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Share Tweet Share Share Email Why Delays in US Visa Processing Are a Growing Concern The landscape of US visa processing is becoming increasingly complex, with recent changes introducing new obstacles for those seeking to migrate. Delays are no longer just an inconvenience; they are a significant disruption to the lives of families, professionals, and entrepreneurs. These bottlenecks can derail carefully planned career transitions, family reunifications, or even urgent travel for business and education. What’s more concerning is how unprepared many applicants are for the hidden ripple effects of these delays. Beyond the visible frustration of waiting, delays can lead to expired documents, lost job opportunities, and escalating costs—issues that few consider when embarking on the visa journey. These challenges are compounded by shifting regulations, understaffed consulates, and an unprecedented backlog that creates uncertainty. For applicants from India and Pakistan, the stakes are even higher, with processing times at certain consulates becoming notoriously slow. Understanding the causes and preparing accordingly is no longer optional—it’s essential to avoid costly setbacks and maintain control over your migration plans. The Hidden Costs of Delays on Your Migration Plans Visa processing delays are more than just a waiting game—they can have tangible and sometimes irreversible consequences. For individuals and families navigating the complexities of migration, these hidden costs can add up quickly, affecting both finances and emotional well-being. Financial Losses from Prolonged Waiting Times Delays often translate into unexpected expenses. Whether it’s rescheduling travel plans or losing deposits on accommodation, the financial impact can be significant. For professionals and entrepreneurs, delays may mean missed business opportunities or the inability to start a new job on time. Common financial consequences include: Paying for expedited document renewals (e.g., passports, medical tests). Losing income from delayed employment start dates. Increased costs for rebooking flights or extending stays in temporary housing. Additional fees for reapplying if a visa expires during processing. Emotional Toll on Families and Professionals The uncertainty caused by delays takes an emotional toll, especially for applicants who are separated from loved ones or unable to move forward with life plans. Key stressors include: Fear of visa rejection after long waiting periods. Anxiety over missed milestones, such as a child’s school enrollment. Strained relationships due to prolonged family separation. Feeling stuck or helpless as plans remain in limbo. Understanding these hidden costs underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate delays. By preparing thoroughly and staying informed about potential bottlenecks, applicants can reduce both financial and emotional risks. Proactive Steps to Avoid US Visa Processing Delays While delays in visa processing can feel inevitable, there are practical steps applicants can take to minimize the risk. By being proactive and meticulous, you can reduce unnecessary setbacks and improve your chances of a smooth migration process. How to Ensure Your Documentation Is Error-Free Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the leading causes of delays. Even a small oversight can trigger additional reviews or RFEs (Requests for Evidence). To avoid these issues, consider the following: Double-check all forms for accuracy before submission, ensuring names, dates, and personal details match official documents. Provide supporting evidence in a clear and organized manner to reduce ambiguity. Include certified translations for any non-English documents. Stay up-to-date with the latest requirements for your specific visa category to avoid missing newly introduced forms or evidence. Timing Matters—When to Apply to Minimize Delays Applying at the right time can significantly impact processing speed. Key timing strategies include: Submit applications during off-peak periods (avoid holiday seasons or periods known for high application volumes). Schedule consulate appointments early to secure optimal dates before slots fill up. Monitor processing times regularly through official government portals for updates specific to your visa category and location. Leveraging Legal Experts to Expedite the Process Partnering with experienced immigration professionals can provide an edge in navigating delays. They can: Help identify potential red flags in your application. Advise on alternative strategies to expedite approvals. Represent your case effectively in complex scenarios. Taking these proactive steps can help reduce uncertainty and ensure your visa application stays on track despite evolving challenges in the US immigration system. How New Technology Can Help You Stay Ahead In today’s fast-paced world, leveraging technology can be a game-changer when navigating US visa processing. From tracking updates to streamlining communication with consulates, using the right tools can help you stay informed, organized, and proactive during the application process. Tools and Platforms for Real-Time Visa Updates Technology offers various ways to monitor the progress of your visa application and stay updated on policy changes. Consider using: Government Portals: Websites like the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portal provide real-time case status updates. Visa Appointment Trackers: Some third-party apps and websites monitor appointment availability at consulates. Email and SMS Alerts: Many consulates offer notification services for updates on application status or changes in processing times. Streamlining Communication with US Consulates Reaching out to consulates can often feel like navigating a maze. Technology can simplify this process: Online Appointment Scheduling Systems: Book and reschedule interviews online with virtual firms like Dalal and Mehta LLC Document Upload Portals: Submit additional