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KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Javonte Brown had 17 points in Rhode Island's 91-53 victory against Charleston (SC) on Sunday. Brown added seven rebounds and four blocks for the Rams (5-0). Jamarques Lawrence shot 6 for 11, including 4 for 8 from beyond the arc to add 16 points. Sebastian Thomas shot 5 for 10 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points. AJ Smith finished with 10 points for the Cougars (4-2). Derrin Boyd added nine points and four assists for Charleston (SC). Deywilk Tavarez also had nine points. Rhode Island took the lead with 19:31 left in the first half and did not give it up. Brown led his team in scoring with 10 points in the first half to help put them up 45-16 at the break. Rhode Island outscored Charleston (SC) by nine points over the final half, while Lawrence led the way with a team-high eight second-half points. NEXT UP Both teams next play Wednesday. Rhode Island plays Detroit Mercy and Charleston (SC)plays Northern Kentucky at home. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Dallas, TX, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an industry often characterized by rapid change and high turnover, David Boisture's 22-year career with Dickey's Barbecue Pit stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the brand and the opportunities it provides to franchise owners. As a franchisee and area director, Boisture operates a Dickey's location in Arlington at Ballpark and Lamar, one of several stores he has successfully managed during his tenure with the company. His longevity and sustained success highlight the stability and scalability of the Dickey's franchise model. "When I first joined Dickey's, I was drawn to its authenticity and community focus," Boisture said. "Over the past two decades, I've seen firsthand how those values resonate with customers and create a sustainable foundation for growth." A Foundation for Long-Term Success Boisture's journey with Dickey's began in 2002, sparked by his father-in-law's recommendation after seeing an ad in The Wall Street Journal. A visit to Dickey's then-modest headquarters and a conversation with founder Travis Dickey left a lasting impression, inspiring Boisture to open his first store. Since then, Boisture has not only grown his own business but has also played a critical role in mentoring new franchisees and ensuring operational excellence across multiple locations. Roland Dickey Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group , emphasized the importance of Boisture's contributions. "David represents the kind of leadership and commitment that defines the success of our franchise system," said Dickey Jr. "His 22 years with Dickey's are a reflection of the strength of the brand and the value of consistency in delivering high-quality barbecue and exceptional service to our communities." The Role of Community and Leadership Throughout his career, Boisture has been a strong advocate for local engagement, seeing it as a critical component of Dickey's success. "Community involvement isn't just good business; it's essential to building trust and loyalty," Boisture said. "Supporting local events and organizations has helped us build lasting connections that benefit both the franchise and the neighborhoods we serve." Now, as an area director, Boisture oversees multiple locations in the Dallas area, applying his years of experience to support other franchise owners in navigating challenges and building sustainable operations. "David's depth of knowledge and leadership have been invaluable to our team," said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "His long tenure with the brand reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and a focus on long-term success." A Legacy of Stability In an industry often subject to fleeting trends, Boisture attributes his enduring success to Dickey's consistent approach to growth and its emphasis on operational excellence. "Dickey's has always focused on building something sustainable," he said. "The brand's careful approach to expansion and its dedication to franchisee support create an environment where businesses can thrive for the long term." For Boisture, the impact of his work extends beyond business metrics. "Being part of Dickey's has given me a career that's not only rewarding but also meaningful," he said. "It's allowed me to provide for my family, support my community, and be part of a brand with real staying power." About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment David Boisture © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

