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Meanwhile, the Chinese team, known for their precision and technique, fought fiercely to reclaim the lead. Every lift was executed with precision and finesse, as they attempted to close the gap and stay in the race for the gold. The clash of titans between North Korea and China captivated the audience and raised the stakes to unprecedented heights.how to win sport betting 。

Putin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down

Atletico Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, have been the surprise package of the season, defying the odds to challenge for the title. With a solid defense and a potent attack spearheaded by Luis Suarez, Atletico Madrid have proven themselves as genuine contenders for the league crown.NEW YORK — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America's most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, died Thursday. He was 76. Parsons, who died at his Manhattan home, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. The financial services company Lazard, where Parsons was a longtime board member, confirmed his death. David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Time Warner successor Warner Bros. Discovery, remembered Parsons as a “great mentor and friend” and a “tough and brilliant negotiator, always looking to create something where both sides win.” “All who got a chance to work with him and know him saw that unusual combination of great leadership with integrity and kindness,” Zaslav said, calling him “one of the great problem solvers this industry has ever seen.” Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Parsons’ friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder's company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Parsons, a Brooklyn native who started college at 16, was named chairman of Citigroup in 2009, one month after leaving Time Warner Inc., where he helped restore the company’s stature following its much-maligned acquisition by internet provider America Online Inc. AOL/Time Warner CEO Dick Parsons helps announce a new partnership to produce "Showtime at the Apollo" variety show Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, in New York's Harlem neighborhood. Credit: AP/Beth A. Keiser He steered Citigroup back to profit after financial turmoil from the subprime mortgage crisis, which upended the economy in 2007 and 2008. Parsons was named to the board of CBS in September 2018 but resigned a month later because of illness. Parsons said in a statement at the time that he was already dealing with multiple myeloma when he joined the board, but “unanticipated complications have created additional new challenges.” He said his doctors advised him to cut back on his commitments to ensure recovery. “Dick’s storied career embodied the finest traditions of American business leadership,” Lazard said in a statement. The company, where Parsons was a board member from 2012 until this month, praised his “unmistakable intelligence and his irresistible warmth.” Time Warner CEO, Richard D. Parsons, participates in the White House Conference on the Economy: Financial Challenges for Today and Tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington. Credit: AP/Lawrence Jackson “Dick was more than an iconic leader in Lazard’s history — he was a testament to how wisdom, warmth, and unwavering judgment could shape not just companies, but people’s lives,” the company said. “His legacy lives on in the countless leaders he counseled, the institutions he renewed, and the doors he opened for others.” Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager. Although he was with Time Warner through its difficulties with AOL, he earned respect for the company and rebuilt its relations with Wall Street. He streamlined Time Warner’s structure, pared debt and sold Warner Music Group and a book publishing division. He also fended off a challenge from activist investor Carl Icahn in 2006 to break up the company and helped Time Warner reach settlements with investors and regulators over questionable accounting practices at AOL. Parsons joined Time Warner as president in 1995 after serving as chairman and chief executive of Dime Bancorp Inc., one of the largest U.S. thrift institutions. In 2001, after AOL used its fortunes as the leading provider of Internet access in the U.S. to buy Time Warner for $106 billion in stock, Parsons became co-chief operating officer with AOL executive Robert Pittman. In that role, he was in charge of the company’s content businesses, including movie studios and recorded music. He became CEO in 2002 with the retirement of Gerald Levin, one of the key architects of that merger. Parsons was named Time Warner chairman the following year, replacing AOL founder Steve Case, who had also championed the combination. The newly formed company’s Internet division quickly became a drag on Time Warner. The promised synergies between traditional and new media never materialized. AOL began seeing a reduction in subscribers in 2002 as Americans replaced dial-up connections with broadband from cable TV and phone companies. Parsons stepped down as CEO in 2007 and as chairman in 2008. A year later AOL split from Time Warner and began trading as a separate company, following years of struggles to reinvent itself as a business focused on advertising and content. Time Warner is now owned by AT&T Inc. A board member of Citigroup and its predecessor, Citibank, since 1996, Parsons was named chairman in 2009 at a time of turmoil for the financial institution. Citigroup had suffered five straight quarters of losses and received $45 billion in government aid. Its board had been criticized for allowing the bank to invest so heavily in the risky housing market. Citigroup returned to profit under Parsons, starting in 2010, and would not have a quarterly loss again until the fourth quarter of 2017. Parsons retired from that job in 2012. In 2014 he stepped in as interim CEO of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers until Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took over later that year. “Dick Parsons was a brilliant and transformational leader and a giant of the media industry who led with integrity and never shied away from a challenge,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. Parsons, a Republican, previously worked as a lawyer for Nelson Rockefeller, a former Republican governor of New York, and in Gerald Ford’s White House. Those early stints gave him grounding in politics and negotiations. He also was an economic adviser on President Barack Obama’s transition team. Parsons, whose love of jazz led to co-owning a Harlem jazz club, also served as Chairman of the Apollo Theater and the Jazz Foundation of America. And he held positions on the boards of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Parsons played basketball at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and received his law degree from Albany Law School in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration,” fair trade deals “that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has a 25% tax on all products from Canada and as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican’s social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. “Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. Rob Gillies And Fatima Hussein, The Associated PressIn the ever-changing world of education technology, Neulight is carving out a unique niche by not just utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) as a trendy term, but by embedding it into meaningful tools that genuinely benefit educators. With a leadership team composed of seasoned Silicon Valley professionals, including CEO Jose Moreno and CTO Andrew Lawrence, PhD , Neulight is developing impactful, user-friendly solutions, supported by advisors with a lifetime of experience in education to ensure the needs of educators are always heard and addressed. This unique blend of Silicon Valley expertise and educational insight gives Neulight a distinctive edge in the EdTech arena. Their flagship platform, IntelliTier , is specifically designed to empower educators by offering personalized intervention strategies for students while prioritizing usability and data-driven insights. “We see many companies tossing around the term ‘AI’ as a buzzword. Our focus is bringing our users the value and insights of AI as intuitively as possible,” notes Jose Moreno, drawing from his rich experience that includes over five years at Microsoft and nine years at Netflix—where he was pivotal in launching the immensely successful Account Sharing initiative that helped to attract approximately 40 million new subscribers in just one year. Moreno underscores Neulight’s mission: “Here, we aim to bring that Silicon Valley mentality—world-class talent, rigorous data analytics, and a focus on customer experience—into the realm of