual ranking of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the world. According to the media company, the top 100 ranking has been determined based on money, media, impact and spheres of influence. On the list are women across the world in fields ranging from finance to technology, and a few notable politicians. Taylor Swift even made the list as the top entertainer. We've compiled the top 20 women included on the list, plus the honourable Aussie women mentioned. Read on to see who the most powerful women in the world are in 2024, according to Forbes. For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here . Honourable mention: Coming in at 58 on the complete list is Australia's very own Shemara Wikramanayake, CEO of Macquarie. Wikramanayake started out at Macquarie in the late '80s. The 62-year-old became the managing director and CEO of the group in 2018. According to the group's 2024 annual report , Macquarie has more than 20,600 employees around the world and has total assets of $403.4 billion. Honourable mention: The next Aussie to make the list is Gina Rinehart, who has long been known as Australia's richest woman. According to Forbes , Rinehart has a net worth of $US30.7 billion (approx. $48.2 billion) as of 2024. Rinehart made her staggering wealth from iron ore as the executive chairman of mining company Hancock Prospecting. Read on to see the final Aussie who made the list this year and ranked higher than Rinehart. Honourable mention: The 48th most powerful woman in the world is the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Michele Bullock. Bullock made history when she took over the position in 2023, becoming the first woman to hold the title. According to Forbes, in her first year in the position, Bullock was able to keep interest rates at 4.35 per cent. Read on to see the women across the globe who ranked in the top 20 spots. Starting off the list is Catherine MacGregor, the CEO of the French multinational electric utility company, ENGIE. Next is 50-year-old Kathryn McLay, who is the president and CEO of the retail chain, Walmart International. Coming in at 18 on the list is Tarciana Medeiros, the first president and CEO of Banco de Brasil. Amy Hood is the Executive Vice President and CFO of technology company Microsoft. Safra Catz is the CEO of American technology company, Oracle. Ranked 15 in the world is Ana Patricia Botín, the Executive Chairman of Spain's largest bank, Santander. Emma Walmsley is the CEO of British pharmaceutical company, GSK. Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, a position she has held since 2019. Ruth Porat is the president and chief investment officer of Google's Alphabet Inc. Gail Boudreaux is the president and CEO of health insurance company, Elevance. Now onto the top 10. CEO of Citigroup, Jane Fraser, is ranked the 10th most powerful woman of 2024. Next on the list is American philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who is famously the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Scott was given a four per cent stake of the company in their divorce. According to Forbes , at the time of writing Scott has a staggering net worth of $US32.4 billion (approx. $50.8 billion). Pivotal Ventures founder and ex-wife of Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates has ranked eighth in 2024. Next on the list is chair and CEO of global services company Accenture, Julie Sweet. Sweet became the company CEO in 2019. Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson, has ranked sixth in 2024. According to Forbes , her net worth is an estimated $US37.1 billion (approx. $58.2 billion), placing her at the time of writing as the 46th richest person in the world. Cracking the top five is CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that "several" wounded North Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukrainian forces, as he accused Russia of throwing them into battle with "minimal protection". Ukraine and its western allies say North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to support Russia's army, in what is seen as a major escalation in the nearly three-year war following Moscow's 2022 invasion. "Today there were reports about several soldiers from North Korea. Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner. But they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated," Zelensky said in an evening address posted on social media. South Korea's spy agency said earlier on Friday that a North Korean soldier who was captured while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine had died of his wounds. Zelensky did not specify how many North Koreans had died after being captured by Ukrainian troops. Zelensky had earlier said that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been "killed or wounded" so far as they joined Russia's forces in combat in its western Kursk border region, where Ukraine mounted a shock incursion in August. South Korea's intelligence service had previously put the number of killed or wounded North Koreans at 1,000, saying the high casualty rate could be down to an unfamiliar battlefield