jili lucky Whales Bet Big on BlockDAG’s $169M Presale After New ‘Whitepaper’ Release While Bitcoin Spot ETFs & XRP Heat UpPanama City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Dec, 2024) Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US President-elect over control of the Canal, denying that was interfering in its operation. Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to 's threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to . "There's nothing to talk about," Mulino told a press conference. "The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There's no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has the country , sweat and tears," he added. The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the but handed to on 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos. on Saturday slammed what he called "ridiculous" fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at 's growing influence. "It was solely for to manage, not , or anyone else," said in a on his Truth Social platform. "We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!" If could not ensure "the secure, efficient and reliable operation" of the channel, "then we will demand that the Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question," he said. - 'No interference' - An estimated five percent of global maritime passes through the Canal, which allows ships traveling between and the US East Coast to avoid the long, hazardous route around the southern tip of South America. The is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by with 21 percent. Mulino said the canal's usage fees were "not set at the whim of the president or the administrator" of the interoceanic waterway, but under a long-established "public and open process." "There is absolutely no interference or participation in anything to do with the Canal," Mulino said. On Wednesday, wrote on Truth Social alleged, without evidence, that soldiers were "lovingly, but illegally, operating the Canal." Mulino denied that allegation, too. "There are no soldiers in the canal, for the of ," he added. established diplomatic relations with in , after off ties with Taiwan -- a decision criticized by 's first administration. On Tuesday, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in chanting "Trump, animal, leave the canal alone" and burning an image of the incoming US president.UAE’S HADER SECURITY (HSC) AND TABBARA ELECTRONICS SECURE SUCCESSFUL REMOTE ROBOTIC ...

Western Digital's SVP Gene Zamiska sells $24,240 in stock

Aadi Enters into Exclusive License for Three-Asset ADC Portfolio Developed through a Collaboration between WuXi Biologics and HANGZHOU DAC Aadi Enters Agreement to Sell FYARRO ® and Associated Infrastructure to KAKEN Pharmaceutical for $100M ; Announces PIPE Financing of $100M Cumulative Capital Expected to Fund Operations into Late 2028, Including Anticipated Clinical Data for the ADC Portfolio Co-Founder and Former CEO of ProfoundBio, Baiteng Zhao, Appointed to Aadi Board of Directors Aadi to Hold Webcast and Conference Call on December 20 at 8:00 AM EST LOS ANGELES , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: AADI) today announced it has entered into an exclusive license agreement for development and global commercialization of a three-asset portfolio of preclinical, next-wave antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), in collaboration with WuXi Biologics (2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), and HANGZHOU DAC BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. ( HANGZHOU DAC), a global leader in ADC innovation. Per the terms of the license agreement, Aadi is granted exclusive rights to certain patents and know-how pertaining to three preclinical ADC programs leveraging HANGZHOU DAC's CPT113 linker payload technology targeting each of Protein Tyrosine Kinase 7 (PTK7), Mucin-16 (MUC16) and Seizure Related 6 Homolog (SEZ6). Aadi will pay aggregate upfront payments of $44 million for in-licensing such ADC programs. Additionally, Aadi is obligated to pay cumulative development milestone payments of up to $265 million , cumulative commercial milestone payments of up to $540 million and single-digit royalties of sales. To support this transaction, Aadi entered into a subscription agreement with certain qualified institutional buyers and accredited investors for a private investment in public equity ("PIPE") financing that is expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $100 million , before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The Company is selling an aggregate of 21,592,000 shares of its common stock ("Common Stock") at a price of $2.40 per share, representing a premium of approximately 3.4% to the closing price on December 19, 2024 on Nasdaq, and pre-funded warrants ("Pre-Funded Warrants") to purchase up to an aggregate of 20,076,500 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $2.3999 per Pre-Funded Warrant share. The syndicate was led by Ally Bridge Group, with participation from new investors OrbiMed, Invus, Kalehua Capital and other accredited investors, Tae Han co-founder of ProfoundBio, as well as existing investors, including Avoro Capital, KVP Capital and Acuta Capital Partners. The PIPE financing is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to stockholder vote and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. "I'm thrilled to announce our partnership with WuXi Biologics and HANGZHOU DAC to bring forward this thoughtfully selected ADC portfolio. We were deliberate in identifying broadly expressed tumor targets where first-generation ADCs have already shown proof of concept. With our next wave ADC portfolio, we aim to build upon these earlier therapies to deliver improved outcomes for people living with cancer," said David