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52 vipph MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --WuKong Education, a leading online K-12 education provider, has been named to the highly-anticipated 2025 edition of the GSV 150 : GSV's annual list of the top 150 private companies transforming digital learning and workforce skills. This recognition underscores WuKong Education's transformative role in the EdTech industry and its commitment to empowering students worldwide through AI-powered personalized learning. Out of more than 2,500 global VC- and PE-backed companies, WuKong Education was selected for the 2025 GSV 150 based on a proprietary evaluation framework, including revenue scale, growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile. The 2025 cohort of the GSV 150 collectively reaches 3B learners and generates over $25B in annual revenue. "The rapid rise of generative AI is fueling knowledge and creating opportunities we had not imagined before," says Luben Pampoulov, Partner at GSV Ventures. "Multi-modality is making education more engaging, AI tools are driving personalization and productivity, and learning is happening at the speed of light. Effectively everyone across the 2025 GSV 150 has generative AI deeply embedded in their offering." WuKong Education is revolutionizing online education for students aged 3-18 worldwide, offering courses in Chinese, Mathematics, and English Language Arts. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, WuKong Education empowers students from 118 countries with a unique learning journey that ignites curiosity, nurtures creativity, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Powered by AI, WuKong Education adapts to each student's unique needs, ensuring that every learner receives a personalized educational journey: This AI-driven teaching model has not only significantly improved student academic performance but also fostered the holistic development of students, earning widespread praise from students and parents around the world. "We are honored to be named to the 2025 GSV 150," said Vicky Wang , founder and CEO of WuKong Education. "This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing education. By combining the expertise of our teaching and research teams with the possibilities of AI, we are setting a new benchmark for digital education to empower students globally." Earlier this year, WuKong Education was named a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia®, a globally recognized education quality certification organization, and was also listed in the AU&NZ EdTech Top 50 by HolonIQ, a global leader in impact intelligence, for the third consecutive year. These recognitions underscore WuKong Education's continued leadership in the global EdTech industry and its ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional education to learners around the world. About WuKong Education Based in Silicon Valley, WuKong Education is shaping the future of online learning for students aged 3 to 18. WuKong Education's three core programs—WuKong Chinese, WuKong Math, and WuKong English (ELA)—combine AI-driven technology, expert educators, and personalized services to deliver engaging, dynamic learning experiences. With over 400,000 families served globally, WuKong Education is empowering students to succeed and become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: wukongsch.com . About GSV Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. We believe that ALL people have equal access to the future, and that scaled innovations in "PreK to Gray" learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit , hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India -based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit , now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV , an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures , GSV's investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global "PreK to Gray" landscape. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wukong-education-named-to-the-2025-gsv-150-for-leading-the-way-in-education-technology-302338883.html SOURCE WuKong Education

The mayor of a South Carolina town died in a car wreck Tuesday afternoon, with authorities saying that he was being pursued by sheriff's deputies when the crash occurred. McColl, S.C. Mayor George Garner II was killed after a collision with another vehicle in the Darlington County town of Mechanicsville, S.C., about 2:40 p.m. on Nov. 26. Garner was recently reelected as mayor of McColl, a town of about 1,900 people in Marlboro County, S.C. The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed to both South Carolina Public Radio and The State newspaper that Garner was driving a 2007 Chevy Tahoe when he veered into oncoming traffic and struck a Volvo tractor trailer. Garner, who was the only occupant in the vehicle he was driving, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer was injured and treated at the same hospital. The South Carolina Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. Cybertruck crash: 3 dead after Tesla Cybertruck hits tree, retaining wall in California: Reports S.C. mayor was pursued by sheriff's deputy Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee wrote Tuesday that Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County sheriff's deputy at the time of the crash. "The pursuit was not related to any laws being broken," Hardee wrote in the statement, which was posted to his Facebook page . "The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the well being of Mr. Garner." Hardee wrote that the crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Major Accident Investigation Team. Attempts to contact the Marlboro County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday were unsuccessful. Police resignations and investigations in S.C. Last month, McColl's police chief and four other law enforcement officials, comprising the entirety of the town's police force, resigned, citing "'unwanted and malicious behavior,'" in a message posted to social media that has since been removed, according to South Carolina Public Radio . The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed Wednesday that Garner remains the subject of an active and ongoing investigation, but did not disclose any further details. Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at MHauptman@gannett.com .As delays plague Puerto Rico election certification process, judge issues ruling

Before making a decision on whether to purchase an MPV, it's important to consider your specific needs and priorities. If space, versatility, and comfort are at the top of your list, then an MPV may still be the perfect choice for you, especially with the attractive prices currently on offer.Active Oxfordshire has been selected as the winner of the tricycles by Jorvik Tricycles. Jorvik Tricycles donated the trikes to support Active Oxfordshire's mission to combat inactivity and to promote the benefits of physical activity. The tricycles, with their classic British design and third wheel for increased stability, are suitable for individuals of all abilities. The social media competition was open for a week and invited independent organisations across Oxfordshire to nominate themselves for a chance to win. The two tricycles will be donated by Active Oxfordshire to two of its partners, the Windrush Bike Project and Oxford Community Action. Josh Lenthall, chief executive at Active Oxfordshire, said: "Active Oxfordshire is incredibly excited to have won two Jorvik tricycles. "We work tirelessly to increase activity levels, challenge health inequalities, and create a happier, healthier, and more active Oxfordshire. "The bikes will enable people who may be low in confidence or unable to ride a two-wheeled bike to experience the mental and physical benefits of being active outdoors." Active Oxfordshire is an Active Partnership funded by Sport England and works with more than 100 partners to improve accessibility to physical activity, breaking down the "complex" barriers it says often prevent people from being more active. The tricycles will also support existing active travel initiatives across the county, including adaptive bicycle programmes, cycling lessons for ethnically diverse women, and providing bikes to asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests. Brigitte Hickman, volunteer and staff manager at Windrush Bike Project, said: "Having a Jorvik trike would mean we have a quality trike our attendees can use and borrow. "The tricycles will also be used in our fully inclusive Bikeability sessions in local schools, providing a great addition to our stock of adaptive and supportive bikes." Jorvik will be donating a total of 10 non-electric trikes to charities nationwide to mark the business's 10th anniversary. James Walker, founder and CEO of Jorvik Tricycles, said: "We’re thrilled to announce Active Oxfordshire as winners of this competition and support the team in its mission to help people enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of activity. "The team at Active Oxfordshire have been doing some incredible work in supporting active travel initiatives and we hope the two tricycles donated will help the team in its ongoing goal to tackle inactivity." Jorvik Tricycles was founded after Mr Walker began building tricycles for his father, who could no longer ride a traditional bicycle.Two months after the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch was indicted on criminal charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution, his lawyers say he may have dementia and could be incompetent to face his charges. In court papers unsealed Monday on Long Island, defense lawyers for Michael Jeffries, 80, said that a neuropsychologist concluded, following an examination, that he likely has dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia. In a joint letter, the defense lawyers and prosecutors have asked for a competency hearing. Jeffries, who is free on a $10 million bond, pleaded not guilty to the sex charges. Along with his romantic partner and a third man, Jeffries is accused of luring men to sex parties under the guise of modeling opportunities. Accusers say, according to the Associated Press , that they were “sometimes directed to wear costumes, use sex toys, and endure painful erection-inducing penile injections.” Karoline Leavitt , President-elect Donald Trump ’s incoming press secretary , showed off a giant MAGA gingerbread cookie featuring a frosted likeness of her boss on Monday. The human head-sized treat, which she noted came from baker Ginger Betty’s in Quincy, Massachusetts, features a “Ginger Donald” gingerbread man with frosted recreations of Trump’s pouting lips and red-haired eyebrows, baked into a larger, circular cookie with the frosted, seasonal salutation “Merry MAGA Christmas .” Rather than Trump’s usual red coif or similarly colored MAGA ballcap, the Ginger Donald sported a Santa hat. In an Instagram story, Leavitt asked: “How cute is this gingerbread MAGA cookie?” Meanwhile, she recently claimed that the Washington, D.C. press corps is secretly elated to have Trump—who has long bashed journalists, threatening to shut down news networks and imprison reporters—back in the White House. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Martin Scorsese. Bill and Hillary. Martha Steward. These are just some of the people we are unlikely to meet in person, but at least we can get up close and personal with them by taking their MasterClass online courses —and at a major discount for a limited time. The expert-led platform has a robust library of educational classes on far-ranging topics: science , music, arts , personal empowerment, and more. The classes are taught by industry experts and household names, including Gordon Ramsey, Mariah Carey, David Lynch, Jeff Koons, and many more. Right now, you can score up to 50 percent off on MasterClass subscriptions just in time for last-minute holiday gifting. You do have to take a short quiz to get to the deal, but honestly, it’s worth the 60 seconds. Honestly, whether you waited until the last minute or not, you’ll be gifting the dad in your life with intelligent, cultured content and giving them the opportunity to learn something new from someone famous. The It Ends With Us cast and creative team continues to rally around Blake Lively after she went public about an alleged coordinated attack on her reputation. Earlier this week, Colleen Hoover , who wrote the book the film is based on, as well as its screenplay, and actor Brandon Sklenar , who starred opposite Lively, released statements in support of the actress. Sony Pictures, which released the film, also backed Lively . Now, Jenny Slate, who played Lively’s sister in the film, is standing by her “loyal friend” and “trusted source of emotional support.” In a statement to Today.com , Slate said, “As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.” Lively filed a legal complaint on Dec. 20 against It Ends With Us director and lead actor Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and enlisting crisis managers to launch a smear campaign against her. “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side,” Slate added. An Alaska Airlines passenger was too “anxious” to wait to exit the plane after her flight landed in Seattle on Sunday, so she opened the emergency exit and climbed out onto the plane’s wing, per Fox News . The flight had just landed and passengers were queuing to exit when the incident took place, prompting Port of Seattle fire services and Seattle Police to intervene and help her safely off of the aircraft. The passenger was then taken for a medical evaluation. Though no other explanation for the bizarre move was reported, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson told Fox the “matter was safely resolved.” In addition to thanking their employees for their “swift response,” the airline is still trying to understand what took place. The spokesperson added, “We are working with our crew and airport officials to gather more details about what may have transpired.” No injuries were reported. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. An attempt to reinstate involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin over the deadly shooting on the set of the movie Rust was withdrawn Monday, authorities in New Mexico said. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies disclosed that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey ended the state’s appeal of a lower court decision to dismiss the charges against Baldwin, who was holding a prop gun on the set in October 2021 when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. The movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for Hutchins’ death. Baldwin pleaded not guilty in the case, stating he did not pull the trigger of the gun. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case in July, ruling that prosecutors and police withheld evidence that could have helped determine the source of the live round that killed Hutchins. Carmack-Altwies said the district attorney’s office “supports the Hutchins’ family and their continued fight for justice in civil court.” During a podcast appearance with fellow actor David Duchovny last week, Baldwin accused media outlets of wanting him “to die” because of the charges and said he intends to “expose what really happened” that led to the fatal shooting on the Rust set. Actor Brandon Sklenar on Monday urged his followers to read a complaint filed by his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively , accusing the film’s director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and attempting to ruin her reputation. “For the love of God read this,” Sklenar wrote in an Instagram story, which also linked to the full complaint Lively filed against Baldoni and others with the California Civil Rights Department. The filing accuses him of sexual harassment during the shoot for It Ends With Us —which Baldoni also starred in—and alleges that he hired a company to launch a “social manipulation” campaign to “destroy” her reputation after she raised concerns about his behavior on set. An attorney for Baldoni has called the claims “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Since the allegations emerged, Baldoni has been dropped by his talent agency WME and Liz Plank, the co-host of his “Man Enough” podcast, announced her departure from the show Monday. Sony Pictures, which distributed It Ends With Us , also sent a statement to Variety backing Lively. “We strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her,” the statement said. “Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society.” A man who claims to have worked as an