WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement caps a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth , who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Trump, in a social media post, said: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matthew Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump’s Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn’t think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” Leppard said Thursday of his clients. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department’s investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz’s political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week that he did not intend to take the oath of office. There are plans for a special election in Florida for his seat. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a “positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was “disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run.” Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hopes Trump will pick someone “equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ.” Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared,” Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination. Associated Press writers Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Adriana Gomez Licon contributed to this report.While they don't get the most attention from the public, the U.S. military's intelligence collection assets are what keep commanders informed and troops on the ground safe from unseen enemies. The U.S. Army is in the early stages of acquiring a new aircraft capable of performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which is set to replace older legacy systems in the near future. The High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) is proceeding with the first plane, having been delivered in November 2024. HADES is under development as a replacement system for the Army's RC-12 Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS), which has been in use since the Cold War . The GRCS is slated for a 2034 retirement, leaving little time for the Army to test, modify, and ultimately deploy the HADES onto the world's battlespaces. The lessons learned from the GRCS' use in combat zones are being used to develop its replacement, which is being built by one of the world's best private jet manufacturers , Bombardier Defense, using its Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft as a base. HADES is one of several military variants of the Global 6500, which demonstrates the aircraft's versatility. The project is moving quickly, as the Army approved the contract for a Global 6500 in December 2023. Now comes the testing phase, where the Army will incorporate highly classified sensors and ISR technology to bring the aircraft up to speed for the HADES program. It's unclear how long the next step will take for the Army to complete, but the HADES will likely be ready by late 2026 or early 2027. While the U.S. has plenty of highly specialized sensors used for intelligence collection, they're not worth a whole lot without a vehicle to take them to a target location. That's where the HADES aircraft comes into play, and the Bombardier Global 6500 is up to the challenge. The aircraft boasts a range of nearly 7,600 miles at speeds of Mach 0.9 via its purpose-built Rolls-Royce Pearl engine. It can also comfortably carry 17 passengers, though this number will likely be reduced once all of the intelligence collection and processing equipment is loaded into the cabin. Upon awarding the contract, project manager, Col. Joe S. Minor , explained, "HADES will bring the Army increased range, speed, endurance, and aerial ISR depth. HADES will operate at higher altitudes than legacy turboprop platforms. Higher altitudes equate to an ability to sense farther and more persistently into areas of interest. Deep sensing is the Army's number-one operational imperative for the Army of 2030." The Army defines deep sensing as "The employment of capabilities beyond the division coordinated firing line to collect data and information that supports targeting, situational understanding, or decision making." Indeed, the Global 6500's range far exceeds that of the over 1,900-mile range of the GRCS, which is one of the U.S. military's remaining propeller-driven aircraft . The Global 6500 has several features that will support the Army's ISR mission, including a maximum endurance of 18 hours, requiring maintenance checks after 750 hours of operation. The plane also boasts a 4K-enabled cabin, offering some of the fastest connectivity speeds available in a commercial aircraft. All of these stats stack up to make for an ideal platform for HADES. Because the sensors and equipment aboard the HADES aircraft are likely all classified, it's unclear as to what specifically will be packed inside. That said, there is some information related to HADES' projected capabilities that indicates it has the same and better systems than the GRCS. HADES will be a much larger aircraft with far greater range and endurance, enabling operators to outfit the sensors for specific target areas. This expands the HADES system's versatility by making it adaptable to different environments. In terms of the type of intelligence it will collect, there are many options. For certain, the HADES will have signals intelligence (SIGINT), communications intelligence (COMINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) collection capabilities. For ELINT, HADES will be outfitted with the PEGASUS ELINT sensor, adding precision direction finding and other means of target geolocation. An Army spokesperson told Armada , "HADES will carry a variety of SIGINT sensors, synthetic aperture radar/moving target indication radar, cyber, electronic warfare, optronics sensors, and air-launched effects." The onboard suite of sensors will also aid in recognition, identification, tracking, and finally, geo-locating targets. Additionally, onboard AI will use advanced data processing to produce near-real-time products for dissemination to the warfighter. The Army is working in phases to integrate its sensors and communications equipment into the aircraft. As testing continues, some elements may be removed, replaced, or retained. Eventually, the Army will add follow-on capabilities for cyber and electronic warfare, as well as air-launched effects. The Global 6500's 14,000 lb. payload capacity suggests it is well suited for anything the Army plans to throw inside, which will likely be filled with server racks, monitors, analyst positions, and few luxuries. Seeing as the Global 6500 is an executive aircraft, the insides will look very different when HADES enters the inventory.live casino directions 。