Lennon , PhD, President and CEO of Aadi Bioscience. "The financing underscores the confidence our investors have in both the potential of this portfolio and the strength of Aadi's management team." About the ADC Portfolio Each of the three ADC assets utilizes HANGZHOU DAC's CPT113 ADC platform, which consists of a highly stable yet cleavable linker that delivers a Topoisomerase I (TOPO1) inhibitor payload. The CPT113 platform's linker stability and novel payload has the potential to be highly competitive among the next generation ADC platforms. To effectively leverage the CPT113 platform, Aadi selected tumor targets that are upregulated in high-potential cancer indications and where clinical efficacy has been demonstrated by first-generation ADCs. These assets were discovered through the collaborative efforts of WuXi Biologics and HANGZHOU DAC, utilizing the innovative antibody discovery platform provided by WuXi Biologics and advanced linker-payload technology provided by HANGZHOU DAC. "Leveraging our advanced antibody discovery service, we're glad to enable Aadi to accelerate the discovery of precision therapies targeting some of the most challenging cancers," said Dr. Chris Chen , CEO of WuXi Biologics. "This collaboration underscores our wide recognition as an industry leader in discovery service solutions, and further validates our ability to provide integrated discovery technology platforms for global partners to develop next-generation modalities. We look forward to partnering with Aadi and HANGZHOU DAC to expeditiously move these assets forward into clinical development and benefit patients worldwide." " HANGZHOU DAC's CPT-ADC platform is designed to enable next wave ADC capabilities that surpass first-generation technologies, including two programs already in clinical development in China ," said Dr. Robert Y. Zhao , President and CEO of HANGZHOU DAC Biotechnology. "As a global leader in ADC innovation, we are excited to partner with Aadi and WuXi Biologics to deliver this promising portfolio to patients." Aadi to Sell FYARRO for $100 Million , Cumulative Capital Expected to Fund Operations into Late 2028 In a separate agreement, KAKEN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., an R&D driven pharmaceutical company in Japan , has entered into a stock purchase agreement under which KAKEN will acquire Aadi Subsidiary, Inc. and all of its assets, including FYARRO ® (sirolimus protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound) and associated infrastructure, including the majority of Aadi employees who support the FYARRO ® business. FYARRO is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), with cumulative revenue of $25.2 million reported over the prior four quarters ended September 30, 2024 . Per the terms of the agreement, Kaken will pay Aadi $100 million in cash at closing, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to Aadi stockholder approval and certain closing conditions. Upon the closing of this transaction, KAKEN will also acquire the rights to the Aadi name and trademark. "We are enormously proud of the impact FYARRO has had for people with PEComa, and Kaken's capabilities, coupled with the proven track record of the Aadi team, ensures physicians and patients will continue to have access to this critical treatment," said Lennon. The net proceeds from the PIPE financing and the sale of FYARRO, together with the Company's existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are expected to fund operations into late-2028, including anticipated clinical data readouts for the ADC portfolio. Baiteng Zhao Appointed to the Board of Directors, Brings Significant ADC Expertise Baiteng Zhao, PhD, joins Aadi's board of directors. Zhao co-founded ProfoundBio, a clinical stage next-gen ADC developer, in 2018 and served as the Chairman and CEO of the company until it was acquired by Genmab for $1.8 billion in May 2024 . Prior to ProfoundBio, Dr. Zhao worked at Seagen (now part of Pfizer) for more than eight years and was responsible for the modeling and simulation strategies for the development pipeline and supported preclinical and clinical development of ADC drug candidates. "We are delighted to welcome Baiteng to our Board. His deep expertise and successful track record in ADC development will be instrumental as we tenaciously move this exciting portfolio forward," said Caley Castelein , MD, Chair of the Board of Directors of Aadi Bioscience. "I am thrilled to join the Board at this pivotal moment for Aadi," said Baiteng Zhao, PhD, Board of Directors of Aadi Bioscience and co-founder of ProfoundBio. "PTK7, MUC16 and SEZ6 represent highly promising targets that are commonly overexpressed in cancers with significant unmet therapeutic needs. Coupled with an advanced linker-payload platform that has the potential to enable next-gen ADCs, I believe Aadi is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team and fellow Board directors to advance these innovative programs and drive transformative progress for patients." Advisors Leerink Partners is serving as financial advisor to Aadi on the sale of FYARRO and the licensing of the ADC portfolio. Jefferies LLC is acting as exclusive placement agent for the PIPE financing. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. is serving as legal counsel to Aadi. McDermott Will & Emery LLP is serving as legal counsel to Kaken. Cooley LLP is serving as legal counsel to Jefferies LLC. Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. is serving as financial advisor to KAKEN. Conference Call Information The Aadi management team is hosting a conference call and webcast tomorrow, Friday, December 20 th at 8:00 AM EST ( 5:00 AM PST ) to discuss these updates. Participants may access a live webcast of the call and the associated slide presentation on these data through the "Investors & News" page of the Aadi Bioscience website at aadibio.com . To participate via telephone, please register in advance at this link . Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the Company's website for at least 30 days. Additional Information for Stockholders This communication relates to the proposed sale of FYARRO and the proposed PIPE financing and may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of such transactions. In connection with these proposed transactions, Aadi will file a Proxy Statement with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or any other documents that Aadi may file with the SEC or send to Aadi stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. Before making any voting decision, investors and securityholders are urged to read the Proxy Statement and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transactions as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transactions and related matters. Stockholders may obtain a copy of the Proxy Statement and other documents the Company files with the SEC (when they are available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov , as well as on the Investor and News section of Aadi's website at www.aadibio.com . Certain stockholders of Aadi holding approximately 36% of Aadi's outstanding shares, as of the date hereof, including members of its board of directors and related entities, have entered into voting and support agreements in favor of KAKEN Pharmaceutical and Aadi, pursuant to which such stockholders have agreed to vote in favor of the stock purchase transaction with KAKEN Pharmaceutical and the other transactions described above. Participants in the Solicitation Aadi and its respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Aadi in connection with the proposed transactions. Information about Aadi's directors and executive officers is set forth in Aadi's definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 26, 2024 , and in subsequent filings made by Aadi with the SEC. Other information regarding the interests of such individuals, as well as information regarding Aadi's directors and executive officers and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transactions, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities nor a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offer and sale of securities of Aadi described above are being made in a transaction not involving a public offering and the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Concurrently with the execution of the subscription agreement, the Company and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file, following the closing of the PIPE financing, a registration statement with the SEC registering the resale of the shares of Common Stock and the shares of Common Stock underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants sold in the PIPE financing. About Aadi Bioscience Aadi is a precision oncology company with a vision to make bold choices in applying technology to efficiently deliver improved precision oncology therapies for people living with difficult-to-treat cancers. More information on the Company is available on the Aadi website at www.aadibio.com and connect with us on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the business of Aadi Bioscience that are not a description of historical facts within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations and may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the timing and completion of the proposed sale of FYARRO to Kaken Pharmaceuticals and the anticipated timing of the closing of the transaction; expectations regarding the timing, closing and completion of the PIPE financing; Aadi's expected cash position at the closing and cash runway of the company following the sale of FYARRO and PIPE financing; the future operations of Aadi; the development and potential benefits of any of Aadi's product candidates, including the preclinical ADC assets proposed to be licensed from WuXi; anticipated preclinical and clinical development activities and related timelines, including the expected timing for announcement of data and other preclinical and clinical results and potential submission of IND filings for one or more product candidates; and other statements that are not historical fact. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks associated with (i) the risk that the conditions to the closing of the proposed sale of FYARRO or the PIPE financing are not satisfied, including the failure to timely obtain stockholder approval for the transactions, if at all; (ii) uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the proposed transactions and the ability of each of Kaken and Aadi to consummate the proposed sale of FYARRO; (iii) risks related to Aadi's ability to manage its operating expenses and its expenses associated with the proposed transactions pending the closing; (iv) risks related to the failure or delay in obtaining required approvals from any governmental or quasi-governmental entity necessary to consummate the proposed transactions; (v) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the transactions; (vii) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed sale of FYARRO or the proposed PIPE financing; (vii) the uncertainties associated with Aadi's product candidates, as well as risks associated with the preclinical and clinical development and regulatory approval of product candidates, including potential delays in the completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; (viii) risks related to the inability of Aadi to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance these product candidates; (ix) uncertainties in obtaining successful preclinical and clinical results for product candidates and unexpected costs that may result therefrom; (x) risks related to the failure to realize any value from product candidates being developed and anticipated to be developed in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; and (xi) risks associated with the possible failure to realize certain anticipated benefits of the proposed sale of FYARRO or the proposed PIPE financing, including with respect to future financial and operating results. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 , including under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Aadi's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in Aadi's reports and other documents that Aadi has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov . All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Aadi undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Contact: IR@aadibio.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aadi-bioscience-transforms-with-in-licensing-of-novel-adc-portfolio-100-million-sale-of-fyarro-and-100-million-pipe-financing-302336743.html SOURCE Aadi BioscienceElon Musk has been a presence in our lives for a long time now, and it doesn’t seem like that’s going to change any time soon. Whether it’s starting Tesla , venturing SpaceX , turning Twitter into X, and now running the Department of Government Efficiency under the incoming Trump administration, the CEO has a hand in things that affect your life, directly or indirectly. And like any other celebrity , he has gotten into the booze game, even if it’s a vague affiliation— Tesla just released a new mezcal priced at a cool $450, and we got to sample this curiosity. The marque’s first agave spirit was a tequila that launched in 2020, a $250 bottle produced by tequila and mezcal brand Nosotros and sold by Speakeasy Co., followed by another tequila marked to an astounding $1,000 per bottle. This new mezcal was also produced in partnership with Nosotros, the second run of limited-edition mezcal that now has spirits e-commerce site and subscription service Flaviar onboard as “tech, online marketing, and fulfillment partner.” The first release came out last June and sold out pretty quickly, and this expensive bottle is also being released in pretty limited numbers. “At Flaviar, we’re inspired by the ecosystem Tesla has created through its groundbreaking innovations and are proud to be the trusted technology and fulfillment partner for Tesla Mezcal,” said Josh Jacobs, the brand’s SVP of strategic partnerships. “As with Tesla Tequila and Beer before, we have seen the first batch of Tesla Mezcal fly off the shelves in June, and we are positive this holiday restock will be no exception.” Tesla’s director of product design Javier Verdura thought up the black lightning bolt–shaped bottle; he says he was inspired by his Mexican roots. To be fair, it really looks more just like a Tesla design than anything that has to do with Mexican culture, and it sits in a holder to keep it upright but is a bit unwieldy to pour. Tesla Mezcal is an ensemble expression made from Espadín and Bicuishe agave varietals. According to the brand, the agave is milled using a tahona wheel, a traditional volcanic stone that crushes the pinas, and it is distilled in alembic stills before being bottled at 86 proof. This is an assertive mezcal, with a strong smokiness throughout every sip. There are notes of raisin, pineapple, overripe lime, and some under-ripe stone fruit on the palate, along with equal parts mineral and floral flavors. This is not some watered down version of one of Mexico’s most beloved agave spirits categories, but it still begs some questions. As Javier Cabral pointed out on the website L.A. Taco last week, the world’s richest man selling mezcal feels like exploitation and appropriation taken to a new level, even in an agave-spirits industry in which that is rampant. And it’s not that Tesla Mezcal is actually bad as far as quality or flavor—in fact, Nosotros is a well-regarded brand, although it is made at a distillery that produces many, many others. If you’d like to give this status-symbol mezcal a try to see what you think, you can purchase a bottle now from the Tesla Mezcal website .Stock market today: Wall Street ends little changed after giving up a big morning gain

The World’s First Transparent TV Has Officially Hit the MarketThe NFL single-season rushing record has stood for 40 years, far longer than has been on this planet. But now, with two games to play, the Philadelphia Eagles running back is 268 yards from eclipsing the mark of Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, who set the league record of 2,105 with the Rams in 1984. Barkley, 27, who signed with the Eagles last offseason after spending the first part of his career with the rival New York Giants, is also 162 yards from becoming the ninth player to run for 2,000 yards in a season. The other seven are Adrian Peterson (2,097 with Minnesota in 2012), Jamal Lewis (2,066 with Baltimore in 2003), Barry Sanders (2,053 with Detroit in 1997), Derrick Henry (2027 with Tennessee in 2020), Terrell Davis (2,008 with Denver in 1998), Chris Johnson (2,006 with Tennessee in 2009) and O.J. Simpson (2,003 with Buffalo in 1973). The Eagles finish the regular season with home games against the Dallas Cowboys and the Giants. Dickerson spoke to The Times this week about Barkley, running backs in general, and the thought of his longstanding record going away: I don’t think he’ll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not. I don’t pull no punches on that. But I’m not whining about it. He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football. That’s the way I look at it. If he’s fortunate to get over 2,000 yards and get the record, it’s a great record to have. O.J. Simpson was my