Major stock indexes we mixed on Wall Street in afternoon trading Monday, marking a choppy start to a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 21 points, or 0.1% as of 2:22 p.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Gains in technology and communications stocks helped outweigh losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.6%. Broadcom jumped 5.7% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2.2% and PepsiCo slid 1.3%. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 12.1% , while Nissan fell 0.9%. Eli Lilly rose 3.3% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.7% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets were mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.Photo: The Canadian Press Alex Jones speaks to the media after arriving at the federal courthouse for a hearing in front of a bankruptcy judge, June 14, 2024, in Houston. The Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which will remain in his control for at least the near future. What's next for Infowars and the Sandy Hook families' long-sought efforts to hold Jones accountable over calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax was unclear, after a federal judge in Houston late Tuesday rejected The Onion's winning bid for the site . The only other bidder was a company aligned with Jones. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston said he did not want another auction but offered no roadmap over how to proceed. One possibility includes ultimately allowing Sandy Hook families — who comprise most of Jones' creditors — to return to state courts in Connecticut and Texas to collect on the nearly $1.5 billion in defamation and emotional distress lawsuit judgments that Jones was ordered to pay them. “Our hope is that when this process ends, and it will end, and it will end sooner rather than later, is that all assets that Alex Jones has available are paid to the families, and that includes Infowars, and that as a result of that process Alex Jones is deprived of the ownership and control of the platform that he’s used to hurt so many people,” Christopher Mattei, an attorney for the Sandy Hook families, said Wednesday. The families, meanwhile, were preparing to mark the 12th anniversary of the Dec. 14 shooting. Why was The Onion bid rejected? The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay the $1.5 billion. Jones was sued for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 massacre of 20 first graders and six educators was staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. He has since conceded that the shooting did happen . Lopez said there was a lack of transparency in the bidding process and too much confusion about The Onion's bid, and he expressed concern that the amount of money offered was too low. The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, submitted a $1.75 million cash offer with plans to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody . The bid also included a deal with many of the Sandy Hook families for them to forgo $750,000 of their auction proceeds and give it to other creditors. The other bidder was First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements and planned to let Jones stay on the Infowars platforms. It offered $3.5 million in cash and later, with Jones, alleged fraud and collusion in the bidding process. Lopez rejected those allegations. Christopher Murray, the trustee who oversaw the auction, said he picked The Onion and its deal with the Sandy Hook families because it would have provided more money to Jones' other creditors. What happens next? Lopez directed Murray to come up with a new plan to move forward. Murray and representatives of The Onion did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The judge said there was a possibility there could be a trial in 2025 to settle Jones' bankruptcy and that Murray could try to sell the equity in Infowars' parent company. The judge said he wanted to hear back from Murray and others involved in the bankruptcy within 30 days on a plan. On the social media platform X, Jones called the judge's ruling a “Major Victory For Freedom Of The Press & Due Process." Jeff Anapolsky, an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center and the managing director and founder of Anapolsky Advisors, a financial consulting firm, said he was not surprised Lopez rejected the sale. He was not involved in the case but said he has appeared before Lopez and described him as a fair judge. Anapolsky believes the sale of the Infowars assets will ultimately take place and be approved. “So that’s up to Mr. Murray now, the trustee, to go do something to make everybody feel like everybody had their say and understand the transparency of the process,” Anapolsky said. Sandy Hook families to mark shooting anniversary The decision came during a solemn week for relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The 12th anniversary is Saturday, and some of the victims' relatives were traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend an annual vigil for victims of gun violence. The families usually mark the anniversary out of the public eye. Many of the families have said their lawsuits against Jones bought back the unbearable pain of losing their loved ones, as well as the trauma of being harassed and threatened by believers of Jones' hoax conspiracy. Relatives said they have been confronted in public by hoax believers and received death and rape threats. The families have not received any money from Jones since winning the trials.8 attractions manila ocean park 。