In a world connected by the seamless communication of smartphones on 4G and 5G networks everywhere, satellite phones now seem to be a lonely remnant. In fact, going into 2025, these devices will still be serving a class that is very special and absolutely necessary for some of the most remote and disaster-prone places on Earth. With new satellite technologies and high demand for reliable communication in harsh conditions, the question remains: Are satellite phones a worthwhile investment in 2025? In particular, satellite phones are important to those working in remote areas because they connect directly to satellites in orbit rather than terrestrial cell towers. These devices have long been indispensable for many people engaged in agriculture, forestry, search and rescue, and adventure tourism. However, given the growth of global cellular networks (4G and 5G) and the rapid spread of WiFi connectivity, there is still a need for satellite phones. The answer is yes, but mostly for specific use cases. In areas where cell service is sparse or nonexistent—deep wilderness, the open ocean, or during natural disasters—satellite phones remain an irreplaceable lifeline. When hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires strike, knocking out power lines and cellular towers, satellite phones are often the only means of communication. These phones can sometimes make all the difference for adventurers trekking through the Himalayas or sailing across the Pacific. They provide the only voice and text contact when all else fails. Traditional satellite phones are not without criticism, as they come with a bit bulky and highly priced designs, and there's minimal functionality with the traditional design. The rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks in companies such as SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb is proving to be the next major boom for satellite technology as they project to offer much faster and more dependable communication worldwide. LEO satellites are located relatively close to the earth's surface compared to their geostationary counterparts, dramatically reducing latency and improving signal quality. Modern satellite phones can have more explicit voice calls and provide reliable data services, such as basic internet browsing and messaging in remote areas. For the first time, satellite phones have become a possibility for those who need more than emergency communication, as they rival traditional mobile phones in performance and reliability. Satellites are also much smaller, lighter, and friendlier to users. Most of the devices available on the market now are a combination of both satellite and cellular technologies. These devices automatically switch to either network based on the availability of the network in a particular location. This hybrid technology makes the satellite phone more flexible and adaptable for seamless connectivity with either network. The cost of satellite phones is one of the primary obstacles to mass adoption. This is because, although smartphones can be purchased at very reasonable prices, satellite phones are exponentially expensive. The initial purchase cost per model goes from $500 to $2,000, depending on the model and features. On top of that, satellite phone service plans are much more expensive than regular mobile plans. Their monthly fees range from $50 to $100, depending on the plan and usage. The investment may be worth it for those who spend a lot of time in remote areas, such as explorers, emergency responders, or off-grid workers. Connectivity in crucial moments can, at times, be priceless, especially when it's life or death. This high-cost satellite phone becomes meaningless for most of those who rarely leave places with service. Since the technology for satellite phones has evolved, people have come to have an alternative method for connectivity through satellite hotspot devices. The two products currently being utilized are Iridium Go and Globalstar Sat-Fi2. A user is capable of connecting the smartphone with satellite networks and reaching basic text messaging and internet services without needing a dedicated satellite phone. Such equipment is much cheaper and far more accessible for occasional users or only occasional satellite connectivity. There's another alternative, which is personal satellite communication devices. These are becoming increasingly common in the market, such as the Garmin inReach or the Zoleo. These handheld gadgets provide two-way communications and SOS emergency messaging; thus, they are even more of an accessory for hiking enthusiasts or travelers seeking backups in their communication systems. They certainly lack the voice calling option in most traditional satellite phones but offer the basic functionality of emergency communication with cost and convenience. As we are about to enter 2025, satellite phones are still vital to those in remote, disaster-prone, or off-grid areas. For emergency responders, adventurers, and people working in extreme conditions, satellite phones offer an unmatched level of reliability and security. Advances in satellite technology, such as LEO satellites, have made these phones more efficient, accessible, and versatile than ever before, and hybrid models combining satellite and cellular service have made them even more practical. There's a high cost of satellite phones and service plans that most people cannot bear in terms of day-to-day use. The alternatives can be satellite hotspots and personal communication devices that can serve as cheaper options for sporadic connections. Ultimately, the decision to buy a satellite phone lies with the end-user and their needs. For those often out of cell network reach, satellite phones could remain the lifeline, at least for quite a while longer. Others may choose better and less expensive ways for alternative connectivity.