evidence or respond to RFEs electronically to avoid mailing delays. Benefits of Digital Organization Tools Staying organized is critical to avoid missteps that could lead to delays. Tools like cloud storage platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) can: Safely store digital copies of essential documents. Enable quick access to files during consulate interviews or RFEs. Prevent loss or misplacement of critical paperwork. By incorporating these technologies into your visa application process, you can stay ahead of potential delays and maintain greater control over your migration journey. What to Do if Your Visa Application Is Delayed Even with careful preparation, delays in visa processing can still occur. Knowing how to respond effectively can help minimize the impact on your migration plans and keep you moving forward. How to Handle Administrative Processing or RFEs If your application is placed under administrative processing or you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), it’s important to act swiftly and thoroughly. Steps to take include: Carefully review the notification: Understand exactly what information or documentation is being requested. Submit additional evidence promptly: Provide clear, concise, and organized documents within the requested timeframe. Seek professional guidance: An immigration expert can help craft a strong response and clarify any unclear requests. Exploring Alternative Visa Options During Delays If delays persist, you might explore alternative pathways to achieve your migration goals. Consider: Applying for a visa with shorter processing times (e.g., a visitor visa as a temporary option). Investigating visa categories with faster approval rates, such as the EB-1 for highly skilled professionals. Exploring other countries offering similar opportunities while awaiting US visa processing. Escalation Strategies for Severe Delays For prolonged delays that threaten critical deadlines, escalation might be necessary. Options include: Filing an expedited processing request if you can demonstrate urgent circumstances (e.g., a medical emergency or job start date). Requesting congressional assistance: Reach out to your local representative in the US for help in expediting your case. Lodging formal complaints: Use official channels to highlight unreasonable delays, particularly for administrative issues. By taking these steps, you can navigate delays strategically, minimizing disruptions to your migration plans and keeping your journey on track. Act Now to Safeguard Your Migration Goals The process of obtaining a US visa is already complex, but recent changes in visa processing have made it even more challenging. Delays can cause emotional strain, financial burdens, and disruptions to carefully laid plans, whether you are seeking career opportunities, reuniting with family, or starting a new chapter in the United States. The good news is that with proactive preparation, the use of technology, and guidance from experienced professionals, you can mitigate many of these risks. By staying informed about policy changes, avoiding common documentation errors, and taking advantage of tools to streamline your process, you can reduce the likelihood of delays and keep your migration plans on track. However, navigating these complexities alone can be overwhelming. That’s why seeking expert advice is crucial to ensuring success. Don’t let delays jeopardize your future—act now! Contact us today for a consultation with one of our experienced immigration experts. Together, we’ll develop a plan to overcome challenges and bring you closer to your American dream. FAQs About Avoiding US Visa Processing Delays What are the most common reasons for visa delays? Administrative processing, incomplete documentation, and high application volumes are among the top reasons for visa delays. How can I track the status of my visa application? Use the USCIS case tracker or the consulate’s online tracking tools to get real-time updates. What is administrative processing, and how long does it take? Administrative processing refers to additional background checks. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Can I request expedited processing for my visa? Yes, in urgent situations like medical emergencies or job start dates, you can file a request for expedited processing with supporting evidence. Are certain visa types more likely to experience delays? Yes, visas such as tourist (B-2), family-based, and employment-based visas may face longer processing times depending on demand. What should I do if my visa interview is delayed? Regularly check for rescheduled appointment slots or contact the consulate directly for guidance. Can I work while waiting for my visa to be approved? It depends on the visa type. For instance, H-1B applicants may be eligible for interim work authorization if their visa is under renewal. How do I prepare for a Request for Evidence (RFE)? Respond promptly with all required documents, ensuring they are clear, organized, and error-free. Is there a way to prevent visa delays entirely? While delays cannot always be avoided, careful planning, complete documentation, and expert guidance can significantly reduce risks . When should I contact an immigration expert for help? It’s best to seek professional advice before applying, but even if you’re facing delays, consulting an expert can help expedite solutions. Would you like to schedule a consultation? At Dalal & Mehta , we are committed to helping you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need help with your immigration journey, please contact us at 732-283-7400 . Schedule a consultation today and let us help you turn your dreams into reality . Related Items: Migration Plans , US Visa Processing Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