favorite player. He went over 2,000 yards in 14 games. It took me 15 games to get to 2,000. I had one extra game to play. Getting to 2,000 is an accomplishment in itself. I got close to that three other times. I’ve always said that the one that’s going to last the longest is me setting the rookie record with 1,808. Because you only get one shot at that. You’re only a rookie once. I like him. But I tend to like big backs. He’s not a big back like I was. He’s elusive, he’s tough, he runs hard, he can catch the ball out of the backfield. I think he’s a great player. I always felt like he’d never reach his potential when he was in New York. You could take Emmitt Smith and put him in Cleveland, and he’d have never been the Emmitt Smith we know now. Yes. Even myself. If you’d have put me in Cincinnati on a bad team, I’d have never been that guy. Because these bad football teams with no blocking, I don’t care how great you are. If you don’t have the guys in front of you, you can’t do it. I saw what [San Francisco quarterback] Brock Purdy did with his offensive line, buying them those Tundras. I got a text from Jackie [Slater, Hall of Fame Rams tackle], “Hey, man, where’s my Tundra?” I told him I was making $175,000 at the time. I could afford about two Tundras and be broke. I don’t sit down and watch games, except the Rams, and I work for the team. But I’ll have no choice but to keep up with it because I get so many text messages. People blowing up my phone like, “Man, it’s not fair. He gets 17 games,” or, “We’re going to put a hex on him.” I like him as a back. He’s able to carry the ball 29, 28, 27 times. That takes a toll on you. I was able to do it, but there’s very few backs that are able to do that. He’s not a real big guy, so that says a lot about him as a player, and what Sean McVay thinks of him. I look at McVay and think he’s done a fantastic job of coaching this team. Of course he does. He probably won’t get it because they’re going to give it to a coach who’s 15-2 or 14-3. But McVay has a young team, a team that at one point was decimated by injuries. They lost three in a row and weren’t looking good. And right now they’re in position to win the NFC West. What else does it take [to win Coach of the Year]? Let me tell you something. When you look at certain people who run these teams, some of these guys have as much sense as me being the president of the United States. That’s about how much they should be running a football team. In my contract, when the Rams traded me to the Colts, did you know I couldn’t come back to the NFC for five years? They put that clause in there. A real team would be like, “Oh no, you ain’t gonna get that record on us.” But how ironic would it be for him to break the record on them, the team that let him go. A true slap in the face. This story originally appeared in .Thomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with BrightonCancer Horoscope Today: Expenditures might rise

By DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.

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Delivering Optimized, Outbound-Focused Contact Center Solutions for Modern Businesses LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- outboundIQ www.outboundiq.com proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a distinction that reflects its deep expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely equipped to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9's Virtual Contact Center platform. Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs outboundIQ specializes in providing expedited, outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and other third-party app integrations. Clients can also leverage ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting designed to support long-term, outreach-focused success. "Who better to handle your domain configuration than the experts that understand the outbound contact center world. To be an outbound expert, you must know 3 things; how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets that design, and how carriers respond to your dialing behavior as a result of the build. outboundIQ has the advantage of deeply understanding all 3 things. Our experts are seasoned professionals that will guide toward the best build for your business. You tell us about your business, your needs and your processes, and we will build you a domain fit for purpose. outboundIQ offers best in class Domain Optimization, Implementation and Consulting for customers of all sizes and complexity. Due to our methodology and proprietary automations, we are able to bring our customers' projects to life within accelerated timeframes." - Jessica Clay , VP Support and Services "We launched our business in June and were fortunate to connect with the incredible team at outboundIQ early on. Navigating the world of outbound calling and building efficient prospecting systems isn't easy, but the entire team at outboundIQ brought our vision to life seamlessly. They implemented our ideas quickly and executed them flawlessly. Since partnering with them, our contact rates have significantly improved, our conversions have increased, and our overall business is thriving. We're deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together on future endeavors!" - Tim, Lit Financial "I genuinely don't know enough ways to thank the entire outboundIQ team. I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, tangled beyond belief, and I had essentially planned to scrap the whole thing and start over. That's when this team, led by Jessica Clay's brilliance, took over to understand exactly what I wanted to create and completely revitalized my domain. We are all beyond thankful as they continue to consult for us to this day and I see no reason to stop. Thank you, Jessica, Jason, Rudy, Bruno, Sandy and everyone who gets the pleasure of working with these domain geniuses!" - Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence Creating a competitive, consumer-focused outreach program requires more than just advanced technology. As outboundIQ explains, a thriving contact center functions like a high-performing racing team: outboundIQ's professional services team brings these critical elements together, ensuring clients achieve best-in-class outbound operations that prioritize consumer experience while maintaining a competitive edge. A Call to Collaboration With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore select partnership opportunities and projects to reimagine their contact center operations. Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results for its clients. About outboundIQ outboundIQ delivers optimized, outbound-focused contact center implementations, combining years of Five9 expertise with cutting-edge strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional outreach outcomes. As a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner, outboundIQ provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of modern organizations. About Five9 Five9 is a digital enterprise's leading cloud contact center and software provider. The Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is reliable, secure, compliant, and scalable, designed to create exceptional personalized customer experiences. www.five9.com Media contact: Sandy Tafur Phone: 404-660-5314 mail: sandy@outboundiq.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outboundiq-achieves-certified-implementation-partner-cip-status-with-five9-302339797.html SOURCE outboundIQ

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (AP) — Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant is skipping his final college season to enter the NFL draft. Grant, a key part of the Wolverines' 2023 national championship team, announced his decision Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. Fellow Michigan interior lineman Mason Graham had already declared for the draft. Both are projected as likely first-round picks. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound Grant was a third-team Associated Press All-American. He had 32 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss and a pair of fumble recoveries. Grant helped Michigan upset Ohio State in the Big Ten regular-season finale, making four tackles. Cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland have also declared for the draft leading up to Michigan's game against No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballAl Shaqab International Showjumping League from todayNvidia, a powerhouse in the tech industry, is navigating stormy waters as its stock recently dipped over 3% to approximately $135. This fluctuation arises amidst emerging threats and intense scrutiny from various quarters. A Chinese start-up, DeepSeek, has unveiled an AI model built on Nvidia’s H800 GPUs, achieving impressive results at a lower cost compared to Western competitors. This development underscores the efficiency of Nvidia’s technology while simultaneously raising concerns about potential export restrictions and regulatory challenges. As anticipation builds for the unveiling of Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin chip by CEO Jensen Huang at CES in January, industry watchers are eager to discern clues about Nvidia’s strategies in the rapidly evolving AI market. Despite Nvidia’s commanding 90% share of the AI chip sector, newer players like Positron and SambaNova are entering the fray, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for inference computing—the critical processing power behind AI’s real-time decision-making. Although Nvidia’s Blackwell chips are formidable, competition based on cost-efficiency and performance could shake its dominance. Compounding these challenges are the complex geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. government is pressing Nvidia for answers regarding the continued flow of its chips to China amid strict export controls, while China is responding with rare mineral restrictions and investigations into Nvidia’s Mellanox acquisition. Nvidia’s ability to adeptly handle these geopolitical and market complexities will be pivotal for its future trajectory. Investors are advised to stay attentive as the situation unfolds. Nvidia’s Future in the AI Chip Market: Challenges, Innovations, and Predictions Nvidia, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, has recently faced new challenges that are shaping the future of AI technology. Despite its command over 90% of the AI chip market, Nvidia is navigating disruptions and strategic shifts amidst emerging competitors and geopolitical complexities. Geopolitical Challenges and Strategic Responses Nvidia’s stock recently saw a dip of over 3%, affected by looming export restrictions and the scrutiny of U.S. and Chinese authorities. The geopolitical tension is intensified by the U.S. government’s demands for Nvidia’s compliance with export controls, specifically concerning the flow of chips to China. In response, China has imposed restrictions on rare minerals vital for chip production, further complicating Nvidia’s operational landscape. How the company maneuvers these challenges will significantly influence its leadership in the global AI market. Competition and Market Dynamics Nvidia faces increasing competition from ambitious players like DeepSeek, Positron, and SambaNova. DeepSeek’s use of Nvidia’s H800 GPUs to create cost-effective AI models highlights both the utility and the competitive pressure on Nvidia’s technology. Meanwhile, competitors focus on affordability and innovation, potentially threatening Nvidia’s dominance with