Stock market today: Wall Street mixed at the start of a holiday-shortened weekOppenheimer & Co. Inc. trimmed its position in Darling Ingredients Inc. ( NYSE:DAR – Free Report ) by 6.6% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 7,550 shares of the company’s stock after selling 530 shares during the quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s holdings in Darling Ingredients were worth $281,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Darling Ingredients by 19.8% in the 3rd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 147,650 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,487,000 after purchasing an additional 24,435 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP grew its position in Darling Ingredients by 117.1% in the third quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 22,642 shares of the company’s stock valued at $841,000 after acquiring an additional 12,213 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in Darling Ingredients in the third quarter valued at about $58,000. Atria Investments Inc raised its stake in Darling Ingredients by 12.8% during the third quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 22,345 shares of the company’s stock worth $830,000 after acquiring an additional 2,536 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its stake in shares of Darling Ingredients by 16.3% in the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 44,480 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,653,000 after purchasing an additional 6,220 shares in the last quarter. 94.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on DAR. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Darling Ingredients from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, October 25th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on Darling Ingredients from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Darling Ingredients from $58.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their target price on Darling Ingredients from $50.00 to $48.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $53.44. Darling Ingredients Stock Down 2.6 % Shares of NYSE:DAR opened at $40.07 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.86 and a beta of 1.23. Darling Ingredients Inc. has a 12-month low of $32.67 and a 12-month high of $51.36. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $38.35 and a 200 day simple moving average of $38.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. Darling Ingredients ( NYSE:DAR – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 24th. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.29). Darling Ingredients had a return on equity of 5.98% and a net margin of 4.42%. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.77 earnings per share. Darling Ingredients’s revenue was down 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Darling Ingredients Inc. will post 1.88 earnings per share for the current year. About Darling Ingredients ( Free Report ) Darling Ingredients Inc develops, produces, and sells natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients in North America, Europe, China, South America, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients, and Fuel Ingredients. It offers ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, industrial, fuel, bioenergy, and fertilizer industries. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DAR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Darling Ingredients Inc. ( NYSE:DAR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Darling Ingredients Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Darling Ingredients and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Real estate magnates, construction industry tycoons and artificial intelligence coaches have said that AI is a game changer, which requires a sustainable policy with rules and regulations while addressing poor governance in financial institutions. They stated this during the PropTech Convention 2024 on the second day of the three-day 18th Build Asia International Conference and Exhibition at the Expo Centre Karachi. Commenting on Pakistanis investing in Dubai's real estate sector but not in their home country, leading property tycoon and Olympic Group Chief Operating Officer Abdul Kareem Adhia said there is a risk of scams in real estate business but scammers hardly comprise 5-10%. He stressed that government departments like the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) must ask builders and developers to work as per rules and regulations, and if they do not control them and go into hibernation after taking kickbacks, the public institutions will lose their credibility and reputation. The builders who are working honestly are hurt. The black sheep in the government must be removed immediately in the larger interest of growth in this sector. He said government officials, who are working in key institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and others, are eager to fill their pockets while harassing businessmen. Businessmen are struggling to save their hard-earned money from corrupt officials and if they decide to go abroad, the industry will collapse, triggering unemployment and other economic and social ills. Instead of demolishing Nasla Tower, a residential plaza in Karachi, the officials of government departments who gave no-objection certificates (NOCs) to the builder must have been punished. There are 40% slum areas in Karachi, but not a single shanty town is knocked down. The demolition of Nasla Tower has hurt builders, end-consumers and shattered investor confidence. After this nightmare, there is a big question