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is set to marry his fiancée Lauren Sanchez in a lavish Aspen, Colorado wedding, which, according to Daily Mail, is likely to cost the American billionaire a whopping $600 million (equivalent to Rs 5096 crore). Since May 2023, the two have been dating. The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Bezos and Sanchez have booked a luxurious sushi restaurant called Matsuhisa in Aspen from December 26 to 27. According to reports, their wedding would be a spectacular party with a Winterland theme. According to the New York Post, the American billionaire is expected to wed Lauren Sanchez in a lavish $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado, on Saturday. Five-star hotels in Aspen have also been booked to house the guests who will be attending the wedding and private mansions have been secured for high-profile guests. The Amazon founder and CEO's lavish winter wonderland-themed wedding ceremony will be attended by a limited but star-studded guest list. Sources close to the couple reveal that the guest list will be an elite gathering of around 180 people, including many Hollywood celebrities and high-profile figures. According to Page Six, a number of celebrities and stars, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates, are expected to attend the extravagant wedding. According to reports, the party planners who will be in charge of planning the lavish celebration have agreed to keep the wedding gala's specifics confidential. Aspen planner Sarah Rose Attman told Express US that planners are likely to "cherry-pick" their favourite items from across the globe and bring them to Aspen for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding. Whether it's a Parisian dessert, a New York hairdresser, or their favourite band, the crew will make sure the couple's favourite things are in the city. Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' to-be-wife is an American media personality who gained popularity as an entertainment journalist. She has served as an anchor on Fox 11 News at Ten and a guest host on The View. In addition to being the vice-chairperson of the Bezos Earth Fund and the owner of Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial video and production firm, Lauren Sanchez was included in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue in 2010. The pair have remained silent on their wedding plans. They have not publicly confirmed their wedding date yet either.

No. 7 Tennessee dispatches UT Martin to remain undefeatedPlayersTV Acquires Cloud Media Center, Integrates Sports-AI Ad Technology to Surpass 1B Monthly ImpressionsNikki Kaye talks life, politics and nature in one of her last interviews

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho’s high court dismissed a final state appeal from Thomas Creech on Wednesday, leaving the federal courts to decide whether Idaho can try again to execute its longest-serving death row prisoner after a failed attempt earlier this year . The Idaho Supreme Court unanimously rejected Creech’s arguments that a second execution attempt would represent cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In February, the execution team was unable after nearly an hour to find a vein in Creech’s body suitable for an IV to lethally inject him, and prison leaders called off the execution. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

Southern University at Shreveport campus Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in Shreveport, La. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save AT&T contributed $25,000 to Southern University at Shreveport to ease the financial burdens of education for low-income students. According to a news release from AT&T, the company reinforcing its commitment to community empowerment by contributing $25,000 to the Southern University System Foundation in support of Southern University at Shreveport. The money will go to low-income students pursuing coursework in business, science, technology, engineering and math programs, also referred to as BSTEM programs. The contribution will fund financial aid and emergency support, covering tuition, fees and essential needs such as books, transportation, shelter and utilities. According to the news release, this will empower SUSLA students to stay on track toward graduation and career success and ensure that economic challenges don't prevent talented students from achieving their academic and professional goals. SUSLA offers various programs to help students in their academic and career paths, including university transfer options, career-focused associate degrees, developmental education and continuing education for lifelong learning. SUSLA provides support services such as counseling, academic advising, community service programs and research initiatives that meet local needs. The funding will support degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students in BSTEM-related programs who are in good academic standing. "We are incredibly thankful to AT&T for their support of our students," SUSLA Chancellor Aubra Gantt said. "This donation will make a direct impact on students in BSTEM programs, helping them overcome financial obstacles and focus on achieving their academic dreams. This kind of support ensures that our students have the resources they need to thrive, and it strengthens our ability to serve Shreveport and the broader community." State Sen. Sam Jenkins in the news release emphasized the importance of investing in higher education, particularly in fields that drive economic growth. "The commitment from AT&T to our students at SUSLA is a powerful example of how partnerships between the corporate sector and educational institutions can lead to life-changing outcomes," Jenkins said. "When we support our students, especially those pursuing critical fields like science, technology, and business, we are investing in the future of Shreveport and all of Louisiana." This contribution is part of AT&T's commitment to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives, the company said in the news release. The news release said the company, as part of its commitment to address the digital divide, launched AT&T Connected Learning to better invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today's learners succeed inside and outside the classroom. "AT&T is committed to investing in Louisiana's future by supporting students and helping them build the skills they need to thrive," David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana, said in the news release. "Through this contribution to Southern University at Shreveport, we're not just providing financial aid; we're investing in the community and supporting a generation of professionals who will drive innovation and growth in Louisiana. We're excited to partner with SUSLA to create opportunities for students to excel in BSTEM fields."

