okbet io Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou attended the EU Council of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Ministers of the European Union, which took place in Brussels on Friday. Papastergiou stressed in his speech that in addition to the measures to be taken by each state, EU member states must jointly take initiatives to force major digital platforms and social media to stop targeting user addiction.Papastergiou cited as an example at European level the Digital Services Act (DSA), which includes specific provisions for the protection of minors and explicitly addresses the problem of addictive design. As he said "soon in Greece we will present the National Strategy for the protection of minors from algorithmic addiction. Social media and digital platforms must come to the table and show that they will take tangible, measurable actions to prioritise safety over profit. The design of their apps and services should be age-appropriate," he said, referring to the implementation of age verification and age assurance tools, age verification. Referring to other Council issues, Papastergiou stressed the need to adjust the objectives of the "Digital Decade" and targeted funding due to the rapid development of technologies such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing. He also referred to the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and the usefulness of extending upgrade and retraining programmes for ICT professionals. He made particular reference to the role of ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) in improving common situational awareness and management of large-scale cyber incidents and crises in the EU, as well as the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC). In the margins of the Council, the Minister had an introductory meeting with the new Executive Vice President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen. He also had bilateral contacts with ministers.

This new economic system marks a departure from traditional Play-to-Earn concepts, expanding the scope to encompass a variety of interactive and communal activities. The E2E model differentiates itself by focusing on gaming and a broad spectrum of virtual experiences. This includes live events, cultural exhibitions, and community-driven projects where participation directly translates to earnings. Through this model, Everdome is enhancing the metaverse’s engagement by allowing content creators to design immersive events—ranging from conferences and concerts to collaborative challenges—and reward participants with $DOME, Everdome’s native cryptocurrency. Participants in these events can earn tokens by attending, interacting, and completing specific tasks. This model not only incentivizes active participation but also fosters a vibrant economy within Everdome, supported by blockchain technology for added security and transparency. Looking forward, Everdome plans to incorporate additional features into its platform, including virtual conference spaces, cinemas, and casual social settings like virtual bars. These expansions are designed to enrich the user experience and provide more versatile environments for interaction and engagement. Initial testing of the E2E model, conducted with the Everdome community and strategic partners, has yielded promising results, suggesting a strong potential for growth and further development. The positive reception underscores the model’s ability to integrate economic opportunities within the metaverse, making virtual interactions more rewarding and meaningful. As Everdome continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the E2E model stands poised to redefine economic interactions within the metaverse, promising a more dynamic and interconnected digital future.The iconic life simulation game, The Sims , is undergoing a revolutionary change that promises to redefine virtual storytelling. As EA Maxis explores the integration of cutting-edge AI technology, the game might soon allow its characters to develop unique personalities and relationships based on unscripted interactions, offering players a more immersive and unpredictable gameplay experience. Unpredictable Personalities Traditionally, The Sims has allowed players to control their Sims’ actions and destiny within pre-set boundaries. Now, with the potential inclusion of advanced machine learning algorithms, Sims could autonomously develop traits and behaviors based on real-time interactions, access to broader datasets, and even learning from the player’s previous decisions. This innovation would mark a significant leap from static character arcs to dynamic personality modeling. Social Evolution in Virtual Worlds The proposed AI advancements could revolutionize social interactions within the game. Imagine a Sim who unexpectedly develops an introverted trait due to past experiences, or two Sims who become friends because their virtual personalities genuinely align. This unpredictable social evolution could provide players with a fresh layer of complexity and surprise, making every new game a unique narrative. The Future of Gaming Experiences The incorporation of AI technology into The Sims isn’t just about character development; it hints at the broader future of gaming experiences. As game environments become more intelligent and capable of adapting to player behavior, they could evolve into spaces that offer not just entertainment, but genuine personal growth and exploration—a teasing glimpse into the future of gaming. The Sims: Unveiling the Future of AI-Driven Gameplay Overview: The Next Phase for The Sims As EA Maxis embarks on a journey to revolutionize its iconic life simulation game, The Sims , the integration of AI is set to redefine virtual storytelling. This innovation promises a new era where the game’s characters could develop distinct personalities and relationships through unscripted interactions, offering players an unprecedented level of immersion and surprise. Exploring AI-Driven Personalities The hallmark of The Sims has always been player control over their characters’ lives. However, with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms on the horizon, Sims may soon evolve autonomously. This means that characters could develop traits and behaviors based on real-time interactions, drawing from vast datasets and the player’s historical gameplay decisions. This dynamic personality modeling would transform the game from its traditional, static narratives to a more dynamic and realistic simulation. Social Dynamics: A New Layer of Complexity One of the most exciting potential shifts is the transformation of social interactions within the game. Sims might start developing unexpected traits, such as introversion from past negative social encounters. Additionally, relationships could form authentically based on actual personality alignment. This would not only inject complexity into gameplay but ensure that each player’s narrative is unique, adding a layer of personal investment and surprise. Predictions: The Future of Gaming and AI The implications of AI integration extend beyond character development, hinting at the broader evolution of gaming. By making game environments more intelligent and responsive to player behavior, gaming could become a platform for personal growth and exploration. The potential of these intelligent systems teases a future where interactive media becomes as much about enriching personal narratives as it is about entertainment. Market Analysis and Trends In terms of market trends, incorporating AI in gaming aligns with the broader industry move towards more personalized and adaptive gaming experiences. As players increasingly seek games that offer rich narratives and authenticity, games like The Sims that leverage AI could see significant growth in popularity and user engagement. Innovations and Compatibility One of the major areas of innovation is expected to be compatibility enhancements, allowing seamless integration across various devices and platforms. This could significantly broaden the game’s appeal, accommodating diverse player preferences and technological ecosystems. Conclusion: A New Era Awaits As The Sims explores these AI advancements, it sets a precedent for the future of gaming. By offering richly detailed, intelligent gameplay experiences, it could redefine player expectations and inspire a wave of innovation across the gaming industry. For more information, you can visit the official Electronic Arts website.