As in 2023, investors were once again captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2024. But not every stock has benefited. Sure, Nvidia and Broadcom have had great years, but not every AI beneficiary was as fortunate. Why would that be? For one, many traders look at results in the here and now. So, if a company had a near-term slip-up or a slowdown, their stocks were likely punished -- even if AI should provide a long-term tailwind for their business. The following three examples were laggards in 2024, but looking ahead to 2025, they appear to be excellent pickups on the dips . ASML Holdings There would be no AI semiconductors at all without the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) tools provided by ASML Holdings ( ASML -0.65% ) , which has a monopoly on this crucial chipmaking technology. In that light, why would ASML's stock be down about 4% on the year and 35% from all-time highs? The market appears to be honing in on a few short-term concerns. The first is China, where ASML has seen a surge of older and less-sophisticated deep ultraviolet lithography (DUV) sales in recent years, ahead of more stringent restrictions placed on equipment from China this year. Although ASML will continue selling to China, they will no longer be able to sell or service several types of machines, so that pull-in of China sales this year could lead to ASML's China revenue declining next year. In addition, while the AI market is booming, larger, mature chip markets, like smartphones and PCs, have continued to languish for longer than expected in their post-pandemic lull. That recently led some foundries to pull back a bit on their near-term spending plans. However, ASML still projects growth next year, even if it's lower than previously expected. More importantly, at the company's recent investor day, management kept its 2030 revenue and earnings targets intact. Advanced chip production will now require more EUV machines versus DUV machines, and EUV machines are higher-revenue and higher-margin for ASML. Even better, ASML's higher-priced high numerical aperture (NA) EUV machines, which go for about twice the price of the low-NA EUV machines in use today, have just started selling this year. The growth and increasing mix of advanced EUV machines should lead to margin expansion, fueling solid profit growth through this decade at least. With the long-term picture intact and ASML's competitive position nearly assured, long-term investors should buy this dip with both hands. MongoDB Artificial intelligence applications will have to reference lots of data and make sense of it all incredibly quickly, which will put a lot of importance on how that data is stored in a database. MongoDB ( MDB 0.26% ) has a disruptive architecture for databases, called a document architecture, which allows for more intuitive organization of unstructured data than the traditional SQL (structured query language) database, which stores data in a more restrictive row-and-column format. If one thinks about the kinds of data relationships AI agents will have to retrieve and make sense of, MongoDB's document databases look increasingly better. Not only that, AI has recently made it much easier for enterprises to migrate legacy applications from traditional databases to MongoDB. To date, that has been a complex process leading to customer friction. Despite these positives, MongoDB's stock is down 35% year to date and more than 50% below its all-time high. Why would that be? According to management, the uncertain macro environment and companies figuring out what to do with AI have caused a slowdown in MongoDB Atlas usage. Basically, while companies are experimenting and learning about AI's potential, very few "killer app" AI software applications have caught on as of yet. However, as AI improves and companies increasingly figure out how to deploy AI applications, AI app usage should take off. As a majority of MongoDB's revenue comes from its usage-based Atlas database-as-a-service, MongoDB will see the benefit in the building and usage of AI apps. However, we are not quite at that stage. CEO Dev Ittycheria noted on the recent conference call with analysts that while many AI apps don't yet have good product-market fit, some are beginning to, with Ittycheria highlighting one such app built on MongoDB that has grown 10 times over the course of the year. As the AI revolution moves from the infrastructure buildout to software applications, MongoDB should see an acceleration in usage. Trading near a historically low price-to-sales ratio of around 10, MongoDB could see a bounce-back year in 2025. On Semiconductor Most don't equate On Semiconductor ( ON 1.08% ) with AI, as its biggest business is in power chips for the automotive industry . Specifically, onsemi is the current leader in producing chips from silicon carbide (SiC), a material that's somewhat difficult to produce but is much more conductive and heat-resistant than traditional silicon. SiC is thought to be crucial for future electric vehicles (EVs), and given the big slowdown in the EV market, onsemi is down 20% on the year and 40% off its all-time highs. But with the extreme electricity demands of AI data centers and the latest AI chips generating tons of heat, silicon carbide is now making its way into power control systems for AI data centers, too. This year, onsemi unveiled its EliteSiC 650V MOSFET for AI data centers, and management has invested early to get behind this trend. While AI data centers are a small portion of onsemi's revenues today, look for that to get bigger over time. Meanwhile, onsemi doesn't just make power chips; it makes sensors, too, especially for intelligent sensing needed in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for modern cars and trucks. And while 2024 was a down-cycle year for the auto industry overall, onsemi did land several large and important customer wins, including a huge multiyear deal with Volkswagen , the largest automaker in the world by revenue, and deals with Subaru and Denso , the world's second-largest auto systems supplier. At just 16.5 times bottom-of-the-cycle earnings, look for onsemi to outperform when the auto and EV markets recover and the company's chips make their way into more AI applications.