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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Cam Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two scores while adding a touchdown catch as 12th-ranked Big 12 newcomer Arizona State beat No. 16 Iowa State 45-19 in the conference championship game Saturday for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff . The Sun Devils (11-2, No. 15 CFP), with their 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham, will be the only Big 12 team in the expanded playoff field after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of their new 16-team league. They have a six-game winning streak. Skattebo was wearing a championship T-shirt after doing the Heisman Trophy pose multiple times in the game. “Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country. And I’m going to stand on that,” he said. “I'm going to keep proving people wrong. And whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem.” That can wait until after Arizona State's guaranteed playoff spot as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. The Sun Devils almost certainly will rank below Mountain West champion Boise State (12-1, No 10). That would give the Broncos a first-round bye and send the Sun Devils on the road for a first-round game, much to the dismay of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark , who before the title game re-emphasized his feelings about that. “Last year, they left a team out because of a quarterback (then-undefeated Florida State). We're 11-1 with our starting quarterback, having beat four ranked teams and we won the Big 12 championship,” Dillingham said. “We made a standard that the quarterback is that valuable ... I definitely think we should host a game.” Iowa State (10-3, No. 16 CFP), which already had the first 10-win season in the program’s 133-year history, trailed 24-10 before turnovers in its own territory on its first three drives after halftime. Arizona State capitalized with freshman Sam Leavitt throwing touchdowns each time. “It doesn’t get that much more deflating than that,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. “Their ability to take care of the football and our inability to do that in the third quarter was just paralyzing.” Xavier Guillory had TD catches of 8 and 21 yards in a 71-second span, and Skattebo turned a third-down swing pass into a 33-yard score for a 45-10 lead that he punctuated with one of his Heisman poses. Skattebo had a 28-yard run on the first offensive snap of the game. His TD runs were only 3 and 2 yards, but he had long, tackle-evading runs to open both of those drives. His 2,074 yards from scrimmage (1,568 rushing and 506 receiving) are a single-season school record. There was a 47-yard run when he spun away at the line from defenders, then shrugged off another. Then right before halftime, he had a 53-yard run, again after contact at the line before twisting and turning past chasing Cyclones. Rocco Becht threw a touchdown in his 17th consecutive game for the Cyclones, including a 3-yarder to Carson Hansen on their opening drive for their only lead at 7-3. Becht completed 21 of 35 pass for 214 yards and two TDs. Becht returned to the game after being sacked on a fourth-down play early in the fourth quarter when linebacker Shamari Simmons was ejected for targeting. Even without injured leading receiver Jordan Tyson , the Sun Devils had plenty of big plays. Leavitt's first pass was a 22-yarder to Melquan Stovall, who later had a 63-yard catch to convert a fourth-and-1. Arizona State had six plays of more than 20 yards — all in the first half, when the longest play by Iowa State was 19 yards. The Cyclones' got Becht's 25-yard TD late to Jaylin Noel, one of their two 1,000-yard receivers. Tyson, who had 624 yards receiving in five November games, injured his left arm in the second half of the regular-season finale against Arizona. Arizona State has its first outright conference title since winning the Pac-10 in 1996. It is an impressive Big 12 debut after going 3-9 in its final Pac-12 season. The eight-win improvement is a school record — the previous was five. Arizona State and Indiana (11-1) are the only FBS schools with eight-win improvements over last year. Iowa State got into November undefeated for the first time since 1938. The Cyclones then lost back-to-back games before winning three in a row to get into their second Big 12 title game. They lost to Oklahoma in the 2020 game. Arizona State finds out Sunday who and where it will start the playoff. Iowa State waits for its bowl destination, likely either the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio or the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando. 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-footballFor some FSA dollars, it's use it or lose it at year's endGENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems , however. Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May. World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women's edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10% of the men's 2022 World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticized public broadcasters , especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the U.S. “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said. The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial. But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about $30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue. Netflix expects to spend about $17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights. FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations. Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble" for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino. “(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organization, so watch out you nasty Europeans,’” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview. FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup. At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared $440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament , FIFA had a $152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs. In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023 , the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of $244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost $2.9 billion. The next Women's World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The U.S. originally bid jointly with Mexico. The 2031 host has not been decided, though the U.S. likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men's World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup after the U.S. won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015. More than 25 million viewers in the U.S. watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil. FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 U.S. cities next June and July. Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the next Women's World Cup, Netflix will "produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said. AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