Jon Moxley talks how AEW can learn from challenge of rapid expansion: 'We've maybe gotten things out of order'What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn't just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin, gold and other investments also drove higher. Here's a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball's Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year's spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. RELATED STORY | FBI arrests man charged with planning an attack on the New York Stock Exchange That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world. The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It's been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump's election. He's turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he's named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Gold's rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It's also benefited from the Fed's cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It's a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it's also a threshold that Tesla's stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share. Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk's close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. RELATED STORY | Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy That's how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia's chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia's worth to more than $3 trillion in total. GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October. That's how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody's. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That's the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024's home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.

Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level Media

Cramer's Lightning Round: Reddit is ‘fabulous'

Volkswagen is moving forward with plans to begin manufacturing a whole new class of vehicles under the Scout Motors brand. Scout was originally a sub-brand of International Harvester, with all the technological sophistication that name implies. The company started as a manufacturer of farming equipment and machinery, which means its products were tough and rugged but looked like they were created by people who designed tractors and combines for a living. That is not a knock on those original vehicles, whose market was not country club poseurs but farmers and people who needed vehicles that were as capable off road as on . There was a movement in the early ’60s toward such off-road capable machines. Ford brought the first Bronco to market and it was a tough as nails backwoods basher. Chevy countered with the original Blazer. They all were designed to counter the popularity of the Jeep and the thing they all had in common was four-wheel drive and a transfer case that allowed the driver to select between high-range and low-range operation. In low-range, the fairly modest four-cylinder engines were capable of ripping tree stumps out of the ground on demand. All of them were utilitarian in the extreme, with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats, and painted dashboards. After a hard day on the farm or out in the woods, you could wash the muck and mire out with a hose. They weren’t meant to be waxed, they were meant to work long hours with no complaints. That type of inherent ruggedness is what Volkswagen hopes to recapture with its new Scout-branded vehicles. The original plan was to make two models, a pickup truck and an SUV, both of which would be powered by batteries. But recently the company has announced it will also offer range-extender engines to calm the fears of those who worry about running out of battery charge without an EV charger — or an electrical outlet — nearby. Another part of the plan was to sell the new Scout vehicles directly to customers online the way Tesla does. That second part does not sit well with Volkswagen dealers in the US. In California, the dealers have hired legal counsel who have fired a warning shot across the bow of the parent company by sending a strongly worded cease and desist letter to the Volkswagen legal team. Cease and desist letters are how lawyers threaten each other’s clients without the expense and aggravation of actually filing suit. Autoblog reports that the California New Car Dealers Association claims the direct sales strategy violates a 2023 amendment to California’s State Vehicle Code which prevents automakers and their affiliates from bypassing their franchise dealerships. Here is the relevant part of that letter: Under Vehicle Code section 11713.3(o), automobile manufacturers and their affiliates are forbidden from competing with their own vehicle franchisees. Scout is an affiliate of VW under California law. Vehicle Code section 11713.3(z) defines ‘affiliate’ as “a person who directly oindirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under commonb control with, another person.” Since as early as 2022, VW has been directly band substantively involved in Scout’s development and revitalization of its vehicles, including VW’s investment of billions of dollars into a Scout production plant in South Carolina. The letter goes on to explain some of the background that preceded the passage of that section of the vehicle code by the California legislature: As background, Vehicle Code section 11713.3(o) was amended in 2023 by Assembly Bill 473 to prohibit automakers like VW from establishing affiliate brands to compete with dealers by directly selling vehicles. Scout was active throughout the legislative process, and the legislature adopted amendments in response to some of Scout’s arguments. On April 24, 2023, the California Assembly Committee on Transportation wrote: “Scout Motors is opposing [AB 473], arguing the anti-competition language in the bill ‘would serve to prohibit Scout Motors [...] from using newly appointed [independent] dealers, using existing independent dealers, or selling direct to California [residents.]’ To address this concern the author amended the bill to permit competition so long as the vehicle is being sold using new or existing franchisees to sell and service those vehicles. “[AB 473] would still prohibit Scout Motors or any new vehicle line from a manufacturer with a dealership network in California from being sold directly to bconsumers. Volkswagen, the parent company of Scout Motors, could sell Scout vehicles in the state if they sell them at any of their other vehicle line company’s bdealerships like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley or Lamborghini. Volkswagen Group could also create a new franchise network for Scout Motors if they want tonkeep a separate brand distinct from their other models. This provision would not affect Tesla, which does not have a dealership network to directly compete against. After the AB 473’s language was finalized, Mr. Sitron (Scout’s General Counsel) acknowledged that the law would prohibit Scout from selling Scout vehicles directly to California consumers: “AB 473, as amended, could effectively prohibit Scout Motors (or any other new to-the market manufacturer seeking to introduce new EV line-makes) from entering the California market. Under this language, a new-to-the-market manufacturer with new and innovative EVs would be statutorily banned from deciding its distribution model in California, potentially killing off any reasonable opportunity to operate in the state.” Scout Motors has argued that it operates independently from Volkswagen , a claim it says is central to its direct sales plan. The CNCDA disputes this, citing Volkswagen’s financial and operational involvement, including funding Scout’s new production facility in South Carolina. These connections, the association contends, make Scout an affiliate of Volkswagen rather than an independent startup like Tesla. A crucial difference may be that Tesla is grandfathered in the 2023 amendment to the California law whereas Scout Motors is not. In addition, Tesla had no existing vehicle manufacturing operation when it began selling electric cars. The piety of the new car dealers is questioned by Carscoops , which reports one Volkswagen dealer in the Golden State has slapped a $35,000 “market adjustment” on a Volkswagen ID. Buzz it has in stock. It’s hard to be sanctimonious when you are acting like a jerk in public. One of the reasons why Volkswagen wants to sell Scout vehicles directly to customers is because many people would prefer a root canal to arm wrestling with a dealer. That antipathy to the traditional dealer experience is why Hyundai has elected to begin selling its cars in selected markets through Amazon. Hyundai dealers are still part of the sales process, but the pricing is done online. That way, the usual haggling is eliminated, which will please many people but not those who think they can walk into a dealership every two or three years and do a better job of negotiating than those who do it for a living every day. Putting the legal shenanigans aside, we here at CleanTechnica intergalactic headquarters have to wonder how distinct the Scout vehicles will be. Are they being built on a new platform or on a version of the existing MEB platform or upcoming SSP platform? Will they use batteries that are materially different from what Volkswagen Group uses in its other electric models? And will they use different software than other cars from the group? If the answer to those questions is “no,” it is hard to see how Volkswagen can support its claim that Scout Motors is a “new to the market” manufacturer. There have already been hints that the new software partnership with Rivian could influence the design of the software package that will be incorporated into Scout vehicles. We don’t normally have good things to say about dealers, but it seems they have a legitimate complaint, at least in California. Dealers in other states are preparing to join the battle as well. Mike Stanton, the CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), has said his association is ready to challenge Scout “in courthouses and statehouses across the country.” He predicts that Scout’s plans to manage every aspect of the ownership experience through its app “will fail.” Daniel Crane, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School thinks dealer associations will pick states where they are the strongest to push back against the direct-to-consumer sales strategy. Scout vehicles will not even be for sale for several years. The factory is under construction and testing of prototypes has barely begun. Challenges to dealer franchise laws have been going on since Tesla first began selling the Model S online in 2012. Even Tesla has yet to win the right to sell directly to consumers in several states, including its home state of Texas. What Volkswagen is doing is a thumb in the eye to its US dealers, who have been clamoring for more models to sell — especially a pickup truck — for years. It has been thin times for Volkswagen dealers in America for several years, and right when the company has some exciting new models in the pipeline, it wants to cut its long-suffering dealers out of the loop. Is pushing for direct sales the right path for Scout Motors and Volkswagen or a poorly thought out strategy that is doomed to fail? We would love to hear what our readers have to say on that question. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email RedditVanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday listIn South Berkeley, once lively Baptist church is now a 6-bedroom home with a rooftop jacuzzi