executive assistant for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sued the embattled hip hop mogul for sexual battery in Los Angeles, Variety reported, adding another case to the slew of accusations that have been leveled against him. In a new suit filed on Monday, a plaintiff named Phillip Pines claimed he was hired as Diddy’s “personal lackey” and served at the legendary producer’s “beck and call” from 2019 through 2021. As part of his job, the plaintiff alleged that he was responsible for organizing sex parties called “Wild King Nights,” which involved procuring illegal drugs, alcohol, and even some of the mogul’s now-notorious “baby oil.” The suit also claims that he was in charge of cleaning up after the parties—removing stains of bodily fluids and leaving hotel staff large tips. Diddy, who is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, has denied any wrongdoing. A representative told the entertainment publication that Diddy was “confident he will prevail in court.” He is also facing a number of other lawsuits alleging sexual assault and other charges over his decades-long career in the music industry. A research manager for ESPN has died after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer, the network announced Monday. Zach Jones, 41, had joined ESPN in 2010, and moved to its Stats and Information team eight years later, “SportsCenter” anchor Randy Scott said while paying an emotional on-air tribute to Jones. “You may have never seen him on your screens, but you saw his work on our live golf coverage, on our women’s basketball coverage or any of our ‘SportsCenter’ shows,” Scott told viewers. “But more important than that, he got married here. He started a family here. The Stanford graduate loved the Cardinal and he loved golf. He loved his wife, Amber. And he loved his son, Silas, who turned 10 last month—and he lost his dad three days before Christmas.” Scott added: ”I saw Zach in the cafeteria just a couple of weeks ago. He was hopeful, but he was also reflective. He said he just wanted his family to be OK after a recent move to Texas. He fought like hell. He gets to rest now. We love you, buddy.” We remembered Zach Jones on SportsCenter this morning. Our friend, Amber’s husband, and Silas’s dad. pic.twitter.com/YAMMhg9Y5l Managing your period shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—you already have one of those. That’s why Knix’s leakproof period underwear is an incredibly thoughtful holiday gift for yourself or someone special. What makes Knix underwear special is the unique gusset. Built into the underwear’s crotch section, the gusset is a liner that—depending on the style chosen—absorbs up to five tampons worth of liquid. Knix offers more than just underwear, too. You’ll also find supportive wireless bras, silhouette-accentuating bodysuits, and ultra-comfy PJs (perfect for those tough, crampy days). Right now, you can score up to 60 percent off sitewide, including shapewear, leakproof underwear, loungewear, activewear, and more during its epic end-of-the-year sale . This is one of Knix’s biggest sales of the year, so if you’ve been wanting to try the brand or restock some of your favorite items, now’s the time to get shopping. An award recognizing Justin Baldoni’s efforts in “advocating on behalf of women and girls” from nonprofit organization Vital Voices has been rescinded following a lawsuit filed by Blake Lively accusing the actor of sexual harassment and coordinating a smear campaign against her. On Dec. 9, a little over a week before Lively filed her complaint, Baldoni was awarded the “Voices of Solidarity” Award from Vital Voices, which celebrates “remarkable men” who’ve shown “courage and compassion” in advocating for women. The NGO has since released a statement clarifying it has rescinded the award, writing in a post on Instagram Monday: “The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit—and the PR effort they indicate—are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award. We have notified Mr. Baldoni that we have rescinded this award.” Along with sexual harassment, Lively’s complaint also accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her with the help of his public relations team. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, told the Associated Press in a statement that the claims were “completely false” and “outrageous.” A post shared by Vital Voices (@vitalvoices) Shane Lamond , a former lieutenant in the Washington, D.C. police department, was found guilty in federal court on Monday of tipping off a Proud Boys leader about a warrant, and then repeatedly lying to federal investigators about it. Lamond, who had been on the force for 24 years, alerted Henry “Enrique” Tarrio about his impending arrest for burning a Black Lives Matter banner that had been stolen from a predominantly African-American church in late 2020. “Whatever the relationship had been before, after the banner burning the defendant was not using Tarrio as a source; it was the other way around,” District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said. “He knew then, and he knows now, that it was wrong.” In 2023, Tarrio was one of several Proud Boys leaders who were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their actions relating to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Tarrio received a 22-year prison sentence. Lamond is due to be sentenced April 3. He could face 30 years for obstruction of justice and five years for each count of making false statements, though Lamond is a first-time offender, meaning his sentence will likely be shorter.