education. Educators deserve better tools, which is why we initiated our journey with IntelliTier, focusing on personalized student support through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.” The Powerhouse Team Behind Neulight Neulight’s leadership team is a synthesis of cutting-edge technical knowledge and a profound understanding of educational needs. The background Moreno brings provides a unique lens through which to view the EdTech landscape. He envisions a seamless combination of top-notch engineering prowess with a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience. “It is all too common for educators and parents to express frustration with their experiences interacting with EdTech software,” Moreno explains. “Our mission is to change that narrative by injecting top Silicon Valley talent into this sector.” Andrew Lawrence, PhD, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, brings significant AI expertise to the table. With multiple patents and publications in prestigious conferences such as ICML and NeurIPS, he has extensive experience in machine learning. Before joining Neulight, Lawrence served as Director of Research at a London startup, where he helped pioneer Causal AI—a technology that mirrors human reasoning through cause-and-effect relationships. “What truly excites me about IntelliTier is its capacity to transcend basic AI functionalities,” Lawrence shares. “We’re employing AI in a purposeful manner—integrating it deeply into the platform to ensure educators can quickly obtain actionable insights that lead to tangible outcomes.” Neulight’s innovative approach is also supported by an impressive advisory board filled with educational professionals, including former school board members, retired assistant superintendents, and special education specialists. This collaboration between technological innovation and real-world educational experience ensures that Neulight's solutions not only leverage cutting-edge advancements but are also deeply aligned with the practical needs of educators. Lisette Mendez-Garcia , one of Neulight’s trusted advisors, as well as a school board member, school psychologist, and special education administrator in California, highlights the pivotal role and potential of AI in transforming education: "I am passionately dedicated to championing systemic strategies that empower teachers, elevate student success, and engage families as partners in education. As AI transforms industries, it's vital that we leverage its potential in ways that are safe, practical, and impactful for the classroom. IntelliTier is leading the way in streamlining behavior intervention, showcasing how innovative technology can improve support systems within our schools." IntelliTier: A Game-Changer for Educators At the core of Neulight's innovations is IntelliTier, a FERPA-compliant platform designed to help educators implement the MTSS framework effectively. IntelliTier simplifies the often complex challenge of providing personalized support for students' behavioral and social-emotional needs. This system enables educators to collect data, collaborate, and make informed decisions—all aimed at fostering students' social and emotional learning (SEL). “IntelliTier is designed to simplify data collection and analysis, delivering actionable insights that make educators' work more efficient and impactful,” Lawrence explains. “We understand that educators cannot afford to waste time on convoluted systems. That's why we’re ensuring the platform allows educators to save information, analyze it, and make quick decisions—so they can redirect their attention to what's truly vital: teaching.” A standout feature of IntelliTier is its ability to automatically discern which student interventions are proving effective and which require adjustments. By leveraging the ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) model for data collection, the platform can highlight students who require additional support and the type of interventions that can be most effective. This proactive approach allows educators to act swiftly, ensuring timely support for those in need. “We’re looking to move beyond the typical chatbot model,” Moreno adds. “Our AI actively brings relevant information to educators, rather than waiting for them to seek it out, fostering more proactive and informed decision-making. I’m excited to see how we continue to innovate in this area, but for now, we do include a chatbot that is knowledgeable about MTSS, the school, and the students so that educators receive immediate, informed support.” By detecting shifts in a student's needs, the platform not only alerts educators but also assists in adjusting intervention strategies, reducing the burden on educators to determine the necessary changes. With its meaningful incorporation of AI, IntelliTier evolves beyond the traditional chatbot model by actively presenting vital information to users instead of merely waiting for them to inquire. “We’re not here to simply follow trends,” Moreno states. “Our focus is on embedding AI in ways that practically assist educators. This involves creating systems that conduct in-depth data analysis and providing schools with actionable insights into what strategies are working versus those that aren’t.” Moving Beyond Buzzwords What sets Neulight apart is its profound integration of AI within the IntelliTier platform. Neulight weaves AI into the core functionalities of its platform, providing educators with real-time, actionable insights. This approach empowers schools to utilize their specific resources and policies, enabling IntelliTier to tailor its support accordingly. “Every school is unique, with distinct needs,” Lawrence observes. “IntelliTier is designed to consider the specific policies and resources of each school, allowing the AI to recommend interventions that are both effective and feasible.” IntelliTier’s AI-driven analytics surpass conventional data analysis by supporting educators in defining intervention plans that align with recognized frameworks such as Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS). By doing so, the platform equips educators with the tools they need to implement these frameworks effectively while also aligning with SMART goals—ensuring that objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Impact on Education The potential impact of IntelliTier on educational practices is significant. Research indicates that when the MTSS framework is faithfully implemented, schools report improvements in student attendance, grades, and graduation rates. However, many schools encounter challenges in implementing MTSS effectively, with the majority of teachers expressing confusion regarding its application. “If we execute this correctly,” Moreno asserts, “we should significantly aid schools in reaping these benefits while alleviating some of the burdens on educators. Once we achieve that, we will begin exploring our next education-focused product.” By addressing these existing challenges, IntelliTier is set to transform the manner in which schools support their students, facilitating a smoother implementation of MTSS and yielding meaningful results. Looking Ahead As Neulight continues to expand, the leadership team is optimistic that IntelliTier is merely the starting point. “We are genuinely excited about the future of education and the role that technology can play,” Lawrence states. “Our mission is to ensure that AI transcends being just a buzzword and instead becomes a tool that genuinely improves the experiences of both educators and students.” For anyone interested in understanding how Neulight and IntelliTier are reshaping the EdTech landscape, Moreno succinctly articulates their vision: “We’re here to create a meaningful difference, and this is just the beginning. Please don’t hesitate to contact us . We’re always happy to learn more about your needs and how we can help.” Neulight aims to advance the field of educational technology. Through IntelliTier, the company introduces an AI-powered tool that simplifies the process of providing personalized support to students. By emphasizing user experience and integrating deep data analysis, Neulight ensures that educators can focus on what truly matters: the students. As they continue to advance, one thing is evident—Neulight isn’t just following trends; they’re working to make a meaningful impact in the evolution of EdTech.In the fast-paced world of business and technology, every word spoken by industry leaders carries weight and significance. Recently, Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba Group, delivered a concise yet impactful 3-minute speech that has sent ripples throughout the business community. In this article, we will decode the signals hidden within Jack Ma's speech and explore the implications for the future.Title: The Blue Army Returns to Championship Contention? Mahrezka Gives Chelsea Fans the Courage to "Dream"