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( MENAFN - Live Mint) sheikh Hasina has raised alarm over risk to communal harmony in“today's Bangladesh” since her ouster following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. In her Christmas message to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina also highlighted“growing hatred” and“persecution of minority communities” in Bangladesh, calling on her countrymen to work towards achieving a“society rooted in tolerance.” In a post on Awami League's social media handle on X, Sheikh Hasina said,“The ideals, teachings, and messages of Jesus Christ reflect his philosophy of humanity and love. His life demonstrated the virtues of forgiveness, magnanimity, and the pursuit of a better world for all." Moving on to the threat Bangladesh is facing, Sheikh Hasina further said,“However, in today's Bangladesh, we witness growing divisions, the spread of hatred, and the persecution of minority communities. Communal harmony is at risk, and it is imperative that we safeguard our nation from these divisive forces by building a humane society.” “Christmas arrives every year with messages of brotherhood, love, compassion, and generosity. It reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifices and his vision of a better world. May this holy day inspire us all to embrace these values. Let us strive to illuminate our lives with the greatness of his sacrifice and work towards a society rooted in love, tolerance, and empathy.” And signs off with“Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu. Long live Bangladesh.” Sheikh Hasina's assertion on minority persecution has come after a string of attacks targeting religious minorities since a student-led uprising over reservations toppled long-time autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in August. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August, for“judicial process”, the acting head of the country's foreign ministry said. Responding to questions on Bangladesh's extradition request, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said,“We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter.” MENAFN24122024007365015876ID1109028605 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