On the other hand, if you are a single individual or a couple without children, you may find that an MPV is simply too large and bulky for your daily needs. In this case, you may be better off considering a smaller, more agile vehicle such as a sedan or a hatchback, which can offer better fuel efficiency and easier maneuverability in urban settings.In the aftermath of the fire, questions are being raised about the causes and circumstances that led to such a catastrophic event. Investigations will undoubtedly be conducted to determine the root cause of the fire and to identify any lapses in safety protocols or emergency response procedures. Lessons learned from this incident will be crucial in strengthening the resilience and security of data centers and ensuring the safety of those who work and visit these facilities.

Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch, Patrick possesses a physique that is both athletic and toned, a result of his dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. His classic yet modern sense of style further enhances his overall appeal, whether he is spotted on the red carpet in a tailored suit or dressed casually in streetwear.Bitcoin surged to a record high of US$106,000 following Donald Trump's US presidential election victory, reflecting a significant uptick in a cryptocurrency market long marked by volatility and recent downturns. The debate over Bitcoin resurfaced in Thailand after remarks made by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra at a Pheu Thai Party seminar last week. He proposed adopting Bitcoin in a restricted area first, such as utilising a sandbox pilot project in Phuket to encourage digital currency holders to spend their digital money in the country. The idea of creating a stablecoin backed by government bonds was raised at the same time. However, this proposal has sparked concerns, with the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) warning that the project could falter due to the inherent volatility of digital currencies. Additionally, the idea of a government-backed coin risks adding confusion to the economy, as it would potentially create a new unit that would compete with the baht. According to TDRI, the central banks of many countries are generally opposed to such steps, fearing they could undermine confidence in local currencies and complicate their usage. RISKS TO THE BAHT Investment strategists believe the possibility of Thailand using Bitcoin or other digital coins as a medium of exchange similar to the use of the baht is low, saying it would pose risks to the stability of the baht and confidence in the country's financial system. They believe Thailand must first await the results of experiments in leading economic nations before making a final decision. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched a regulatory sandbox in August allowing selected service providers to experiment with digital assets under relaxed regulatory scrutiny. Thanathat Srisawast, a strategist at Tisco Economic Strategy Unit (ESU), said if a policy were implemented that allowed for Bitcoin usage, Thailand would move ahead of the US by allowing the use of Bitcoin as a legitimate medium of exchange in the way that El Salvador does. He believes some shops in Thailand have already accepted Bitcoin in exchange for baht. "If we want to go ahead with it seriously, it is not necessary to use a sandbox only in Phuket. It should be open for testing everywhere. Some foreign tourists have already used Bitcoin in exchange for baht," said Mr Thanathat. "If Bitcoin could be used for payments, the process must not be complicated. Also, we might need to wait for the supply of digital currencies in the system to increase first before we carry out a test of using digital coins instead of the baht," he noted. To support that policy, Thailand must create a coin that resembles a central bank digital currency (CBDC), a form of digital currency issued by a country's central bank, he said. It resembles a cryptocurrency, but its value is fixed by the central bank and is equivalent to the country's fiat currency. It also needs to have a strong security system and needs a backup plan in case the internet system crashes, he added. "The former premier may have seen that many people are interested in Bitcoin, so he thinks this is the right time to push through such a policy," he said. In his view, Thailand might first need to examine the lessons learned in other countries because if the country were to make a mistake in rolling out such a policy, it would damage the credibility of the government and the Bank of Thailand. Therefore, the country must consider it carefully. "If we try to do it in a small project like a sandbox, if there is a mistake, it can still be controlled and if it doesn't work, we can just stop the project," said Mr Thanatat. Meanwhile, the reason behind the proposal for issuing a coin backed by government bonds has not yet become fully apparent. "Maybe the government want to encourage the use of Bitcoin and other digital currencies. It is very difficult to guess what form it would take. We will have to wait for further details." Mr Thanatat said he believes Bitcoin investments will continue to grow next year, thanks to President-elect Trump's policy to support it. But, according to a recent survey, some Bitcoins have been mislaid, or cannot be recovered. Several early adopters of Bitcoin say they do not collect them seriously and it is estimated that around 5 million Bitcoins have been "lost". It has been estimated that there are over 10 million Bitcoins currently in circulation. New mining each year accounts for around 100,000 coins each year. If the US seriously promotes Bitcoin, other countries may follow the trend adopted by the world's major economic power, he said. Asadej Kongsiri, president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), said the SET so far has no policy to support cryptocurrency trading. However, the bourse is studying the possibility of developing Thailand into a digital token trading centre. NO CLEAR BENEFITS Phuket has been put forward as a candidate for the pilot project, which would enable cryptocurrency holders to spend their digital coins for transactions carried out within the province. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said the benefits of adding cryptocurrency as an alternative to fiat currencies such as the baht are still not clear enough to gain strong support from the business sector. In terms of convenience for both tourists and operators, he said transactions from foreign tourists via the existing financial system run smoothly without problems. There is no pain point that requires cryptocurrency to help fix it, he noted. Weighing the pros and cons, he said the business sector is more concerned about the grey area involving digital currencies as there are still many cases of criminals using this medium of exchange to commit fraud. There are also concerns about practices if Phuket were chosen as the sole pilot project destination, as there is no back up in place to help conduct such transactions, such as a distribution system from a notable global tech company, which might not be ready at this stage to accept digital currencies, said Mr Thanet. "The most critical concern is whether cryptocurrency might exacerbate unsolved problems in the industry. We now still have many foreign online travel agents that don't register in the country, resulting in a large sum of revenue flowing out from Thailand. We would like to be assured that the arrival of cryptocurrency would not make this situation worse," he said. In terms of tourist demand, Mr Thanet said tourism operators in the province have not received inquiries from foreign cryptocurrency holders who are tourists suggesting they would like to spend their digital assets on products and services during their time in the country. When the value of a digital asset surges, the holders of such assets would likely be keen on keeping them or using them for investment purposes rather than spending them on lesiure or travel pursuits, he said. Mr Thanet said if cryptocurrencies were adopted in the province, the business sector would prefer to have governmental agencies or banks as an intermediary during the early stage in order to verify and appoint a licensed exchange for tourists who would like to spend their digital coins, rather than allowing them to pay directly via a digital currency. He also agreed with the TDRI that the stability of the baht is the most important factor for businesses at the moment. If a new stablecoin issued by the government created an impact on a major currency, it would impact the whole economy eventually, he said. NO BACKUP While not against cryptocurrency, notably Bitcoin, Montri Mahaplerkpong, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, opposes the idea of using Bitcoin as a new alternative medium of exchange to facilitate business transactions because digital currencies have nothing to back their usage. Currencies were once tied to a certain quantity of gold under the gold standard. In the capital market, stocks are backed by the ownership of the listed companies. "But when it comes to Bitcoin, I see nothing in terms of back up," said Mr Montri. If the government further promotes Bitcoin, which may lead to wider usage through the purchase of goods and services, users, both businesses and households, will struggle to avoid some level of financial risk. "Even the trading of stocks on the Stock Exchange of Thailand encounters problems sometimes. Who knows what might happen with Bitcoin," he said. Bitcoin traders are currently the only participants taking a risk. They cannot lodge a complaint when they face a problem because digital currencies are not overseen or regulated by the government, he said. If the Bitcoin trading system collapses, users will be solely responsible for any unpleasant consequences, said Mr Montri. In Mr Montri's opinion, rather than being used like money to conduct everyday transactions, the storing and spending of cryptocurrency by users seems to just be a way of racking up profits from speculation on the value of the digital assets. "In fact, I am open-minded about cryptocurrencies, but I want to see their usage limited to individuals. I do not want to see the government promote crypto by granting it legal status," said Mr Montri. "Who will take responsibility if that were to lead to economic damage?"However, the news of Liu Dameili's untimely death has left her fans reeling. According to reports, Liu underwent a liposuction procedure in the morning, hoping to enhance her appearance and maintain her image as a social media influencer. Tragically, complications arose during the surgery, leading to her sudden passing in the afternoon.

Renck: Who’s ruining Thanksgiving now? The nonBolievers in Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

Tesla Stock Prices Soar! Is the Future of Gaming On Wheels?