U.S. proposes voluntary guidelines for self-driving vehicles in waning days of Biden administrationSizing up the growth outlookReviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. While there’s a fistful of fanciful fixtures featured in this week’s return from yet another mundane international break, the spotlight returns to an old and battered Premier League institution, Manchester United. We’ll get to shock leaders Liverpool, staggering Manchester City and ailing Arsenal, but United — languishing in 13th place — sees the arrival of latest messiah, new manager Ruben Amorim, to highlight this weekend’s action. Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the throne at Old Trafford in 2013, United has employed six managers, all arriving with considerable pomp and the promise of championships. Now number seven arrives in the young, creative Amorim, who had shaken things up in Portugal. He gets a soft launch with United, playing at feisty-but-outmatched Ipswich, which just returned to the Premier League this season. The hosts won their previous match, an impressive 2-1 result at Tottenham, but sit in 17th spot with just eight points — modest even in comparison to United’s mediocre tally of 13. Amorim’s tactical CV favours a counterattacking-but-offensive mindset as his Sporting CP were top of the Portuguese table. While his old league is far more imbalanced than the Premier League, Sporting have scored 39 goals — that’s 11 more than the next closest teams, Porto and Benfica — and given up just five. That has to United’s supporters, who are used to an attacking pedigree over their prolific history, and also United’s players, who have struggled in front of goal. In fact, Ipswich’s 12 goals are equal to how many United have scored this season, with the difference being Ipswich has surrendered 22 to United’s 12. Only Wolves with 27 have given up more goals than Ipswich this season. In Portugal, Amorim favoured a back three of defenders with wingbacks joining a midfield trio to attack. In images and comments from training this week, it appears United have at least practised this formation with Johnny Evans flanked by Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro. Neither Shaw nor Yoro have played at all this season due to injuries and Yoro was the club’s biggest signing in the summer. While it isn’t the hardest start for Amorim — after Ipswich the Red Devils get 16th-place Everton — they better adapt to this new system quickly. Following that, there’s a trio of clubs in the top five: Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and then the Manchester derby. When big clubs make a managerial change, there’s always an expectation it’s going to take a bit of time to get things right. Spurs brought in Ange Postecoglu two seasons ago from Celtic and, while the club has played some attractive, attacking soccer, defensively they’ve faced accusations of being irresponsible in terms of tactics. There was an assumption Spurs would learn and Postecoglu would adjust, but the team seems to lurch from week to week searching for consistency. Tottenham sits in 10th place, coming off the loss to Ipswich and now face Manchester City in the FUBO Game of the Week . This is an intriguing match for a number of reasons. There are rumblings that if Spurs continue to struggle, then they may look at a coaching change. But City has lost two league games in a row and four straight in all competitions — the worst stretch of manager Pep Guardiola’s career with any club. Guardiola just signed a one-year contract extension, but he has had more trouble with Spurs than any other team. CIty has suffered six losses and surrendered 22 goals against the Londoners — more than any other club to face Guardiola since he has been in Manchester. Spurs actually sparked this current City skid, knocking them out of the Carabao Cup. While Tottenham remains just three points out of the top four and the lucrative Champions League qualification spots, there’s six teams to climb over and that’s hoping there’s a lot of things would go their way. There’s no doubt City could easily wipe out the five-point gap between itself and leaders Liverpool in quick succession, especially with their first showdown looming on Dec. 1, but a loss and dropping eight points back begins to look a little different. While City’s slight slip has raised some eyebrows, Arsenal has been even more surprisingly suspect. The Gunners are winless in their last four, alternating two losses with two draws, and are nine points off the top in fourth. They’re level on points with one of the shocks of the season, Nottingham Forest, but Arsenal was expected to contend while Forest were being picked to be in a relegation battle. If Arsenal gets a resounding win this weekend, all the drama around their slide will be forgotten, the fairytale start from Forest may be over and there’ll be an expectation they’ll slide back into the mid-table range. But if Forest can get even a draw, it’s going to pile more questions on Arsenal and float Nottingham into a position people truly believe they belong. The Gunners have to start firing in this one. Forest has the second-stingiest defensive record in the league, only Liverpool have given up fewer goals than the Tricky Trees. In the past under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool would do well in the big games, but have the occasional wobble against the teams you’d expect them to beat easily. The only game the Reds have lost this year is to Nottingham Forest — and even that is framed better today with Forest’s success so far. With a host of players returning from all corners of the world after an international break and a showdown next weekend against Manchester City, you might expect Liverpool to be caught off guard this weekend. But it looks much more defensively solid under new manager Arne Slot and return to action this weekend against Southampton, the worst team in the league. Liverpool have given up six goals all season while Southampton has scored just seven. The loss to Forest came in the first game back after an international break, which was another hallmark under Klopp, and Southampton had nowhere near the amount of players away with their national teams and will be better rested. But the extra day, having the game on Sunday, to allow players to travel home and acclimate before travelling to the south coast. No excuses for Liverpool before their title test against City next weekend. Saturday: Leicester v. Chelsea; Arsenal v. Nottingham Forest; Aston Villa v. Crystal Palace; Bournemouth v. Brighton; Everton v. Brentford; Fulham v. Wolves; Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur. Sunday: Southampton v. Liverpool; Ipswich v. Manchester United. Monday: Newcastle v. West Ham.