mark over the 70% foreign investment which mostly goes to the realty sector. Units of various projects are not being sold these days because of rising inflation. At present, there is a shortfall of 1.5 million houses. He pointed out that Pakistan needs foreign investment and if capital comes from expatriate Pakistanis and the builders relocating abroad, it will give a boost to this sector. Speaking about empowering the next generation, College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS) Dean and AI Consultant Brig (Retd) Professor Dr Muhammad Abbas said AI is a game changer for real estate and construction sectors, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, innovation and sustainability. The academia plays a crucial role in preparing future leaders with AI skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this evolving landscape. By integrating AI into curricula, providing hands-on experience, fostering industry collaboration and supporting research, academic institutions can empower the next generation to shape the future. Talking about real estate investment and finance, he said risk assessment tools enable informed decision-making, for example, PropTech platforms help analyse market trends. When it comes to the role of academia, interdisciplinary expertise combines AI with industry knowledge. The academia must lead in innovation and ethical AI use. Integrating AI into curricula encompasses tailored programmes, combining AI with architecture and urban planning. Fostering collaborative learning involves forming partnerships with industry leaders to provide real world experience through student internships, while also utilising AI tools to simulate construction scenarios. Encouraging innovation and research calls for the establishment of AI research hubs focused on urban and sustainable design. Emphasising ethics in AI involves addressing concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and job displacement. For instance, conducting ethical analysis of facial recognition technology used in buildings is essential to ensure responsible AI development and application. Speaking about AI tools for construction and property management, Dr Abbas said Allytics offers an AI-powered platform that uses CCTV and existing video footage to analyse site conditions and monitor site safety and productivity. Everguard.ai focuses on using AI and variables to enhance workers safety. Its platform integrates computer vision and real-time data analytics to monitor workers' movement and activity, ensuring they adhere to safety protocols and detecting potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Landtrack.pk founder Atif Arafin said the PropTech convention aimed to bring all stakeholders of the real estate sector under one roof and talk about innovative technologies, deliberating how this industry is working in the outside world, how to ensure transparency, how to go for sustainable construction materials and the like. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourSaudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly?Sterilization Equipment Market Set for Exceptional Growth in the Forecast 2024-2032 12-25-2024 03:40 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Sterilization Equipment Market Latest Market Overview The global sterilization equipment market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated market size of USD 11.3 billion in 2024. This market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a valuation of USD 21.8 billion by 2032. The increasing demand for sterilization in healthcare, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other industries, coupled with advancements in sterilization technologies, are driving the market's expansion. The rising need for infection prevention, stringent regulatory standards, and the growing awareness of hygiene and safety protocols contribute to the robust demand for sterilization equipment worldwide. The Sterilization Equipment Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Sterilization Equipment industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Sterilization Equipment Market are: STERIS Corporation (Ohio, USA): Revenue USD 4.9 billion (2023). Getinge AB (Gothenburg, Sweden): Revenue USD 2.8 billion (2023). 3M Company (Minnesota, USA): Revenue USD 35.4 billion (2023, diversified portfolio). Advanced Sterilization Products (California, USA): Specialized in low-temperature sterilization solutions. Matachana Group (Barcelona, Spain): Known for innovative sterilization technologies. Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/sterilization-equipment-market-research-report-2024-2032 Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Sterilization Equipment Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/sterilization-equipment-market-research-report-2024-2032 Key drivers and challenges influencing the Sterilization Equipment market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Sterilization Equipment market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Sterilization Equipment market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Sterilization Equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Sterilization Equipment This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Sterilization Equipment. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Sterilization Equipment areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Sterilization Equipment market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/sterilization-equipment-market-research-report-2024-2032 Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.

JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Israelis and Palestinians are signaling new efforts to forge a ceasefire deal, even a limited one, for the first time in a year that would pause the fighting in Gaza and return to Israel some of the hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz told his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in a phone call on Wednesday there was now a chance for a new deal that would allow the return of all the hostages, including U.S. citizens, Katz's office said. A Western diplomat in the region, however, said a deal was taking shape, but it would likely be limited in scope, involving the release of only a handful of hostages and a short pause in hostilities. Such a truce and release would be only the second since the start of the war in October 2023. The guarded optimism emerges as U.S. President Joe Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan heads to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and then to Egypt and Qatar, co-mediators with the U.S. on a deal. Separately, President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that militants of the Palestinian Hamas group release the hostages held in Gaza before he takes over from Biden on Jan. 20. Otherwise, Trump has said, there will be “hell to pay.” Trump's designated hostage envoy Adam Boehler has said he too is involved, having spoken already to Biden and to Netanyahu. Israel says 100 hostages remain captive in Gaza. Seven are believed to be U.S. citizens. Citing Trump's threat of "hell to pay," Boehler told Israel's Channel 13 news last week: "I would appeal to those people that have taken hostages: Make your best deal now. Make it now because every day that passes, it is going to get harder and harder and more Hamas lives will be lost." Although Biden and Trump are working separately, their efforts overlap and both stand to gain from a deal. A U.S. official said Trump's public statements about the need for a swift ceasefire “have not been harmful.” The official said the priority is to get the hostages home, whether it is at the end of the Biden term or the start of the Trump term. Steve Witkoff, Trump's designated Middle East envoy, met separately in late November with Netanyahu and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said a source briefed on the talks. The timing for a deal may never have been better politically for Netanyahu. The prime minister told reporters on Monday that Hamas' increasing isolation following the collapse of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad's rule opened the door to a possible hostage deal even if it was too early to claim success. Israel's military chief and the head of the Shin Bet internal security service were in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss post-war Gaza border crossings and administration, according to three Israeli security sources. The public optimism of Israeli leaders over the past week has matched the general tone in internal discussions behind closed doors, according to an Israeli official. For Netanyahu, concessions would be far easier now with Israel having reestablished its reputation as the most powerful Middle East force and its Iran-backed enemies in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria now posing less of a threat. Netanyahu's once-fragile coalition has been strengthened by the addition of Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his more centrist faction. Netanyahu, having achieved a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, can complete the picture with the return of the hostages in a deal with Hamas. Over the past year, some of the far-right ministers in his cabinet had voiced objections, even threatening to bring down the government, should the war in Gaza end. But with Israel's enemies weakened, and his coalition strengthened, Netanyahu is far less vulnerable politically. Saar said on Monday that Israel was now more optimistic about a possible hostage deal amid reports Hamas had asked other Gaza factions to help it compile a list of Israeli and foreign hostages in their custody, whether dead or alive. A Palestinian official close to the talks and familiar with the positions of all the parties involved described what he called "a fever of negotiations" with ideas emerging on all sides, including among mediators in Egypt and Qatar. Trump's involvement had given the talks a boost, even if the sides have yet to present lists of Palestinian prisoners and hostages to be exchanged or to complete plans for a temporary or phased truce, the Palestinian official said. He said Hamas was willing to show some flexibility should there be guarantees Israel would not resume the fighting. It is unclear how the sides can bridge the largest gap that has persisted through numerous rounds of failed negotiations; Hamas demands an end to the war, while Israel says the war will not end before Hamas no longer rules Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to Jordan and Turkey on Wednesday for talks on Syria, the State Department said. Israel is not in his official itinerary but there is always a possibility he might add the stop. Sign up here. Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Andrew Mills and Humeyra Pamuk; Writing by Howard Goller; Editing by Daniel Wallis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters A senior correspondent with nearly 25 years’ experience covering the Palestinian-Israeli conflict including several wars and the signing of the first historic peace accord between the two sides.Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5 as violence spirals

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Gunmen opened fire early Sunday at a bar in southeast Mexico, killing six people and injuring at least five others, according to local media reports. The shooting took place in the coastal province of Tabasco, which is struggling with a recent increase in violence. Public Safety Secretary Omar García Harfuch said on X that the shooting happened in Villahermosa and that federal authorities are working with local officials to help solve the crime. No arrests were reported, and it wasn’t immediately clear what prompted the shooting. Videos posted on social media show people fleeing the bar while some survivors stayed with the victims as police arrived. Sunday’s attack was the latest violent incident to occur as a new president . Earlier this month, killing 10 people and injuring 13. The attack took place in the historic city center of Querétaro in a region that until recently had long been spared the violence seen in neighboring states like Guerrero. The Associated PressLeft Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market Poised for Tremendous Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-25-2024 03:20 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market Latest Market Overview The global left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices market was valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2024 to 2032. LAAC devices are used in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition that increases the risk of blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage, which can lead to strokes. The rising prevalence of AF, growing awareness regarding stroke prevention, and increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures are the primary factors driving the growth of the market. Furthermore, advancements in device technology, including improved safety profiles and procedural efficacy, are expected to fuel market expansion over the forecast period. The Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market are: Boston Scientific Corporation (USA, Revenue: $12.6 billion, 2023) Abbott Laboratories (USA, Revenue: $43.1 billion, 2023) AtriCure, Inc. (USA, Revenue: $320 million, 2023) Lifetech Scientific Corporation (China, Revenue: $150 million, 2023) Johnson & Johnson (USA, Revenue: $94.9 billion, 2023) Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/left-atrial-appendage-closure-devices-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/left-atrial-appendage-closure-devices-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/left-atrial-appendage-closure-devices-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.