environment and their lack of capability to counter drone attacks. The White House on Friday confirmed the South Korean estimates, saying that Pyongyang's troops were being sent to their deaths in futile attacks by generals who see them as "expendable". North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force this month, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hailing it as a "breakthrough document". NATO chief Mark Rutte had also said that Moscow was providing support to Pyongyang's missile and nuclear programmes in exchange for the troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that "several" wounded North Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukrainian forces, as he accused Russia of throwing them into battle with "minimal protection". Ukraine and its western allies say North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to support Russia's army, in what is seen as a major escalation in the nearly three-year war following Moscow's 2022 invasion. "Today there were reports about several soldiers from North Korea. Our soldiers managed to take them prisoner. But they were very seriously wounded and could not be resuscitated," Zelensky said in an evening address posted on social media. South Korea's spy agency said earlier on Friday that a North Korean soldier who was captured while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine had died of his wounds. Zelensky did not specify how many North Koreans had died after being captured by Ukrainian troops. Zelensky had earlier said that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been "killed or wounded" so far as they joined Russia's forces in combat in its western Kursk border region, where Ukraine mounted a shock incursion in August. South Korea's intelligence service had previously put the number of killed or wounded North Koreans at 1,000, saying the high casualty rate could be down to an unfamiliar battlefield environment and their lack of capability to counter drone attacks. The White House on Friday confirmed the South Korean estimates, saying that Pyongyang's troops were being sent to their deaths in futile attacks by generals who see them as "expendable". North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force this month, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hailing it as a "breakthrough document". NATO chief Mark Rutte had also said that Moscow was providing support to Pyongyang's missile and nuclear programmes in exchange for the troops.
The hardest movie ticket to get this weekend was for a film audiences have been able to watch at home for years: Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar.” The science fiction epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway earned $4.5 million from only 166 screens in the U.S. and Canada. Its 70mm IMAX film presentations sold out in minutes, leaving theaters scrambling to add more and people paying up to $300 on the re-sale market. Those 10 film screens alone had a staggering $70,000 per theater average, one of the highest of the year and usually the bragging rights of acclaimed arthouse movies playing on only four screens. Ten years after “Interstellar” was given a film release as a special exception at time when its studio, Paramount, was committing to a digital future, film is not only back but driving audiences to theaters. “I was just so gratified by the response,” Nolan said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press. “It’s really thrilling when people respond to your work at any point. But 10 years later, to have new audiences coming and experiencing it in the way that we’d originally intended it on the big IMAX screens and in particular on those IMAX film prints? It’s really rewarding to see that it continues to have a life.” “Interstellar” had been a labor of love, with Nolan fighting against the tides of a changing industry to use film, certain of its value. Like McConaughey’s Cooper, an astronaut clinging to skills that were all but obsolete in his dust bowl reality, “Interstellar” was made by a celluloid-loving filmmaker when the format was least valued. “Celluloid film was very threatened. Digital was taking over everything,” Nolan said. “We put an enormous amount of work and effort into the IMAX 70mm film format release at the time feeling like we didn’t know how much longer we’d be able to do that.” During its time, “Interstellar” was received warmly and an unambiguous success, but it also had its detractors. Its five Oscar nominations and win were all for crafts. And yet in the decade since, “Interstellar” has become beloved, a true classic. Nolan observed that it was the film that people kept wanting to talk about, telling him what it meant to them and asking if it was ever going to be re-released. Those grand emotions and sentimental themes of love, family and exploration that were a liability with some are now its most cherished qualities. “A lot of these people were younger people who, it was clear to me, had seen the film in the home and hadn’t had the chance to see it on the big screen,” Nolan said. While there have been “Interstellar” rereleases internationally, in China and at the Science Museum in London, Nolan saw an opportunity and spoke to IMAX and Paramount, now under a new regime, about a proper North American re-release for its 10th anniversary. The prints, Nolan said, hadn't aged a day. IMAX hardly needed convincing: They’ve had the anniversary date circled on the calendar. For years, “Interstellar” was by far the biggest request on their social channels. “We saw this coming from the beginning,” IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said. “It reminded us in a small way of the frenzy around ‘Oppenheimer.’ But the result is far beyond our expectations." “Interstellar” is now the ninth highest-grossing IMAX release of all time and is closing in on eight (currently occupied by “The Last Jedi.”) The company is currently exploring options for re-releases in different territories. The “Oppenheimer" effect was real in redeeming film's value for the business. IMAX screens accounted for some 20% of the nearly $1 billion this year's Oscar best picture winner made globally (it ranks at No. 5 for IMAX). While filmmakers have long cherished film stock, “Oppenheimer” had studios, distributors and theaters taking note of the demand. Earlier this year the film showings of “Dune: Part Two” were sold out for four weeks. And there's more to come: Ryan Coogler's new film “Sinners," opening in March 2025, was shot with IMAX cameras. The “Interstellar” release was fairly “low key" when it came to promotion, but it also didn’t need much — fans made sure of that. Before IMAX had even announced that tickets were on sale, some noticed that AMC had made them available. News spread on socials and overnight every 70mm IMAX showing at the Lincoln Square location in New York had sold out. It wasn’t just the “primetime” slots either: The 1 AM showtimes were at capacity too. After the weekend's turnout surpassed expectations, they added more 70mm IMAX screenings through the week which also filled up quickly. While Nolan is in some ways an anomaly, as the rare filmmaker whose name alone can draw crowds for original fare, there are lessons to be learned from the weekend. “It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big screen theatrical experience that they crave even on films that they’ve had the opportunities to see in the home,” Nolan said. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting. It’s a very clear demonstration of it, especially coming amidst all the great successes right now, “Wicked,”“Gladiator II,”“Moana 2.” "Audiences are coming out in droves for that experience that we all love so much.” Before the weekend, Nolan was able to see the film again on the big screen for the first time since the original release, accompanied by his Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. “Interstellar” was their first collaboration and Hoytema’s introduction to IMAX cameras (where he proved that they could be handheld if you tried hard enough). “It was really, really fun," Nolan said. He also approved the new 4K UHD “Interstellar" set that's now available. Since “Oppenheimer's" big night at the Oscars and Nolan's best director win, there's been much speculation about his next film with near daily rumors circulating about casting and genre, none of which have been officially confirmed. It's not something he's speaking publicly about yet. One thing he will say, however, is that he’s in the throes of intensive testing for a new film technology with IMAX to use in the next production. “They have an incredible engineering staff, really brilliant minds doing extraordinary work,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see innovation in the celluloid film arena still happening and happening at the highest level possible.” And he’s still making time to go to the movies Over the weekend, Nolan went to see “Wicked” at a theater in Burbank where he also peeked into one of the IMAX presentations of his film. “It was pretty magical to see a full house on that film,” he said. “It was a very special thing to see, 10 years later.”$100 Invested In Tyler Technologies 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today
I know the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy for all of us, but the Kentucky General Assembly will convene the 2025 Regular Session just a week after we ring in the New Year. Since time is of the essence, I wanted to use this week’s legislative update to share some basic information that I hope will help you follow our work. The General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, January 7 at noon. Our convening is set by the Kentucky Constitution, which requires that we begin session on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. The Constitution, after an amendment passed 24 years ago, also establishes that in odd years we have 30 legislative days to complete our work before we must adjourn by midnight on March 30. We already know that this will be a historic session, as it is the last session in the State Capitol Building for several years. The entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it