NEW YORK — Henry Lutovsky emerged from the visitors’ clubhouse wearing an unbuttoned Yankees jersey with his No. 59 on the back. A gift from the Pinstripe Bowl. The Nebraska offensive lineman considers whether Saturday has made him a Yankees fan. Then he nods. “I don’t even watch baseball,” the blocker from eastern Iowa said. “But I am now.” From the venue of one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic teams, Lutovsky had curses on his mind. Not the one with the Bambino or the Billy Goat, but the one he’d heard about Nebraska football for four seasons. The bowl drought. The run of consecutive losing seasons. All of it seemed especially made-up as the Huskers celebrated a 20-15 win over Boston College on a soaked field. “This group didn’t believe in that curse,” Lutovsky said. “We showed it — we made it to a bowl and we won it. I think this is great momentum to carry into the offseason. This is something we can work to achieve again and do better than again next year.” People are also reading... Lincoln native purchases Michael Jordan's iconic Chicago mansion for $9.5 million Here's a list of Lincoln restaurants open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized at UNMC after falling from horse Inside Matt Rhule's 'pretty insane gesture' of getting former Huskers to the Pinstripe Bowl Man killed by brother in Lincoln apartment complex shooting, police say Teenage brother charged as adult in Christmas Eve shooting death Honor walk pays tribute to Lincoln man who made organ donation Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen sustained fractured ribs, lacerated spleen in fall from horse 'Multiple wins for me': Lincoln North Star rallies from double-digit deficit hours after coach's son is born Transfer tracker: The latest on the Nebraska football roster The Journal Star's 2024 Super-State and all-state football teams All-state football: The Journal Star's 2024 honorable mention all-state selections Nebraska high school boys basketball rankings, Dec. 24 How a young Matt Rhule found a passion for football in baseball-crazed New York 78-year-old man found dead after central Lincoln house fire Now the supposed jinx has been exposed as fiction, Lutovsky said. And the coming offseason of work can finally be about building on something instead of starting something different. Luke Lindenmeyer's breakthrough Luke Lindenmeyer shrugged. If anything, an afternoon at the Pinstripe Bowl made him less sure about what Nebraska tight ends could do next season. “I have no idea,” the third-year player from La Vista said Saturday from the bowels of Yankee Stadium. “That’s the best part.” The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder finished with the best production of his college career — two catches for 22 yards — while blocking and lining up all over the soggy field. Of his five career catches, four have come in the four games since offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen took over in early November. Lindenmeyer suddenly moves toward the front of a position group stuffed with intrigue. Thomas Fidone still has one more year of eligibility after two straight seasons as a regular starter. Meanwhile, Heinrich Haarberg is continuing his transition from quarterback to tight end while former four-star prospect Mac Markway — who abruptly left LSU for NU early in fall camp — may also be a factor in his return from a torn ACL. Former No. 2 tight end Nate Boerkircher this month transferred to Texas A&M while reserve AJ Rollins also left the team. Nebraska has not put an emphasis on targeting tight ends in the portal. The emergence of Lindenmeyer — as displayed Saturday — is one reason why. “Ever since I came here I’ve been working,” Lindenmeyer said. “I came in as a walk-on and it still kind of feels like I’m a walk-on — I still have more to prove. When (Holgorsen) came in he saw how hard I work and how I can fit in his offense. He just put me in places where I can fly.”

( MENAFN - The Rio Times) Argentina's financial resurgence is turning heads on Wall Street. The ARGT, Argentina's primary ETF in the US, has attracted $600 million this year. Meanwhile, Brazil's EWZ has seen outflows of $900 million. This $1.5 billion swing favors Argentina, marking a significant shift in investor sentiment. Argentina's economic reforms are bearing fruit. Inflation control, improved fiscal outlook, and growth potential have made it South America's top investment destination. In contrast, Brazil's uncertain economic landscape has deterred investors. The Brazilian stock market, B3 , is on track to lose R$25 ($4) billion in foreign investments this year. This exodus has impacted asset prices. Since January, the EWZ has dropped 35%, while the ARGT has surged 63%. Currency fluctuations play a role too. Brazil's real has weakened 21% against the dollar due to fiscal concerns. Argentina's current account balance has improved dramatically. The third quarter saw a $1.4 billion surplus, a stark contrast to last year's $6 billion deficit. The financial account, linked to foreign investments, posted a $1.15 billion surplus. (Commentary: Argentina's Financial Tango Leaves Brazil in the Dust) [arve url="" /] The country also stands out with optimistic growth forecasts. The government predicts a robust 5% economic recovery in 2025, Private consultants surveyed by the Central Bank project a more modest 4.2% growth. This positive outlook contrasts sharply with recent economic challenges. Argentina's anticipated growth stems from sustainable organic expansion, not excessive government spending. This approach differs from Brazil's economic strategy in 2024. Brazil's growth relied heavily on government stimulus, creating a short-term boost. However, this "sugar-rush" economy under Lula's administration may soon face a harsh reality check. The contrast between these two approaches highlights the potential long-term benefits of Argentina's economic reforms. Brazil's economic outlook for 2025 appears less optimistic, with growth projections falling below 2%. Some analysts suggest the expansion may be closer to 1% Argentina Outshines Brazil in Investment Arena Brazilian investors are taking notice. Lucas Sigu Souza of Ciano Investimentos has allocated 20% of his foreign investments to Argentina. Vista Capital has also bet heavily on Argentina, citing potential high returns over an extended period. President Javier Milei's tough economic policies have paved the way for dollar inflows. Fiscal austerity, spending cuts, and reduced state intervention have been key. These measures led to a 5% GDP contraction and a 289% inflation spike initially. However, the tide is turning. Monthly inflation has fallen below 3% since October, down from December 2023's 25.5% peak. Market projections show annual inflation dropping from 166% to 29.4% over the next 12 months. BTG Pactual economists forecast Argentina's inflation to hit 24% by end-2025, with GDP growing 5% that year. They expect a 20% surge in investment volume. Despite recent gains, BTG sees further upside in Argentine stocks, particularly in the banking sector. As Argentina's economic revival gains momentum, it's not just outperforming Brazil on the soccer field. The investment world is taking notice, reshaping the financial landscape of South America. MENAFN28122024007421016031ID1109038011 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