How an unexpected gift reminds us of what mattersNoneThe fall of the regime, when it finally came, came remarkably quickly. On Nov. 29, a full 13 years after the onset of a devastating civil war that challenged the rule of longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad – and more than four years into a stalemate under which Assad’s dominance seemed all but implacable – thousands of rebel fights launched a shock offensive into Aleppo, the country’s second largest city, where they found minimal resistance from Assad’s military or its Russian allies. Within a week, the insurgents had taken several nearby towns and the strategic city of Hama, where they began releasing hundreds of government prisoners. On Saturday, they took Homs, another strategic city, and began closing in on Damascus, the capital and seat of Assad’s power. By early Sunday, Assad had fled to Moscow, and the rebels who ousted him were recording Instagram videos of themselves as they roamed and looted the ruling family’s palace. “We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad,” leaders of the group, called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, wrote on WhatsApp. “To the displaced people around the world, Free Syria awaits you.” READ: Inside Syria, the sudden overthrow of Assad prompted a wave of both jubilation and existential uncertainty, leaving millions of residents to wonder what lay ahead for a country shattered by decades of war and oppression even as HTS leaders worked furiously to win international legitimacy and assemble a government. Yet it was also immediately clear that the regime change would have a history-altering impact that extends far beyond the country’s contested borders, even if the full scope and shape of its consequences are likely to unfold only over a period of years or decades. “I tend to see what’s happened in Syria in the past, you know, 10, 12 days as potentially representing the biggest shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East maybe since the Iranian Revolution of 1979,” says Steven Heydemann, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and chair of the Middle East Studies program at Smith College. “I think it’s going to – or could potentially lead to – significant strategic realignments in the region, and it isn’t entirely clear in these early days how that might shake out.” The ouster amounts to a highly symbolic changing of the international guard: Bashar Assad’s father, Haffez Assad, an air force pilot and member of the country’s Alawite Shia religious minority, assumed Syria’s presidency in 1971 after leading a coup, then consolidated power over three decades by brutally cracking down on dissent – his security forces killed 20,000 people to quell an uprising in Hama – establishing lucrative patronage networks and shrewdly navigating everything from the fall of the Soviet Union to the Gulf War, during which he cooperated with the George H.W. Bush administration. The younger Assad, a London-trained ophthalmologist who took power as a mild-mannered 34-year-old following his father’s death, successfully navigated his own geopolitical alliances, including with Russia and Iran, and proved to be equally ruthless at home. “You’re talking about five decades of rule by a family,” says Osamah Khalil, a Middle East expert and chair of the international relations program at Syracuse University. “There’s a reason they stayed in power for so long.” Now the family’s fall, analysts say, can be thought of as a kind of delayed consequence of the seismic 2011 Arab Spring protests, which also claimed several other long-standing regimes and established autocrats like Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi. “In some respects, it represents what is likely an end of an era in Middle Eastern politics,” says Eric Fleury, an associate professor of government and international relations at Connecticut College. “For generations you had these kind of secular, Arab nationalist political parties that were sort of representing the vanguard of Arab politics, and Assad was the last one left.” Assad’s downfall, of course, also comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the Middle East, which for months has been teetering on the edge of full-blown regional war. This week – 14 months after Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack and Israel’s subsequent bloody Gaza invasion – long-stalled ceasefire talks between the two sides reportedly quietly resumed . A truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has put a tenuous, weeks-long pause on the two enemies’ deadliest war in decades. Iran, facing economic ruin, is once again sparking international anxieties by accelerating uranium enrichment. Sefa Secen Dec. 9, 2024 Especially because so much is unknown about the imminent governance and staying power of HTS – a Sunni Islamist group with previous ties to al-Qaida whose leader now promises tolerance and pluralism – whether Syria’s leadership change might ultimately serve to help or hinder a broader regional peace remains very much an open question, experts say. But it does inject a powerful new element of uncertainty. “Assad’s fall has basically thrown the strategic calculus of quite a few governments in the region into a Cuisinart and pushed pulse,” says Heydemann. “And what emerges from that – it isn’t clear yet.” There are, however, major immediate geopolitical takeaways. Assad’s defeat also doubles as a defeat for Iran, a Shia nation that has recently been struggling with domestic crises and weakened by its war with Israel. For decades an Assad-run Syria had been the Iranian regime’s closest ally, with Iran serving as the Assad government’s principal sponsor. Iran has also depended on Assad’s cooperation to move weapons across Syrian territory to arm Hezbollah in Lebanon. Now the Assad government’s collapse might actually provide Iran some financial benefit – because Iran will no longer be on the hook to subsidize it – but it also presents Iran with a new potential threat and further diminishes its influence. “What you’ve seen is a real weakening of Hamas. You’ve seen Hezbollah has been downgraded,” says Khalil. “And now you have kind of this key geographic link between Iran, Iraq and Lebanon [that’s also] gone. So from that perspective it’s a big blow to Iran. It’s a big blow to the quote, unquote ‘resistance axis.’” It’s also a blow to Russia and President Vladimir Putin, another longtime Assad backer, whose decision in 2015 to carry out airstrikes on behalf of a then-struggling Syrian regime ended up both turning the tide of the war and emboldening the Russian leader. Turkey, on the other hand, emerges as a clear winner: For more than a decade, as millions of Syrian refugees poured across their country’s northern border and reshaped daily life across Turkey, Recep Erdogan, Turkey’s hard-line Islamist leader – who has long sought to expand his country’s influence in the Muslim world – served as a key backer of Syrian opposition groups, including with military arms and training. Assad’s fall positions him as Syria’s most important foreign leader. “This is their moment,” says Fleury. “Whether or not they capitalize on it is different, but this is the best opportunity they’ve had to expand their influence in a very long time.” Israel is already taking action. Beginning on Sunday, the day Assad fled, the country’s air force began a series of hundreds of strikes on the military infrastructure the regime left behind. By Tuesday, Israel, which says it’s worried about the resources falling into the hands of Islamist extremists, had destroyed the entire Syrian navy and most of its weapons stockpiles. It’s a strategy that some analysts say could backfire, by effectively guaranteeing hostile relations with Syria’s new government even as Israel benefits from Iran’s diminished capabilities. Another possibility is that the Syrian regime change sparks a new conflict with Israel in the contested Golan Heights, the birthplace of Syria’s new leader, or that it gives rise to new internal Syrian violence that escalates into conflicts involving Iran or Iraq. “This could get very messy very quick,” says Khalil. It also could get messy for the next American president. Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that “Syria is a mess” and the U.S. “SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.” But some 900 American troops are already stationed in Syria on counterterrorism missions, and new chaos in the country could also bring another refugee crisis, threats to Israel or strategic openings for Iran. Staying out of it may not be an option for long.