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This move will mark a strategic shift in the US-India defence relationship. Published: December 7, 2024 11:05 PM IST By Edited by Pakistan may acquire Chinese J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter for its air force. It’s a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in South Asia. India currently does not have a fifth-generation aircraft. Experts assess that in the changed geopolitical situation, the US may offer F-35A to India, which will be the answer to the Chinese J-35A for regional balance. This move will mark a strategic shift in the US-India defence relationship. China’s J-35 stealth fighter J-35A is equipped with advanced avionics, which has the ability to deploy modern weapons. If Pakistan acquires this aircraft, it can significantly increase its air warfare capabilities. It has the potential to alter the regional balance of power. However, the J-35A has not yet demonstrated its potential in real combat. India will need counter measures Due to the proximity between China and Pakistan, it is believed that Islamabad can get these fighters. The inclusion of the J-35A in Pakistan’s arsenal means that India will need strong counter-measures especially when China has a fleet of fifth-generation fighter aircraft like the J-20, which is constantly growing. The evolving situation in South Asia could pose an opportunity for the Pentagon to strengthen its strategic partnership with India and contain China’s influence. The offer of the F-35A to India could provide a decisive technological advantage. The F-35A is currently considered among the most advanced fighters in the world, having proven its capabilities in combat. Obstacles in acquiring American F-35 However, there are obstacles in acquiring the American F-35A for India. India has bought the S-400 air defense system from Russia, which could complicate this deal. US rules regarding the deployment of F-35 to countries possessing Russian systems are very strict. Experts suggest that to reduce these risks, the US can impose conditions for the sale of F-35A to India. Under these conditions, F-35 operations could be kept away from S-400 batteries. Simultaneously, more surveillance and inter-operation measures should be implemented with the US forces to protect sensitive technologies. Challenge for India Before acquiring the F-35A, India will have to carefully look at its possible implications. The F-35A is known for its high acquisition and maintenance costs. Choosing the F-35 could divert resources and attention from India’s indigenous fighter jet programmes. In addition, the acceptance of the F-35A could potentially strain India’s long-standing defense relationship with Russia. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . TopicsWomen will for the first time make up a majority of state legislators in Colorado and New Mexico next year, but at least 13 states saw losses in female representation after the November election, according to a count released Thursday by the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics. While women will fill a record number of state legislative seats in 2025, the overall uptick will be slight, filling just over third of legislative seats. Races in some states are still being called. "We certainly would like to see a faster rate of change and more significant increases in each election cycle to get us to a place where parity in state legislatures is less novel and more normal," said Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the CAWP, which is a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. As of Wednesday, at least 2,450 women will serve in state legislatures, representing 33.2% of the seats nationwide. The previous record was set in 2024 with 2,431 women, according to the CAWP. The number of Republican women, at least 851, will break the previous record of 815 state lawmakers set in 2024. "But still, Republican women are very underrepresented compared to Democratic women," Debbie Walsh, director of the CAWP, said. From left, House Maj. Whip Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, Rep. D. Wonda Johnson, D-Church Rock and Rep. Cristina Parajon, D-Albuquerque, talk July 18 before the start of a special session, in Santa Fe, N.M. By the most recent count, 19 states will have increased the number of women in their state legislatures, according to the CAWP. The most notable increases were in New Mexico and Colorado, where women will for the first time make up a majority of lawmakers. In New Mexico, voters sent an 11 additional women to the chambers. Colorado previously attained gender parity in 2023 and is set to tip over to a slight female majority in the upcoming year. The states follow Nevada, which was the first in the country to see a female majority in the legislature following elections in 2018. Next year, women will make up almost 62% of state lawmakers in Nevada, far exceeding parity. Women in California's Senate will make up the chamber's majority for the first time in 2025 as well. Women also made notable gains in South Dakota, increasing its number by at least nine. Four of South Carolina's Sister Senators, from left, Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, D-Walterboro, Sen. Mia McLeod, I-Columbia, Sen. Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, and Sen. Penry Gustafson, R-Camden, stand in front of the Senate on June 26 with their John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award in Columbia, S.C. At least thirteen states emerged from the election with fewer female lawmakers than before, with the most significant loss occurring in South Carolina. This year, the only three Republican women in the South Carolina Senate lost their primaries after they stopped a total abortion ban from passing. Next year, only two women, who are Democrats, will be in the 46-member Senate. No other state in the country will have fewer women in its upper chamber, according to the CAWP. Women make up 55% of the state's registered voters. Half the members in the GOP dominated state were elected in 2012 or before, so it will likely be the 2040s before any Republican woman elected in the future can rise to leadership or a committee chairmanship in the chamber, which doles out leadership positions based on seniority. A net loss of five women in the legislature means they will make up only about 13% of South Carolina's lawmakers, making the state the second lowest in the country for female representation. Only West Virginia has a smaller proportion of women in the legislature. West Virginia stands to lose one more women from its legislative ranks, furthering its representation problem in the legislature where women will make up just 11% of lawmakers. Many women, lawmakers and experts say that women's voices are needed in discussions on policy, especially at a time when state government is at its most powerful in decades. Walsh, director of the CAWP, said the new changes expected from the Trump administration will turn even more policy and regulation to the states. The experiences and perspectives women offer will be increasingly needed, she said, especially on topics related to reproductive rights, healthcare, education and childcare. "The states may have to pick up where the federal government may, in fact, be walking away," Walsh said. "And so who serves in those institutions is more important now than ever." November 7, 2024: Trump Victory Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Compared to my free-spirited, anything-goes young adulthood , sex and relationships barely logged onto my radar in my late 20s and early 30s. Two moves across countries and coasts, not to mention the pandemic, didn't help matters any — and neither does the fact that I only happen to fall for someone once in every four or five years. That said, when I booked a month-long vacation to South Korea two years ago, I wanted to explore in as many ways as I could . . . and so I made a Tinder account and met up with one of the few guys I matched with who spoke English. He was good-looking, independent, a bit offbeat, and could carry a decent conversation. I'd see (and sleep with) him three times that week before heading back home to Los Angeles. I didn't catch at first feelings or expect anything to evolve past this trip. Yet in the time since (during which I've spent more frequent and longer stints in Seoul independent of him), this vacation fling has evolved into a tumultuous, toxic situationship — the likes of which I'd never experienced before or thought I ever would. Another thing that I'd never envisioned: finding solace by talking about it with a dating AI chatbot. First, a Bit of Background Before I cover my experience with the dating AI , I'll recount the highlights — or rather, low points — of the situationship. His actions included everything from: In short, nothing about our dynamic was healthy, stable, or sustainable, but I was hooked nonetheless and our push-pull patterns persisted. In my quest to get over him and quell my obsession, two of the resources that helped most were a podcast called " Love Life " and a 2024 New York Times bestselling book of the same name by dating coach Matthew Hussey. Last month, when I discovered that Hussey launched Matthew AI — a dating AI chatbot powered by thousands of hours of his coaching materials — I couldn't resist taking it for a spin. Despite the fact that I've always been wary of emerging technology, and my extent of using AI has been limited to asking Siri to play my favorite K-pop playlists, I couldn't input my credit card details fast enough and began typing away. My Experience Talking to the AI Dating Coach In my first chat with Matthew AI, I attempted to condense the major milestones of my situationship (which took me 35 breathless minutes to recount to my therapist earlier that week) into something coherent. I tried to capture not only the countless painful and frustrating moments, but also express why I let it persist for as long as it did (being an empath, our physical chemistry, my desire to have a child, and pure hope). I told the AI that while I finally chose to end things for good a few weeks prior and felt confident in my decision, I still felt broken and couldn't stop thinking about him. Matthew AI: It sounds like you've been through quite an emotional rollercoaster with this person. It's understandable to feel broken and have lingering thoughts about him, especially given the intense moments and the