safer and more accessible for those who work and visit. The project also incorporates modern technology. Since the Kentucky Constitution also requires that all sessions be held in the state capital (except in case of war, insurrection, or pestilence, may I add), next session we will meet in a temporary facility on the Capitol campus. While the legislature can only take official action like passing laws during session, lawmakers use the time between sessions to study issues and work with stakeholders to prepare. Lawmakers met throughout the summer and fall to consider issues that will be addressed with legislation during the 2025 Regular Session. Presentations included several bills that will be filed when the legislature convenes, as well as information on other issues and updates on laws already passed as lawmakers monitor how they are implemented. In addition to committee work, special task forces have discussed housing and labor shortages, the skyrocketing use of Artificial Intelligence, and the governance of the state’s largest school system. Since lawmakers addressed the budget last session, they will be free to consider a number of other issues this year. Our legislative agenda is shaping up to include additional efforts to lower the state’s income tax, get Kentuckians working, increase access to affordable health care, protect Kentucky children, honor our veterans, and help strengthen our communities. All of these are important if we want to continue making Kentucky the best place to live, work, and build a life. If you are interested in following along, please visit the legislature’s website and email me to be added to a list for regular updates. One of my favorite duties as a legislator is welcoming visitors and school groups to Frankfort. These tours serve as a great reminder of why I serve this community, and provide folks from our community with a firsthand appreciation of their state capitol building and capital city. If you have a school group or civic organization that would like to come visit, I hope you will let me arrange the tour of the Kentucky State Capitol, Thomas D. Clark Kentucky History Center, or the Military History Museum. I also have some resources for groups that cannot make the trip – including a video tour and activity books. If you are not able to visit in person, we use a variety of tools to keep the legislature’s work accessible and transparent. For decades, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has televised committee meetings and the work we do on the House Floor. In addition, the legislature now offers a YouTube channel and broadcasts live from all committees, including those that KET is unable to cover. To access the KET and YouTube coverage, visit www.legislature.ky.gov and click on the Live Coverage box. You may also go directly to them via www.ket.org and KY LRC Committee Meetings on YouTube. The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is the legislature’s administrative arm and maintains a helpful, information-packed website. It contains every bill and resolution, schedules, contact information, and information about the legislative process. I regularly refer to LRC publications, which provide research information on a variety of issues and can also be downloaded from the website. I also wanted to share that I was invited to speak to retired teachers at the Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association (WARTA) meeting last Thursday. Unfortunately, the meeting was canceled due to the weather, but I wanted to share the great achievements we had in education this year. We spend more on education than any other area of government and this past session we made every attempt to get funding to the level closest to students. The education investments included in the state budget (HB 6) represent the largest increase in funding since the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Among the allocations made in the budget are: — An increase in SEEK funding by 3% in the first fiscal year, and 6% in the next fiscal year for a total of $612 more per pupil over the two-year period. — Funding to cover 90% of transportation costs in FY 25, and fully fund the costs in FY 26 — Increased access to funding for districts with a limited ability to raise local revenue by increasing the Tier 1 equalization. — Increased General Fund monies by $4.8 million in each fiscal year for a Pilot Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program —An additional $2.6 million over the biennium for the Teacher Scholarship Programs — $7.3 million in additional funds in each fiscal year for a new Student Teacher Stipend Program In addition, HB 6 included almost $2 billion towards the teacher’s retirement system, an amount far above what is required by law but what is necessary to shore the system up for current and future retirees. We also included $80 million for teacher’s retirement in HB 1. As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at nick.wilson@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov . Nick Wilson represents Whitley and part of Laurel County, comprising District 82.