Nvidia has had a year that few companies could have predicted, solidifying its position as one of the most influential players in the technology sector. Advertisement With revenue soaring, stock prices reaching record highs, and a growing dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the company’s influence now extends beyond the tech industry, reshaping entire markets and drawing significant attention from investors worldwide. Advertisement Revenue growth and market cap milestone Nvidia’s rise to prominence in 2024 can largely be attributed to its early investments in AI technologies. As the generative AI wave gained momentum, Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs) emerged as the cornerstone for AI applications, from data centers to autonomous vehicles. This strategic positioning has resulted in Nvidia’s market capitalization repeatedly surpassing $3 trillion, trading places with Apple as the most valuable publicly traded company. In its latest quarter, Nvidia reported $35.1 billion in revenue, with $30.8 billion—or 87%—attributed to its data center business. These figures underscore the outsized role AI and cloud computing now play in driving Nvidia’s success. CEO Jensen Huang has been at the forefront of this expansion, becoming one of Silicon Valley’s most sought-after executives. The AI hardware advantage: Blackwell chip production Central to Nvidia’s continued growth is the production of its high-powered Blackwell chip, designed specifically for AI applications. Expected to generate billions in revenue during the fourth quarter alone, the Blackwell chip represents a significant leap in computing power. Companies like Amazon have already begun retrofitting their data centres to accommodate the immense heat output of these processors, signalling strong demand for Nvidia’s products. Daniel Newman, CEO of Futurum Group, highlighted Nvidia’s integrated approach to AI, emphasizing the company’s dominance in both hardware and software. “Nvidia really has the [hardware and software] for the AI computing era,” Newman said. “It’s all connected inside the [server] rack, outside the [server] rack, and then the software is very well liked within the developer communities.” Competition intensifies but Nvidia holds its lead Despite Nvidia’s dominance, competitors are racing to gain a foothold in the AI chip market. AMD, Intel, and even Nvidia’s customers are developing alternatives to Nvidia’s semiconductors. AMD’s MI300X chips are designed to rival Nvidia’s Hopper series, while Intel’s Gaudi 3 processor aims to break into the AI space. Additionally, hyperscalers like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are developing their own AI chips to reduce dependence on Nvidia. “What AMD needs to do is make software really usable, build the systems where there’s more demand with developers,” Newman said. “Cloud providers are going to sell what their customers ask for.” However, Nvidia remains well-positioned to weather competitive threats. As Newman noted, the backlog for Nvidia chips extends close to a year, indicating robust demand that competitors have yet to match. Retail investor enthusiasm and market trends Nvidia’s stellar performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by retail investors. Data from Vanda Research shows that Nvidia has attracted nearly $30 billion in net inflows from retail traders in 2024, making it the most-bought stock of the year. By comparison, Tesla attracted $14.7 billion. “Nvidia turned out to be the one stock that kind of stole the show from Tesla because of impressive price gains,” said Marco Iachini, senior vice president at Vanda Research. The company’s 180% stock price increase in 2024 has made it a cornerstone of retail portfolios, with Nvidia now representing over 10% of the average investor’s holdings. Challenges on the horizon Despite its current success, Nvidia faces several potential challenges. One of the biggest risks stems from the transition to inferencing AI models, which require less powerful hardware than the training phase. This shift could reduce the demand for Nvidia’s high-end chips in the future. Additionally, Nvidia’s own customers are actively developing AI chips to diversify their supply chains. Amazon’s Trainium 2 and Google’s tensor processing units (TPUs) are prime examples. Still, Huang remains optimistic. He has repeatedly emphasized that Nvidia’s chips are not only capable of handling AI training but excel in inferencing as well. Looking ahead to 2025 Nvidia’s future appears bright, with the AI market projected to grow exponentially over the next several years. While competitors like Broadcom and AMD are making inroads, Nvidia’s head start and comprehensive ecosystem of hardware and software make it the dominant force in AI computing. As investors continue to pour into Nvidia shares, the company’s influence will likely extend beyond technology, shaping industries from healthcare to finance. Nvidia’s ability to sustain its growth will depend on how well it navigates competition, manages supply chains, and adapts to shifts in AI technology.NoneNew Jersey fines firms $40K for sports betting violations