As for Zhang, he continues to seek clarification and resolution to the mystery of the credit information messages he has been receiving. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for others to stay alert and take proactive measures to protect their personal information and financial security in today's digital age.The fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers demands quick and efficient services that cater to their immediate needs. Recognizing this growing trend, Amazon has decided to pilot its express delivery service in select cities across India, starting with metropolitan areas like Mumbai and New Delhi. Leveraging advanced logistics technology and a network of strategically located fulfillment centers, Amazon aims to provide lightning-fast delivery times without compromising on the quality of service.

County recorder asks supervisors to support bill to increase recorder feesNone

OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party is ready to introduce motions as early as today that would help the Liberals pass legislation to create their promised GST holiday but only if they separate it from their parallel promise to send $250 cheques to working Canadians. Singh said his party would open the procedural "gates" including motions to extend the sitting hours of the House of Commons to debate and pass the legislation in time for it take effect as promised on Dec. 14. Last week, the Liberals brought forward a plan to pause the GST on items like premade grocery items, beer and wine, toys and other holiday staples. The pause would last for two months. Singh says the NDP supports this idea, but oppose the associated $250 working Canadians benefit that is supposed to be mailed in the spring to anyone who earned an income up to $150,000 last year. Singh wants the benefit expanded to include non-working seniors and people who rely on disability benefits who did not have a working income in 2023. The Liberals have put the GST and benefit cheque bill on notice in the House of Commons but have been unable to introduce it because of an ongoing filibuster by the Conservatives over an unrelated matter of privilege. A Conservative motion demanding the government turn over unredacted documents to the RCMP on a green technology fund has been debated since late September, preventing any bills or other motions from being introduced or debated. The Conservatives insist that debate will continue until the documents are given to the RCMP or the NDP join them and the Bloc Québécois to vote non confidence in the government. At least two parties would need to support a motion to end or pause that debate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that both the GST holiday and the $250 cheques are aimed at helping people struggling with the cost of living. The rebate as planned would be issued to an estimated 18 million Canadians in the spring and cost around $4.7 billion. The government has issued notice of the legislation but hasn't introduced it in the House yet. It also has put on notice a motion calling for debate on the bill, when it is introduced, to be limited to one 10-minute speech per party, and undergo just one vote for all the required stages of debate. Some Liberal MPs said Wednesday they think their government should consider expanding the eligibility for the benefit cheques. After the Liberal caucus meeting Seniors Minister Steven MacKinnon said the government has created a number of benefits to help low-income seniors. But Milton MP Adam van Koeverden said he wants to see more ambition in helping seniors and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski said if the government can afford to include seniors in the payments it absolutely should. The Bloc Québécois is also calling on the government to offer the rebate to seniors who are fully retired. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the measure a "tiny, two month tax trick" and says if Trudeau cared about affordability he'd get rid of the carbon tax. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. David Baxter, The Canadian Press

Title: Son Heung-Min Throws Hotspur Home Corner Flag - Fan Interpretation: This is a Message to Arsenal that We Don't Rely on Corner KicksWith its seamless integration of multiplayer features, engaging gameplay, and immersive world-building, the multiplayer version of "Eternal Skies" is set to become the ultimate destination for fans of post-apocalyptic survival games. Whether you're a lone wolf seeking adventure or a team player looking to forge alliances and dominate the wasteland, "Eternal Skies" offers a diverse and dynamic gaming experience that will keep you coming back for more.NEW YORK — The man accused of fatally setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train used his shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed in the blaze, a prosecutor said Tuesday. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, made his first court appearance and was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time.” Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. Zapeta then used his shirt to fan the flames, leading to her becoming engulfed in the fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said on Tuesday. Zapeta then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta said he didn’t know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the U.S. illegally. In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” that would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day. Overall, according to authorities, crime is down in the transit system this year when compared to last year — major felonies declined 6% between January and November of this year and in 2023, data compiled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority show. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny in the death of an agitated subway rider that the former Marine placed in a chokehold last year. The case became a flashpoint in ongoing debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is also difficult, given the vast network of trains constantly moving between the system’s 472 stations, with each stop containing multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. On Sunday, police at the station where the woman burned to death were patrolling a different area and responded after seeing and smelling smoke, authorities said.