Mace, activist dispute handshake that resulted in arrest
Spending squeeze ‘could cost more than 10,000 Civil Service jobs’On December 27, 2024, reAlpha Tech Corp. (NASDAQ:AIRE) announced in an 8-K filing that the company has filed a prospectus supplement to enhance the maximum number of shares of its common stock issuable under the At the Market Sales Agreement. The agreement, entered into between the company and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners on December 19, 2024, now allows for an aggregate of up to $14,275,000 in Placement Shares. The issuance and sale of these Placement Shares will occur in compliance with the company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283284) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 15, 2024. This registration statement was declared effective on November 26, 2024, and has been supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 19, 2024, along with the most recent prospectus supplement. Under Item 9.01 of the filing, the company listed the following exhibits: – Exhibit 5.1: Opinion of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP. – Exhibit 23.1: Consent of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). – Exhibit 104: Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). Emerging growth company status was confirmed by the company, and there was no indication of the use of an extended transition period for new or revised financial accounting standards. Giri Devanur, the Chief Executive Officer of reAlpha Tech Corp., signed the report on behalf of the company on December 27, 2024. This article was generated by an automated content engine and was reviewed by a human editor prior to publication. For additional information, read reAlpha Tech’s 8K filing here . reAlpha Tech Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) reAlpha Tech Corp., a real estate technology company, commercializes artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technologies. The company operates in two segments, Platform Services and Rental Business. The company offers and develops AI-based products and services to customers in the real-estate industry. Read MoreSAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move, Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Lucky Eagle Casio & Hotel have announced a strategic enterprise partnership that will revolutionize the gaming and hospitality industry in the Washington market, setting the stage for a dynamic synergy between technology and hospitality. The software deployment has been completed and training will begin soon. The state-of-the-art platform is expected to enhance operations, optimize service and ensure guests have an unparalleled experience. JaNessa Bumgarner, CEO of Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is a game-changer, and we believe it will not only streamline our operations but also elevate the level of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI's innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Washington market. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation." Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his satisfaction with the newly formed partnership, "At QCI, we value partnerships that are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment. Our collaboration with Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is the epitome of such a relationship. We've been deeply impressed by the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel team, their passion for excellence, and their unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences. I'm proud and excited about the journey ahead and confident that together, we'll set new standards in the Washington market." ABOUT Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is proudly owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. The Chehalis Tribe is a vital community with rich cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. They honor their proud history and advance their vision by expanding business opportunities, educational resources and healthcare and outreach services. Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is an award winning casino resort located in Rochester, Washington. We offer the newest in slots, table games, bingo, sportsbook, pet friendly hotel, award winning restaurants and much more! To learn more about us, please visit our website luckyeagle.com . ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 175 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com . About Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354NFL to mull replay assist on facemask penalties
The best touchless trash cans for modern, mess-free livingDennis Pappas Champions Nature in Cities: The Vital Role of Landscape Architecture 12-19-2024 09:18 PM CET | Arts & Culture Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Erase Technologies, LLC Nature heals. It's as simple as that. People in cities need places to breathe, move, and escape the concrete jungle. Dennis Pappas sees this as an opportunity for architects and homeowners to embrace sustainable solutions. As cities grow and green spaces shrink, Dennis Pappas, a Brooklyn-based landscape architect [ https://www.dennispappas.com/ ], is calling for urgent action to reconnect urban environments with nature. From parks and rooftop gardens to rain gardens and green corridors, Pappas believes landscape architecture is essential for making cities more livable, healthier, and resilient. "Green spaces aren't just nice to have-they're critical," Pappas explains. "They improve air quality, reduce stress, and create places where people can truly connect with their surroundings. Without them, cities lose something fundamental." Why Nature Matters in Urban Areas Green spaces are essential for physical and mental health. Studies show that access to nature can lower stress by up to 50% and improve mood and overall well-being. Parks also encourage physical