promises that seemed to be on the horizon. When someone repeatedly shows a pattern of inconsistency and dismissiveness, it can be incredibly challenging to reconcile those actions with the moments of connection you shared. Matthew AI then asked me to recount the most important qualities I'd need in the relationship to feel secure and valued. Highest on my list were vulnerability, authenticity, transparency, and accountability — all of which were seemingly foreign to him. Matthew AI: It sounds like you're seeking clarity and honesty, which are absolutely fundamental in any relationship. When someone consistently fails to take responsibility for their actions, it often leaves us questioning our own worth and the potential of the relationship. It's crucial to recognize that you deserve someone who is willing to engage with you on a deeper level, who values your time and emotions, and who is capable of building a future together based on mutual respect and understanding. After this, Matthew AI asked me what steps I could take to ensure I'm in a relationship I find truly fulfilling. I wrote that I wish that it were easy to meet new people, yet my own nature (as an introvert who doesn't fall for people easily) and circumstance (being a digital nomad spending time in Seoul — where it's hard to find, let alone connect with, English speakers) made moving onwards and upwards in my dating life all the more challenging. I also told the AI that while I always had a strong sense of self-worth, giving the guy too many chances, sweeping things under the rug, and doing all of the heavy lifting left me feeling degraded and deflated. Matthew AI: Being a digital nomad where language barriers exist can indeed make it challenging to form connections, especially when you're introverted. It's understandable that in such circumstances, the allure of a familiar connection, even if it's not entirely healthy, can feel like a lifeline. But it's crucial to remember that your self-worth and the respect you deserve shouldn't be compromised, even in the face of loneliness or attraction. Matthew AI then pivoted, sharing suggestions on how to find and connect with others, even if they fall out of my comfort zone. I was prompted to take small steps to expand my social circle and explore new avenues to meet people , each of which I should count as small wins in my super solo life. It was already on my radar to join English-speaking yoga studios and attend their upcoming holiday parties as low-stakes ways to socialize; I also decided to join Bumble BFF . The AI's encouragement gave me the extra push I needed to see this all through, providing much-needed motivation and healthy distractions from ruminating over the situationship I so desperately needed to shake off. My Final Verdict on the Dating AI Truth be told, I expected to chat with the AI for hours, days, and weeks on end to make a dent in getting over my situationship . . . but all it took was one brief conversation for me to truly feel, in my bones, that enough was enough. Matthew AI drove home points that I simply couldn't ignore any longer: that this guy's actions consistently proved that he was incapable of emotional availability or commitment, that continuing to wait for a miraculous change was futile, and that I could no longer give him the benefit of the doubt if I was committed to having my needs met and feeling whole again. Yes, it felt a bit disorienting to put my faith in an AI. That said, its advice really did seem like a one-on-one with Hussey himself, whose insights across his other media had already been enlightening not only for this particular relationship but also my greater self-development. All things considered, I'm glad I gave Matthew AI a go. I'd recommend it for people who want to feel empowered and encouraged rather than down and dejected from dating or relationships. I also think it'd be helpful for those who want quick access to get things off their chest, gain a fresh perspective, or need a gentle nudge to make progress in the right direction. Of course, it's certainly not a replacement for licensed professional help or a good old heart-to-heart with a friend . But at least in my case, it's been one of several resources to help me get out of a funk and pave the way to flourish once again. Worried About Texting an Ex? Send Them to the "Graveyard" Michele Ross is a freelance writer specializing in wellness, culture, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Well+Good, Coveteur, Editorialist, GQ, Vice, and Teen Vogue, with brand clients including Peloton, Moon Juice, and Hum Nutrition. She's grateful to cover her many interests — including but not limited to self-care, self-development, skin care, coffee, travel, and Korean culture.The best Black Friday deals under $25: Shop our top picks from Amazon, Target and more