President-elect Donald Trump praised Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee for Defense secretary, in a social media post Friday, but some of the president-elect's allies are doubtful Hegseth can make it through the confirmation process. Hegseth doesn't appear to have the votes in the Senate to get confirmed and his nomination is in trouble, according to two sources close to Trump. "I believe the votes are not there for Pete," said a Trump adviser who asked not to be identified. "They're not going to be there. I think Trump will let Pete fight and come to that conclusion on his own." The second source said Hegseth's nomination appears to be doomed unless Trump "goes into full push." More: Pete Hegseth controversy explained: What to know amid backlash to Trump's Defense pick Trump lauded Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, on social media Friday, writing that he "is doing very well." "His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe," Trump added. Trump seems committed to Hegseth for now, said a third source close to the president-elect. "That is my current sense," said the source. Hegseth's nomination has been teetering, though, amid a series of revelations about his personal life. He was accused of sexual assault, which he denies and for which he has never faced charges. And a whistleblower report first detailed by The New Yorker alleged he was forced out of leadership roles with two nonprofit veterans groups - Concerned Vets for America and Vets for Freedom - for personal misconduct, mismanagement of funds and intoxication on the job. More: Pete Hegseth vows he won't drink 'a drop of alcohol' if confirmed as defense secretary There also have been reports about excessive drinking by Hegseth during his stint at Fox News. The New York Times published an email sent to Hegseth by his mother in which she wrote “I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years)." Penelope Hegseth went on television this week to defend him and said she regrets the email. "Pete Hegseth is going to get his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, not a sham hearing before the American media. We believe that Pete Hegseth is the right guy to lead the Department of Defense," Vice President-elect JD Vance told reporters Friday in North Carolina. "That’s why President Trump nominated him. We’re not abandoning this nomination.” Mark Lucas, who succeeded Pete Hegseth as executive director of Concerned Vets for America, dismissed the concerns about him as political. He said he didn't have any issues with Hegseth and is volunteering to testify before a Senate panel to support his confirmation Lucas also criticized people attacking Hegseth for doing so behind the cloak of anonymity. More: Alcohol, antipathy cloud Pete Hegseth sex assault allegations with conflicting accounts "They're going to run the same playbook against Pete Hegseth that they did with Brett Kavanaugh ," he told USA TODAY, referring to the Supreme Court justice who was accused sexual assault as a teenager during his 2018 confirmation. "If people want to come forward, they can. They can say whatever they want under oath. But it's going to be investigated." Hegseth may not benefit from the same "choir boy" treatment as Kavanaugh, said Mike Davis, who piloted Kavanaugh's contentious hearings as a Senate Judiciary Committee chief counsel. "Hegseth admits he was certainly not a choir boy. The Kavanaugh claims were ridiculous. Everyone who knew him knew he was a virgin into his 20s − then suddenly he's a serial rapist in high school?" Davis told USA TODAY. "Everyone knows Hegseth was a playboy. That doesn't mean he was a rapist. And the accusations, while serious, may not withstand public scrutiny after her public testimony." Davis said his group, the Article III Project, is mobilizing a phone, email and social media blitz to support Kash Patel and Hegseth. Hegseth's struggles have Trump considering a backup. He has been weighing replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , who ran against him in the GOP presidential primary. DeSantis, a Navy veteran, will join Trump at the Army-Navy football game on Dec. 14, according to Fox News . Hegseth said during his visit to the Capitol this week to meet with senators that he spoke with Trump and the president-elect is standing behind him. "He said: 'Keep going, keep fighting. I’m behind you all the way,'" Hegseth said of his conversation with Trump. "Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter. I'm here for the war fighters."What does “working class” even mean?

Marta: NWSL final is biggest game of my career

AUSTIN PEAY 62, GEORGIA STATE 50