activity, helping reduce rates of chronic diseases. "Nature heals," Pappas says. "It's as simple as that. People in cities need places to breathe, move, and escape the concrete jungle." Urban greenery also provides environmental benefits. Trees and plants filter pollutants from the air, reduce urban heat by up to 9 degrees F, and manage stormwater to prevent flooding. "Green spaces act like the lungs of a city," Pappas adds. "They clean the air, cool the streets, and make urban life more bearable." The Role of Landscape Architecture For Pappas, landscape architecture is about more than aesthetics. It's about creating functional, sustainable spaces that serve people and the planet. His work emphasizes biodiversity, stormwater management, and climate resilience. "Good design solves problems," he explains. "A park isn't just a park-it's a space that supports wildlife, reduces flooding, and brings people together. Every project should work harder than it looks." Some key contributions of landscape architecture include: * Urban Parks: Spaces for relaxation, exercise, and community connection. * Green Roofs: Reducing urban heat and improving building energy efficiency. * Rain Gardens: Managing stormwater to prevent floods and support local ecosystems. * Green Corridors: Connecting neighborhoods and supporting wildlife movement. "These aren't just ideas," Pappas says. "They're proven solutions. Landscape architects blend science, creativity, and community input to make cities healthier and more sustainable." Economic and Environmental Benefits Urban green spaces also bring measurable economic advantages. Homes near parks are worth up to 20% more, and urban greenery can significantly reduce energy costs by cooling buildings naturally. "Investing in green spaces pays off," Pappas explains. "It's good for people, the planet, and the bottom line." Environmental benefits are equally compelling. Native plants and trees support biodiversity, providing habitats for birds, bees, and other wildlife. Parks and gardens also help cities adapt to climate change by reducing temperatures and improving resilience to storms. "Green spaces aren't just about beauty-they're about survival," Pappas says. "As the climate shifts, cities need these spaces more than ever." As urbanization accelerates, Pappas is urging governments, businesses, and communities to prioritize green spaces in city planning. He believes collaboration is key to ensuring future generations inherit livable, vibrant urban environments. "We can't afford to lose our connection to nature," Pappas emphasizes. "Every green space is a reminder of our responsibility to the environment and to each other. It's not just about creating beautiful spaces-it's about creating spaces that give back." Media Contact Company Name: Dennis Pappas Contact Person: Dennis Pappas Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=dennis-pappas-champions-nature-in-cities-the-vital-role-of-landscape-architecture ] City: New York City State: New York Country: United States Website: https://www.dennispappas.com/ This release was published on openPR.
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Holiday hotel bookings in Mexico have risen by 15% in the days leading up to Christmas compared to last year, according to a study conducted by hotelier technology company SiteMinder. The company’s Changing Traveller Report 2025 said such growth is driven by a 7% increase in international bookings compared to December 2023. The countries fueling this demand include the United States, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In addition to a rise in international bookings and arrivals, the study showed a year-on-year increase in both the length of stay and lead time for bookings during the Christmas week in Mexico. The average length of stays booked from Dec. 21 to 25 is expected to increase by 4%, from 3.07 days to 3.20 days, while the average lead time for booking would increase by 7%, from 84.80 days to 90.44 days. “The Christmas holidays have always attracted people to Mexico,” Alfredo Rodríguez, SiteMinder’s Mexico manager, said in a statement. “It is encouraging to see that this year will be no exception.” The increase in hotel reservations is occurring despite a 2% rise in the hotel’s average daily rate (ADR) during Christmas week, going from US $374.04 in 2023 to US $380.89 in 2024. According to Rodríguez, these figures will generate “significant revenue” for hotels by the end of 2024 and suggested that hotels in Mexico should take full advantage of Mexico’s popularity amongst travelers by focusing on providing memorable experiences this Christmas season. Mexico’s popularity amongst international travelers has positioned the country amongst the 14th most visited destinations in the world, along with Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States, according to SiteMinder. In the first six months of the year, Mexico recorded a 6.24% increase in international tourist numbers compared to last year. Data by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) showed that Mexico received 21.8 million international tourists between January and June, compared to the 20.4 million during the first six months of 2023. Still, Mexico does not appear on the list of the most popular travel destinations for 2025. According to SiteMinder, the countries at the top 10 of the traveler’s wish-list include Japan, the United States, France, Australia, Italy, China, Canada, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom. The report concludes that the growing trend in international tourism shows that people’s trust in the tourism industry is strengthening as they become more familiar with international travel. With reports from El Sol de México
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Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothesEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL:
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