Cowboys Owner Open To Giving Head Coach Contract Extension

5 analysts have shared their evaluations of Carlisle Companies CSL during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives. The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 0 4 1 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 0 2 1 0 0 3M Ago 0 1 0 0 0 Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Carlisle Companies, revealing an average target of $493.2, a high estimate of $506.00, and a low estimate of $460.00. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 0.91% lower than the prior average price target of $497.75. Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Carlisle Companies is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Bryan Blair Oppenheimer Lowers Outperform $495.00 $505.00 Keith Hughes Truist Securities Announces Hold $460.00 - Timothy Wojs Baird Lowers Outperform $500.00 $506.00 Bryan Blair Oppenheimer Raises Outperform $505.00 $480.00 Timothy Wojs Baird Raises Outperform $506.00 $500.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Carlisle Companies. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Carlisle Companies compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Carlisle Companies's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations. Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Carlisle Companies's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Carlisle Companies analyst ratings. About Carlisle Companies Carlisle Companies Inc is a holding company. The company manufactures and sells single-ply roofing products and warranted systems and accessories for the commercial building industry. The company is organized into two segments including Carlisle Construction Materials and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies. The company's product portfolio includes moisture protection products, protective roofing underlayments, integrated air and vapor barriers, spray polyurethane foam and coating systems, and others. The majority of the company's revenue comes from the Carlisle Construction Materials segment, and more than half of the total revenue is earned in the United States. Carlisle Companies: Financial Performance Dissected Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence. Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Carlisle Companies showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 5.86% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Industrials sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers. Net Margin: Carlisle Companies's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 18.31%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management. Return on Equity (ROE): Carlisle Companies's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 8.47%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health. Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 3.7%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets. Debt Management: Carlisle Companies's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.83 . The Basics of Analyst Ratings Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions. Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Pakistan to get Chinese J-35 stealth fighter that could make Pakistan Air Force overtake India, experts say the danger for India...People and companies are placing big . One of the safer ones is that demand for workers with AI skills will continue to grow. Labor market watchers told Business Insider that in 2025, as in 2024, many employers will likely be eager to hire people with skills in AI — like machine-learning specialists who train models, one of this year's most-talked-about roles — but also in wider areas that touch the technology. In the , which has experienced years of lackluster hiring following a pandemic-era surge, there are early signs of a rebound, Hannah Calhoon, VP of AI at Indeed, told BI. If that continues, she said, hiring will likely include roles involving AI. Another area of demand, Calhoon said, could come from employers that aren't tech firms yet that need people skilled in incorporating off-the-shelf AI tools into their businesses and datasets. However, unlike the tech giants, these employers aren't likely to try to build their own AI platforms, she said. So, rather than trying to recruit data scientists and those machine-learning engineers, these companies might instead want workers who can help decide which AI instruments to use and how to incorporate them into their workflow. "What they're going to be looking for is people who understand those systems and can help them implement those tools in their business," Calhoon said. That's likely to translate to increased demand in 2025 for roles involving and transformation — jobs like applications administrators or solutions architects, she said. There are other signs that the demand for talent involving AI is picking up. Last week, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said that the company is "a big hiring surge" and working to fill thousands of roles to help sell products, including those involving AI. Benioff said the company has 9,000 referrals for the 2,000 positions it's opened. Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, likewise recently talked up AI's potential. At an event with President-elect Donald Trump last week, Son said that the Japanese conglomerate would invest $100 billion into the US over the next four years and create at least 100,000 jobs in AI and related areas. Already, other employers are looking to grow around AI. According to Indeed, job postings mentioning AI that saw the biggest growth in the first 11 months of 2024 were senior scientists, software engineering managers, research engineers, and researchers. The market may be growing, though it can be hard for employers to hire in some AI-related areas. The talent firm Randstad reports that it's twice as difficult to find and hire senior-level workers skilled in AI and automation as it is for other senior-level jobs in different industries. Vacancy rates for roles involving specialized AI skills, like developing natural-language processing models, are as high as 15%, Randstad found. That's about double the overall job vacancy rate in the US. Randstad's estimate on AI jobs is based on an assessment of some 10 million job postings and 136 million résumés in the third quarter of 2024. According to Randstad, employers worldwide are having the hardest time finding workers skilled in natural language processing, predictive modeling, and "stakeholder communication." The firm notes that this is partly because such abilities are specialized yet also in demand across industries. In the US, Randstad said, the vacancy rate for jobs that require skills like natural language processing stands at 14%. Indeed recently that, as of September, the share of US job postings that mention generative AI or related terminology was up 3.5 times year over year. Yet that doesn't mean that all employers are looking for GenAI whizzes. Indeed found that only 2% of employers globally included skills related to AI in their job descriptions. By comparison, more than 20% called for basic computer skills. Nevertheless, Calhoon said, employers' demands for AI skills are only likely to grow. "Maybe not next year, but three or four years from now, in many roles, there will be an expectation that people will have basic fluency in being able to use some of these platforms," she said. That's likely in part because it's not only major employers that will expect workers to have AI skills. Andy Schachtel, CEO of Sourcefit, an offshore staffing firm, told BI that businesses of all sizes are looking to AI to boost efficiency. The US Chamber of Commerce found in a mid-2024 of 1,100 small businesses that four in 10 reported using generative AI, up from 23% in 2023. About three-quarters of small businesses surveyed said they plan to adopt emerging tech like AI. That could add to the already surging demand for leaders who are experts in AI. According to a review of more than 35,000 public and private companies in the US by Altrata, a research firm focused on executive data, the number of people in the role of chief AI officer or its equivalent — a job many people may not have heard of until this year — was up 70% year-over-year through late October. That demand is likely one reason that workers with AI skills or who possess capabilities working with AI tools are, on average, 34% more likely to change jobs, according to Randstad. Nicole Kyle, who researches the future of work, told BI that even for parts of a business where AI might be expected to take on a good share of the workload — like call centers —its adoption would likely increase demand for other roles. She said that in the case of call centers, for example, those added roles might include positions involving data governance and data cleaning, as well as customer experience. That's one reason Kyle, who's cofounder of CMP Research, said she remains optimistic about AI's impact on jobs. "I do think net-net, it will create jobs the way other technological advancements have," Kyle said. Read the original article on