A look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaulVCE results start filtering in as biggest day for students finally arrivesSix killed, five others injured at a bar in Mexico, according to reports

White Wing Wealth Management Buys 31 Shares of Microsoft Co. (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Which winter gloves for women should you buy? The skin on your hands can take some harsh punishment during cold weather. Even prolonged exposure to the air during a chilly snap can leave your hands with dry skin or chilblains. If you live in an area where extreme cold is a high probability, spending time outdoors makes gloves an absolute necessity. But to make sure your gloves can withstand the winter season, you need a pair that’s fit for your climate and lifestyle. Types of winter gloves for women fall into three main categories: What to consider before buying winter gloves 9 best women’s winter gloves to buy These fashionable gloves are soft, comfortable and will help keep your hands warm through the fall and winter. They come with touch-screen technology that lets you use your smartphone while out in the cold without having to take your gloves off. Equipped with an elastic cuff so they can slip under your jacket’s sleeve, these gloves create an insulating effect on your hands and wrist. The warm fleece line keeps your hands warm in winter, and the gloves are machine-washable. These black gloves are made with 50% conductive yarn on the fingertips so you can use your tablet or smartphone without taking off your gloves. They’re thickened to be windproof, have a warm lining and come with triangle silicone non-slip designs on the palms. These fleece gloves are made with breathable material to keep hands warm without irritating sensitive skin. Although they are hand-wash only, they are made with high-density, ultra-soft chenille fabric and have three touchscreen-friendly fingertips on each hand. This fashionable pair of gloves have vegan leather patches, fleece lining and stretch spandex to give you a comfortable, warm experience through the cold days of winter. The stretch fabric helps the gloves to repel snow and rain, so your hands stay nice and dry. This set of cold weather gloves is made of polyester with a loop and hook closure and microfiber lining with a stretchy fleece cuff. They’re waterproof and quilted to keep hands dry and warm. These wool and acrylic gloves have a double-layered elastic cuff and are made with comfortable fabric that insulates your hands during cold snaps. They have flip-up fingertips for convenience, flexibility and style. These lambskin gloves come in a high-end gift box, making them a lovely gift or treat for yourself or a loved one. The full-finger gloves let you operate a touch screen and the lambskin exterior provides grip for activities such as driving or cycling. The cashmere lining in these gloves will keep hands nice and snug during cold snaps. The elegant design comes from the gloves’ leather outer lining, which is not only high-quality but soft and supple, too.Victoria Police has announced it's treating the Melbourne synagogue fire as a terrorist attack. The blaze at the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea soon appeared to many, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to be motivated by terror, but it took authorities four days to declare it. To the casual onlooker, this might seem odd. On December 6, masked men were seen pouring liquid on the floor while people were inside, before the building burst into flames. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, among others, was adamant it was clearly an act of terror. But whether or not something is terrorism isn't always easy to determine, nor is the current political argument about it very useful. If holding those responsible is the goal, careful investigation from the outset is the only way to achieve it, even if it means waiting longer. À lire aussi : Albanese announces antisemitism taskforce, as synagogue firebombing investigation upgraded What have police said? In a press conference, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett outlined how the investigation has been upgraded from arson to counter-terrorism, based on investigations over the weekend. The main thing that changes operationally is unlocking more resources: more people with specific expertise, more federal and state cooperation and more agencies involved, including ASIO. Legally, it means those responsible potentially face harsher penalties. Any charges laid would likely be related to terrorism rather than regular arson or property destruction. Police have identified three suspects, but have said little about them. This is usual practice in these sorts of investigations as they don't want to alert the perpetrators that authorities are onto them. While police haven't explicitly said so, it's likely they've found evidence of the suspects' motivations. This could include finding their online footprints, social media posts and communications with...

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