Online auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbons
A long-awaited restoration is about to start in the upper Murrumbidgee River that flows through the ACT as part of a deal struck by ACT independent senator David Pocock. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will on Sunday announce the start of work on a $20.26 million project to improve the health and sustainability of the neglected stretch of river between Tantangara Dam and Burrinjuck Dam. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and, inset, ACT independent Senator David Pocock. Picture by Keegan Carroll, inset supplied "We want to see more drinkable and swimmable water in the Murrumbidgee," Ms Plibersek said. "We want to see our native species, like the Macquarie Perch, thrive too." The restoration program and improved monitoring will boost river health and improve wildlife habitats, while $5 million over the next five years will be used to increase knowledge of water quality, riparian health and the status of the native species. Half a million dollars has been allocated to support traditional owners to take part in a review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed. With fewer than 10 per cent of inflows at Tantangara Dam being released downstream into the upper Murrumbidgee, declining river health has placed native species, including the endangered Macquarie Perch, at risk and could threaten water supplies, with the stretch of river serving as the ACT's third source of drinking water. Senator Pocock welcomed the news, saying it was great to see the imminent start of programs to restore the "mighty Murrumbidgee", funded as a result of the $55 million deal he struck last year . "ACT residents should be assured that we see improvements in the health of one of our most beautiful rivers and have access to water for critical needs." But, he said, the underlying need for higher flows into the river needed to be addressed if the river was to be protected. "This means progressing promised reform of the intergovernmental agreement that governs water releases into this incredible river and revising the Statement of Expectations for Snowy Hydro," Senator Pocock said. "The government has committed more than $7 million to undertake this process, and I will be pushing for it to be completed as soon as possible." As part of the deal, the government has put $30 million aside in its contingency reserve to be drawn upon for additional water in the Upper Murrumbidgee during drought-like conditions, but no extra water is being added now as such conditions have not eventuated. Senator Pocock said he would like to see the $30 million used or redirected to increase flows, "potentially through an upgrade of water release infrastructure at Tantangara Dam." "In the Murrumbidgee and beyond, our rivers are being destroyed by invasive carp. With the development of a herpes virus that can address this epidemic and lots of promises from successive governments, more work needs to be done in implementation." The project is being delivered by the territory and NSW governments, with Commonwealth funding promised last year in exchange for Senator Pocock supporting changes to the Murray Darling Basin. ACT Environment Minister Suzanne Orr said the project was "a great opportunity to work ... to restore the health of the river which is such an iconic part of the landscape and important to many communities." "Water has no borders and it requires a whole of government, community and industry partnership to get the best environmental and social outcomes from our regional waterways," Ms Orr said. "We must all work together to protect the Murrumbidgee River for not only ourselves but future generations." NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the program would "provide significant benefits to NSW by investing in on-ground works that will improve water quality and habitat for endangered and native aquatic species, while also support research and monitoring projects". Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Dana Daniel Senior Political Reporter Dana Daniel is Senior Political Reporter for The Canberra Times. She investigates and writes about federal politics and government from the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery. Dana was previously a Federal Health Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and has also been a Media Reporter at The Australian and Finance Editor at news.com.au. Contact her on dana.daniel@canberratimes.com.au Dana Daniel is Senior Political Reporter for The Canberra Times. She investigates and writes about federal politics and government from the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery. Dana was previously a Federal Health Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and has also been a Media Reporter at The Australian and Finance Editor at news.com.au. Contact her on dana.daniel@canberratimes.com.au More from Canberra Chinese tech firms lobby influence raises alert in Canberra 8m ago No comment s 'Mighty Murrumbidgee' gets some long-awaited care as river restoration begins 8m ago No comment s Albanese facing a new mood of pick and kick 8m ago No comment s 'A ballroom of activity': How Black Friday is hitting those closer to home 8m ago No comment s PM's XI shifts to 50-over format as day one abandoned; What Kohli said to Albo No comment s 'I thought the opportunity had passed': Boland closes in on Test comeback No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading... 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Loading...Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceFORESTVILLE, Calif. — A major storm moving through Northern California on Thursday toppled trees and dropped heavy snow and record rain after damaging homes, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands in the Pacific Northwest. Forecasters warned that the risk of flash flooding and rockslides would continue, and scores of flights were canceled at San Francisco's airport. In Washington, more than 320,000 people — most of them in the Seattle area — were still without power as crews worked to clear streets of electrical lines, fallen branches and debris. Utility officials said the outages, which began Tuesday, could last into Saturday. Meanwhile on the East Coast, where rare wildfires have raged, New York and New Jersey welcomed much-needed rain that could ease the fire danger for the rest of the year. The National Weather Service extended a flood watch into Saturday for areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by the strongest atmospheric river — a long plume of moisture that forms over an ocean and flows through the sky over land — this season. The system roared ashore Tuesday as a "bomb cyclone," unleashing fierce winds. Communities in Washington opened warming centers offering free internet and device charging. A number of medical clinics closed because of power outages. "I've been here since the mid-'80s. I haven't seen anything like this," said Trish Bloor, who serves on the city of Issaquah's Human Resources Commission, as she surveyed damaged homes. Up to 16 inches of rain was forecast in southwestern Oregon and California's northern counties through Friday. The Sonoma County Airport, in the wine country north of San Francisco, received 6.92 inches Wednesday, breaking a record dating to 1998. In nearby Forestville, one person was hurt when a tree fell on a house. Small landslides were reported across the North Bay region, including one on State Route 281 on Wednesday that caused a car crash, according to Marc Chenard, a weather service meteorologist. Rain slowed somewhat, but "persistent heavy rain will enter the picture again by Friday morning," the weather service's San Francisco office said on the social platform X. "We are not done!" Dangerous flash flooding, rockslides and debris flows were possible, especially where hillsides were loosened by recent wildfires, officials warned. Scott Rowe, a hydrologist with the weather service in Sacramento, said that so far the ground has been able to absorb the rain in California's Butte and Tehama counties, where the Park Fire burned over the summer. "It's not necessarily how much rain falls; it's how fast the rain falls," Rowe said. Northern Mendocino and southern Humboldt counties received between 4 and 8 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, and similar amounts were expected over the next 48 hours, forecasters said. Wind gusts could top 50 mph. The storm system, which first hit the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday, reached the status of " bomb cyclone," which occurs when a cyclone intensifies rapidly. A winter storm watch was in place for the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet, with 15 inches of snow possible over two days. Wind gusts could top 75 mph in mountain areas, forecasters said. Sugar Bowl Resort, north of Lake Tahoe near Donner Summit, picked up a foot of snow overnight, marketing manager Maggie Eshbaugh said Thursday. She said the resort will welcome skiers and boarders on Friday, the earliest opening date in 20 years. "And then we're going to get another whopping of another foot or so on Saturday, so this is fantastic," she said. Another popular resort, Palisades Tahoe, is also opening Friday, five days ahead of schedule, according to its website. The storm already dumped more than a foot of snow along the Cascades in Oregon by Wednesday night, according to the weather service. Forecasters warned of blizzard and whiteout conditions and nearly impossible travel at pass level. Falling trees struck homes and littered roads across western Washington, killing at least two people. A woman in Lynnwood was killed when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment, and another in Bellevue died when a tree fell on a home. More than a dozen schools closed in the Seattle area Wednesday, and some opted to extend the closures through Thursday. In Enumclaw, east of Seattle, residents were cleaning up after their town clocked the highest winds in the state Tuesday night: 74 mph. Resident Sophie Keene said the powerful gusts caused transformers to blow out around town. "Things were exploding, like, everywhere," Keene told the Seattle Times. "Like the transformers over by the park. One blew big, it looked like fireworks just going off." Ben Gibbard, lead singer of the indie rock bands Death Cab for Cutie and Postal Service, drove from his Seattle neighborhood Thursday morning to the woods of Tiger Mountain for his regular weekday run, but there were too many trees blocking the trail. "We didn't get hit that hard in the city," he said. "I just didn't assume it would be this kind of situation out here. Obviously you feel the most for people who had their homes partially destroyed by this." In California, there were reports of more than 20,000 power outages on Thursday. Only 50 vehicles per hour were allowed through part of northbound Interstate 5 from 10 miles north of Redding to 21 miles south of Yreka due to snow, according to California's Department of Transportation. Transportation officials also shut down a two-mile stretch of the famed Avenue of the Giants, a scenic drive named for its towering coast redwoods, due to flooding. About 150 flights were delayed and another two dozen were canceled early Thursday at San Francisco International Airport after hundreds of delays and dozens of cancelations the previous day, according to tracking service FlightAware. Parched areas of the Northeast got a much-needed shot of precipitation Thursday, providing a bit of respite in a region plagued by wildfires and dwindling water supplies. More than 2 inches of rain was expected by Saturday morning in areas north of New York City, with snow mixed in at higher elevations. "Any rainfall is going to be significant at this point," said Brian Ciemnecki, a weather service meteorologist in New York City, where the first drought warning in 22 years was issued this week. "Is it going to break the drought? No, we're going to need more rain than that."