JD Martin Expands Representation of Dialight into North and South CarolinaThe rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is driving significant economic impacts and enhancing social life, but also raises concerns about multiple risks. This momentum has sparked the need for an AI governance framework to maximise the benefits of AI, while minimising its negative consequences. By ensuring responsible and ethical AI deployment, AI governance increases confidence among businesses and governments, enabling them to deliver trustworthy AI products and services to users with greater assurance. GenAI is a type of AI that can create new content such as images and videos. What is AI governance? AI governance refers to the processes, standards and guardrails that help ensure that AI systems and tools are safe and ethical. AI governance frameworks direct AI research, development and application to help ensure safety, fairness and respect for human rights, according to IBM. Effective AI governance includes oversight mechanisms that address risks such as bias, privacy infringement and misuse, while fostering innovation and building trust. An ethical AI-centred approach to AI governance requires the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, including AI developers, users, policymakers and ethicists, ensuring that AI-related systems are developed and used to align with society's values. As AI is a product of highly engineered code and machine learning created by people, it is susceptible to human biases and errors that can result in discrimination and other harm to individuals, according to IBM. Why is AI governance important? According to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Etda), because AI can cause damage and make incorrect decisions, governance is needed to direct its usage. The goal is not only to ensure the successful application of AI by organisations but also to ensure they use AI with responsibility, according to Etda. IBM noted that AI systems make decisions all the time, from deciding which ads to show to determining whether to approve a loan. It is essential to understand how AI systems make decisions to hold them accountable for their decisions and help ensure that they make them fairly and ethically. Patama Chantaruck, country managing director at Accenture Thailand, said mitigating GenAI risks requires a strategic commitment to responsible AI. Research found 98% of executives acknowledge the need for a more systematic approach to manage emerging technologies ethically. To address this, organisations should establish governance frameworks, design AI systems to be trustworthy and fair, and enforce accountability at all levels, she added. "With tools to detect bias and monitor fairness, companies can uphold transparency and public trust, ensuring AI is a tool for positive, ethical impact," said Ms Patama. How is AI governance being developed in Thailand? Supachai Pathumnakul, permanent secretary for the ministry of higher education, science, research and innovation (MHESI), said one pillar in the National AI master plan is ethical, legal and social implications. The others are AI infrastructure, human capital, technology and innovation and AI promotion. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the digital economy and society (DES) minister, said Thailand recently introduced the AI Governance Guideline for Executives and the Generative AI Governance Guideline for Organizations. The guideline for organisations aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of GenAI technology in all its important dimensions. This will enable the organisations to define clear and governance-aligned approaches to applying GenAI within their operations and minimise risk. "AI represents the second era of digital transformation, offering more benefits than risks. However, it must be used carefully, consciously, and responsibly, with a focus on ethics and governance," said Sak Segkhoonthod, senior advisor at Etda's AI Governance Centre (AIGC). Thailand has made significant strides in AI governance, particularly with the establishment of its AIGC two years ago. The centre has received numerous inquiries from organisations about the legality and ethical implications of using AI tools such as ChatGPT. This underscored the urgent need for a robust framework to ensure AI adoption aligns with Unesco's ethical guidelines and international standards, Mr Sak added. Thailand developed a series of recommendations and guidelines for AI adoption, inspired by Unesco's 2021 AI ethics recommendation. These guidelines, which were approved by Thailand's government, aim to ensure AI is used ethically across Thai organisations. Starting in 2025, all government agencies in Thailand will be required to follow these standards. Additionally, Thailand collaborated with Unesco to implement the Readiness Assessment Methodology, which helps assess and guide AI adoption ethically. Mr Sak said Etda also offers to help organisations develop AI governance frameworks that are suitable for Thailand's context and in line with international policies. Why does Thailand lack an AI law? Mr Sak said Thailand is focused on understanding and keeping up with AI developments, which is why the AI law has not yet been developed. "The technology is rapidly evolving, and overregulating it could disrupt the ecosystem. We might have an AI law in the next few years," he said. However, there are governance guidelines in place to educate the public and organisations on how to adopt AI responsibly and ethically, he said. The regulators in some sectors, like healthcare, are considering specific AI regulations, as well as potential restrictions on AI use for children. The country's existing laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law, intellectual property rights and the Computer Crime Act also support liability in cases such as privacy violations or personal damage. Mr Sak said that Etda is currently working on guidelines for AI procurement. In 2024, AI adoption plans among Thai organisations reached 73.3%, up nearly 20 percentage points from the previous year, according to the AI Readiness Measurement 2024 report by Etda and the National Science and Technology Development Agency. The DES Ministry, in collaboration with the MHESI, the Education Ministry and Unesco, are co-hosting the 3rd Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025 in Bangkok under the theme "Ethical Governance of AI in Motion". The forum is scheduled for June 24-27, 2025, marking the first international conference of its kind in Asia-Pacific.