breakthroughs in AI inference computing—a critical component for real-time decision-making in AI applications. Anticipated Innovations: The Rubin Chip Amidst these pressures, anticipation is mounting for Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin chip, expected to be unveiled by CEO Jensen Huang at CES in January. Industry stakeholders are eagerly watching for insights into Nvidia’s future strategies in AI and how the Rubin chip might enhance AI processing capabilities. Future Predictions and Market Outlook Looking ahead, Nvidia’s ability to navigate regulatory landscapes, manage international relations, and stay ahead in AI innovation will be crucial. The introduction of competitive products and continued geopolitical issues present significant risk factors, demanding strategic agility. Conclusion While Nvidia’s market position remains strong, its path forward is fraught with challenges that require astute management and technological advancement. Stakeholders and investors should keep a close eye on Nvidia’s moves and the broader trends in the AI chip industry to anticipate future opportunities and risks. For more insights into Nvidia’s direction and its impact on the semiconductor market, visit link name .

Craig Wright Claimed to Have Invented Bitcoin, Found in Contempt of CourtWhat's New President Joe Biden aims to secure his climate legacy with a new target to cut United States greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 percent by 2035. Why It Matters The announcement comes mere weeks ahead of the conclusion of Biden's tenure, as incoming Republican President-elect Donald Trump vows to dismantle key components of his climate policies. Biden's new climate target implies a significant shift in the U.S. approach to climate change, focusing on long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases , the United States plays a critical role in international climate action. The new pledge reinforces commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement , which requires nations to update their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) every five years to reflect higher ambition. What To Know In a videotaped statement released Thursday, Biden revealed a new NDC under the Paris Agreement. The target calls for reducing net emissions to 61 percent to 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. Biden described the proposal as "ambitious," noting that it builds on previous goals to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. "I'm proud that my administration is carrying out the boldest climate agenda in American history,'" he said. The new target will require transformative changes across multiple sectors. It mandates rapid expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, stricter emissions cuts in transportation, agriculture, and industry, and substantial methane reductions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, must be cut by at least 35 percent from 2005 levels by 2035 under the new plan. While lauding the ambition, environmental groups caution that achieving these goals will demand significant policy and technological innovation. Debbie Weyl, U.S. acting director of the World Resources Institute, a global research organization, said the new emissions target is "at the lower bound of what the science demands" but said it was "close to the upper bound of what is realistic if nearly every available policy lever were pulled" in the next decade. The target also reflects a continuation of global trends. Other nations, including Brazil and the United Kingdom, have already submitted updated NDCs before the next official deadline in February 2025. What People Are Saying John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for International Climate Policy, during a press call: "American climate leadership is determined by so much more than whoever sits in the Oval Office." He said climate leadership "happens on the ground in our cities and states, from Phoenix to Pittsburgh, from Boise to Baltimore... I believe that with this new 2035 target as their North Star, leaders across America can show the world that we are still in this fight for a better future." Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, in a statement: "As the world's largest producer of oil, the largest producer and exporter of fossil gas––and the largest historical climate polluter––the United States has an outsized responsibility to press forward in the climate fight no matter the political headwinds." Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt: In his first term, Trump "produced affordable, reliable energy for consumers along with stable, high-paying jobs for small ––all while dropping U.S. carbon emissions to their lowest level in 25 years. In his second term, President Trump will once again deliver clean air and water for American families while Making America Wealthy Again." What Happens Next The U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of state governors, has pledged to support the new target regardless of federal leadership changes. States like New York and New Mexico are already aligning their policies with Biden's 2035 emissions goal. However, the incoming Trump administration is expected to prioritize fossil fuel production and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Trump has criticized Biden's climate policies as part of a "green new scam" and signaled plans to repeal aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act, including subsidies for renewable energy projects. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

Israeli troops forcibly remove staff and patients from northern Gaza hospital, officials sayAgrify Stock Doubles To Hit Over 1-Year High After $25.9M Placement, But Retail Wary Of Short-Covering Rally