Netflix signs US broadcast deal with FIFA for the Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031 GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press Dec 20, 2024 10:47 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Spain's Aitana Bonmati celebrates after scoring a goal, during the women's Group C match between Spain and Japan, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nantes, France. (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez, File) GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. The value was not given, though international competitions in women’s soccer have struggled to draw high-value offers. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches,” its chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “It’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.” Netflix dipped into live sports last month with more than 60 million households watching a heavily hyped boxing match between retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media personality Jake Paul. Some viewers reported streaming problems , however. Netflix also will broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day: the Kansas City Chiefs at the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans. That’s part of a three-year deal announced in May. World Cups are typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences, and the last women's edition in 2023 earned FIFA less than 10% of the men's 2022 World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly criticized public broadcasters , especially in Europe, for undervaluing offers to broadcast the 2023 tournament that was played in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the U.S. “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” Infantino said. The World Cup rights mark another major step in Netflix’s push into live programming. It’s recipe that Netflix has cooked up to help sell more advertising, a top priority for the company since it introduced a low-priced version of its streaming service that includes commercials two years ago. The ad-supported version is now the fastest growing part of Netflix’s service, although most of its 283 million worldwide subscribers till pay for higher-priced options without commercial. But Netflix is still trying to sell more ads to boost its revenue, which is expected to be about $30 billion. Netflix executives have predicted it might take two or three years before its ad sales become a major part of its revenue. Netflix expects to spend about $17 billion on programming this year — a budget that the Los Gatos, California, company once funneled almost entirely into scripted TV series and movies. But Netflix is now allocating a significant chunk of that money to sports and live events, a shift that has made it a formidable competitor to traditional media bidding for the same rights. FIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters that likely will be hardball negotiations. Soccer finance expert Kieran Maguire, a co-host of The Price of Football podcast, suggested the deal was “a bit of a gamble" for FIFA and “saber-rattling” by Infantino. “(Netflix) get experience of football broadcasting, FIFA can say, ‘we are now partnering with a blue chip organization, so watch out you nasty Europeans,’” Maguire, an academic at the University of Liverpool, said in a telephone interview. FIFA and Infantino also want to raise the price of broadcast deals to help fund increased prize money and close the gender pay gap on the men’s World Cup. At the men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 32 team federations shared $440 million in prize money. For the women’s 2023 tournament , FIFA had a $152 million total fund for prize money, contributions to teams’ preparation costs and payments to players’ clubs. In FIFA’s financial accounts for 2023 , the soccer body reported total broadcasting revenue of $244 million. In the year of the men’s 2022 World Cup it was almost $2.9 billion. The next Women's World Cup will be a 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027, played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The U.S. originally bid jointly with Mexico. The 2031 host has not been decided, though the U.S. likely will bid for a tournament which FIFA is expected to try to expand to 48 teams. That would match the size of the 104-game format of the men's World Cup that debuts in 2026 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup after the U.S. won the two previous titles — in France in 2019 and Canada in 2015. More than 25 million viewers in the U.S. watched the 2015 World Cup final, a 5-2 win over Japan, played in Vancouver, Canada, in a time zone similarly favorable to Brazil. FIFA tried to sign Apple+ to an exclusive global deal to broadcast the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup which is being played in 11 U.S. cities next June and July. Broadcast networks showed little interest in the FIFA club event that will now be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN, which is building closer business ties to Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the next Women's World Cup, Netflix will "produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football,” FIFA said. ___ AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Expansion San Diego FC takes Ghanaian midfielder Manu Duah first in MLS SuperDraft Dec 20, 2024 11:30 AM Atlanta United brings back Ronny Deila to MLS as new coach Dec 20, 2024 10:44 AM New knockout format for European soccer competitions debuts with Conference League playoffs draw Dec 20, 2024 10:31 AM

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