Peterson has 16 as East Tennessee State takes down Charlotte 75-55

"Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity (Special Session for Leisure Journey) Held in Sanya, Hainan 12-20-2024 09:34 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Stones_PR On December 19, the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity (Special Session for Leisure Journey), organized by the Department of Industry Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, took place in Sanya, Hainan. The event was conducted both online and offline, with live coverage through text, images, and video on domestic and international platforms, reaching a total audience of over 1.5 million, including 740,000 viewers from abroad. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/10a449bd76a4767bb1edd7e2262aaa12.jpg Event Snapshot (Photo Provided by the Sponsor) Sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province and undertaken by China Tourism News and the Institute of Creative Industries Technology of Renmin University of China, the event was held in tandem with the 2024 (9th) Hainan World Leisure Tourism Expo. It aimed to explore and showcase unique cultural and tourism products, premium performance programs, and travel routes across regions, enhance cultural richness and appeal, and build an effective platform for international exchange and cooperation on distinctive tourism products. Through these efforts, it sought to provide Chinese and international tourists with a richer and more diverse travel experience. This event featured 33 cultural and creative products, 4 leisure tourism destinations, and 12 leisure travel routes. A corresponding product manual was also prepared. At the event, 6 related organizations conducted roadshow presentations, introducing offerings such as the AI Magic Screen Camera for Travel Photography, Unique Dream of Red Mansion-themed cultural products, the Sanya International Yacht Center, and Atlantis Sanya. A special "Leisure Journey" exhibition area was set up on-site, showcasing and selling distinctive cultural and tourism products, premium performance programs, and travel routes across China. It gave consumers a chance to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture up close. The event captured widespread attention from audiences at home and abroad, with many marveling, "Every cultural and tourism product has its own unique charm and cultural significance" and "It's amazing to enjoy a leisure trip that feels like living inside a Chinese landscape painting". They also hoped to explore China's magnificent landscapes and vibrant civilization during their travels. Various guests were present at the event, including officials from the Department of Industry Development of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Trade in Services Administration of the Ministry of Commerce, some provincial (district and municipal) administrative departments of culture and tourism, and local governments, as well as representatives from related tourism associations, cultural and tourism enterprises, cross-border e-commerce platforms, financial institutions, national bases for international cultural trade, national cultural export bases, experts, and media outlets. It is understood that by integrating domestic and international resources as well as online and offline resources, the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity seeks to showcase, promote, and trade high-quality cultural and tourism products with distinct Chinese characteristics and styles that are well-received in the international market. It strives to build a platform for exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, expanding the cultural trade scale and optimizing the structure. Ultimately, the campaign aims to boost the international competitiveness and popularity of Chinese enterprises and brands. Over ten special sessions have been held for the "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" Cultural and Tourism Trade Promotion Activity. They have received an overwhelming response and produced remarkable results. Media Contact Company Name: Globalnewsonline Contact Person: Luayy Alkilani Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=finest-cultural-gifts-from-china-cultural-and-tourism-trade-promotion-activity-special-session-for-leisure-journey-held-in-sanya-hainan ] Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info/ This release was published on openPR.Rivalry Closes Non-Brokered Private Placement Of Approximately $2.0 Million

Report: Iowa CB Jermari Harris opts out of rest of seasonSanctuary Advisors LLC lessened its position in shares of BCE Inc. ( NYSE:BCE – Free Report ) (TSE:BCE) by 44.4% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 32,551 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after selling 26,009 shares during the quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC’s holdings in BCE were worth $1,133,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its position in BCE by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 18,873,961 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $656,421,000 after purchasing an additional 864,472 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank lifted its holdings in BCE by 12.0% in the second quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 8,450,810 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $273,553,000 after buying an additional 905,857 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in BCE by 23.8% in the second quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 5,520,090 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $178,677,000 after acquiring an additional 1,061,488 shares during the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in BCE by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 5,068,728 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $163,932,000 after acquiring an additional 21,487 shares during the period. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. raised its position in shares of BCE by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,564,393 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $115,379,000 after acquiring an additional 186,659 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 41.46% of the company’s stock. BCE Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:BCE opened at $23.16 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $21.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 330.86, a PEG ratio of 4.04 and a beta of 0.54. BCE Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.90 and a 12 month high of $41.77. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $28.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.03. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26. BCE Increases Dividend Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have weighed in on BCE shares. National Bank Financial lowered BCE from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, September 30th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of BCE from $34.00 to $30.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 11th. Edward Jones downgraded shares of BCE from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a “hold” rating on shares of BCE in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of BCE from $48.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $45.00. View Our Latest Research Report on BCE BCE Company Profile ( Free Report ) BCE Inc, a communications company, provides wireless, wireline, Internet, and television (TV) services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Bell Communication and Technology Services, and Bell Media. The Bell Communication and Technology Services segment provides wireless products and services including mobile data and voice plans and devices; wireline products and services comprising data, including internet access, internet protocol television, cloud-based services, and business solutions, as well as voice, and other communication services and products; and satellite TV and connectivity services for residential, small and medium-sized business, government, and large enterprise customers. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BCE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BCE Inc. ( NYSE:BCE – Free Report ) (TSE:BCE). Receive News & Ratings for BCE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BCE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

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