Baidu secures Hong Kong robotaxi trial licenseNone
Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service Cord cutting used to refer to abandoning pay TV and putting up an antenna to watch free over-the-air TV. Then cord cutting expanded to include streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and individual streaming sources. Related Articles TV and Streaming | Lisa Kudrow says she’s ‘comforted’ Matthew Perry ‘got to die happy’ TV and Streaming | Best TV of 2024: A modestly better lineup than usual, but why didn’t it feel that way? TV and Streaming | ‘Emilia Pérez’ leads Golden Globe nominations with 10, followed by ‘The Brutalist’ and ‘Conclave’ Now we also include streaming bundles, like YouTube TV or Hulu Live or DirecTV Stream. These bundled services mimic cable and satellite service, in that they have hundreds of channels. The ease or complexity of the cord cutting experience depends on how you have things set up. Let’s take a look at some gift options for your favorite cord cutter. DirecTV Gemini Air As far as I know DirecTV is the only streaming bundle service that offers its own hardware. The Gemini Air is a small dongle that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV. It is paired with a remote control to allow for easy navigation. If you were an AT&T U-Verse TV customer, the Gemini Air/DirecTV Stream experience will be very familiar. The Gemini Air is a rarity in that it has number buttons. DirecTV Stream has the option of turning on channel numbers in the guide. I’ve used DirecTV Stream with my Roku TV and with the Gemini Air and the Air makes navigating the huge list of channels much easier. The Gemini Air runs the Google operating system, so you can see and use all your other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Max and more. You can also load apps and games from the Google Play store. The Gemini Air connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and it can stream 4K content to your TV. The remote control has a microphone so you can use your voice to search or interact with Hey Google’s voice assistant. DirecTV Stream customers can get a free Gemini Air from AT&T with their service. Additional units are available for $120. Google TV Streamer (4K) There are lots of smart TV brands. Some run on the Roku operating system, some run Google TV and some use their own brand of smart TV apps. If you’d like to add Google TV to any set, you can get Google’s new TV Streamer (4K) for just $99 from store.google.com. The small device connects to your TV’s HDMI port. It also can connect to your home’s internet via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection. The Google TV interface is not tied to any specific streaming service. You can use any streaming service or app that’s available on the Google Play store. It features a simple remote with voice control and the Google TV Streamer is also a hub and controller for Matter and Thread home devices that work with Google’s home ecosystem. TabloTV If you use an over-the-air antenna for watching your free local channels, I’m betting you’d like the option to record those channels. TiVo used to be the best/easiest way to record OTA TV, but they’ve discontinued their OTA recorders. A great alternative is from TabloTV, which is a small box that you connect to your TV antenna. The TabloTV does not directly connect to your TV. Instead it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, and the antenna signal is wirelessly sent to any TV or compatible device in your home. Your TV picks up the signal through a free app, which is compatible with smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Android TV. This method is extremely handy if you don’t want to be bothered running an antenna wire from your attic or roof all the way to your TV. It’s also great if you want to use an indoor antenna, but your TV is not situated in a room that faces the broadcast towers. You can place the antenna and TabloTV where you get the best reception. The TabloTV comes in two models – with either two or four tuners. This means you can record or watch two or four shows at a time. TabloTV has onboard storage to record up to 50 hours of shows, but you can plug in any USB hard drive and expand to record thousands of hours of programming. You can also bundle a TabloTV with an OTA antenna if you like, or you can use your own antenna. Two things to know, there are no ongoing subscription costs for guide data, and there is no streaming service integration. You will need another way to add in streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. TabloTV models start at $99.95 for the two tuner model at tablotv.com. The four-tuner model is $139.95, but they may be on sale during the holidays. ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Jerry A. Johnson, 86Trump picks son-in-law’s dad, Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France
Sara Duterte on ‘fabricated’ receipts: I can’t discuss intelligence operations
NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF). Shareholders who purchased shares of WOLF during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/wolfspeed-loss-submission-form/?id=113426&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: August 16, 2023 to November 6, 2024 ALLEGATIONS: According to the complaint, defendants provided the public with revenue projections that depended on Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley fabrication facility ramping its production to meet and/or exceed demand for its 200mm wafer product. On November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and unveiled guidance for the second quarter well below expectations. While defendants had repeatedly claimed that 20% utilization of the Mohawk Valley fabrication facility would result in $100 million revenue out of the facility, defendants now guided to a range 30% to 50% below that mark. The Company attributed its results and lowered guidance to “demand ... ramp[ing] more slowly than we originally anticipated” as “EV customers revise their launch time lines as the market works though this transition period.” Investors and analysts reacted immediately to Wolfspeed’s revelation. The price of Wolfspeed’s common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $13.71 per share on November 6, 2024, Wolfspeed’s stock price fell to $8.33 per share on November 7, 2024, a decline of about 39.24% in the span of just a single day. DEADLINE: January 17, 2025 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/wolfspeed-loss-submission-form/?id=113426&from=3 NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of WOLF during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is January 17, 2025. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case. WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: The Gross Law Firm 15 West 38th Street, 12th floor New York, NY, 10018 Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com Phone: (646) 453-8903
Tech review: Gift options for the cord cutter
AMGEN ANNOUNCES 2025 FIRST QUARTER DIVIDEND
Trump’s latest tariff plan aims at multiple countries. What does it mean for the US?Mark Allen's UK Championship semi-final clash with Barry Hawkins on Saturday night was a game even the most devoted of snooker fans would have struggled to stick with. The match started at 7pm in the York Barbican and it took almost two and a half hours for the first four frames to be played and give everyone a break for the mid session interval. It's a race to six frames for a place in the final against Judd Trump. After another drawn out affair in frame five after the interval, the BBC commentary team began to suspect Antrim man Allen was playing games of a different sort. Indeed, it was Allen's regular sparring partner Shaun Murphy who labelled the pace of play a 'clear gameplan' from the world No.3. Read next: Mark Allen believes he may need to 'see someone' after worrying admission on his results Read next: Mark Allen says Ronnie O'Sullivan is GOAT but he is 'law unto himself' and should show 'more respect' "It's completely within the rules, he's not doing anything wrong. But at what stage do we question whether the amount of time Mark Allen is taking over simple decisions is a tactic to annoy his opponent?," said Shaun Murphy. "I think we are witnessing an extremely clever, well thought out match from Mark Allen to try and beat the man. "It's an old school tactic. It's from a playbook my generation and Mark's generation are from. And it's perfectly within the rules. But I can't see any reason, other than that for why he's taking so long. As you look at Barry in his chair, you might say it was working." John Parrott was on co commentary and countered, adding: "I grew up playing against Terry Griffiths and Cliff Thorborn. Trust me, that was no day at the beach. You just got to find a way to comepete with it and put up with it. "If someone plays slow, you got to have patience." On the table, Allen took frame five with a break of 64 - his highest of the match to date from either player. Another epic frame followed with Allen again coming out on top - despite Murphy being baffled by some of Allen's shot selections once again. Other world champions, Steve Davis and Ken Doherty, were asked about the possible tactic and how that was in sharp contrast to Allen's usual pacy play. The 'Pistol' is defending champion of the snooker Shoot Out, where speedy play is the order of the day. "I'm not sure it's deliberate, like Shaun says," replied six-time world champ Davis. "He probably would have been in the top three or four fastest players in the world but over the last couple of seasons he'd be way down. His average shot time is 32 seconds (here)," remarked Dubliner Doherty. Davis added: "He's been getting success by being more granite and obviously that encourages him to do more of it. He's gone back to his coach with a view to alignment or technical issues. I've got a feeling that's a red herring. "I think his coach should be telling him to speed up, get a bit of rhythm, get a bit of feel back. Because without playing shots regularly, you lose your touch. If you are playing disjointed snooker, you get out of position." The race to six semi-final ran long into the night in York ahead of Sunday's final. With three hours played, Allen led 4-2. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
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