Another standout in this year's nominations is the groundbreaking film "384 Steps." Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Lee, "384 Steps" has been recognized for its innovative storytelling and powerful performances. The film's double nomination in key categories is a testament to its impact on audiences and critics alike.

According to official reports, Sarah Johnson had been traveling through Greenfield on a backpacking trip when she suddenly vanished without a trace. Her family and friends had been searching for her tirelessly ever since, holding out hope for her safe return. However, recent developments have shed new light on her mysterious disappearance.

In his statement, Butragueno acknowledged that the nature of modern football means that injuries are sometimes unavoidable, especially given the intense physical demands placed on players. However, he stressed that proactive measures can be taken to mitigate the risks and help players stay fit and healthy throughout the season. This includes personalized training programs, tailored recovery strategies, and a focus on maintaining overall fitness levels.Looking ahead, Shandong will regroup and refocus on their upcoming games, drawing upon the experience and lessons learned from this defeat to fuel their determination for future success. As they reflect on their performance and make adjustments, the team will strive to bounce back stronger and showcase their resilience and fighting spirit in the games to come.As the fans erupted in celebration, it was clear that Sandberg's triumph over Arsenal would be remembered as a memorable chapter in the club's history. The players, staff, and supporters alike basked in the glory of a well-deserved victory, knowing that they had overcome a formidable opponent and proved their mettle on the big stage.

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Share Tweet Share Share Email Financial empowerment remains a critical challenge for many communities. Traditional banking systems often exclude those in low-income brackets, leaving them without access to basic savings and credit services. However, a grassroots solution has emerged to address this gap: social micro-savings groups. These community-based initiatives bring people together to collectively save money and work toward shared financial goals, proving that unity can drive transformative change . Understanding Social Micro-Savings Groups Social micro-savings groups are informal collectives where members pool their savings. These groups are typically composed of individuals from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, often within the same community. Members contribute small amounts of money regularly, creating a shared fund. This pool of resources can be used to provide loans, support emergencies, or invest in shared projects. Unlike formal financial institutions, these groups operate on mutual trust and transparency. They have minimal overhead costs, making them accessible to people who might otherwise be excluded from traditional banking systems. Additionally, they foster a sense of ownership and accountability, as each member has a direct stake in the group’s success. Core Principles of Micro-Savings Groups Collective Responsibility: Each member contributes to and benefits from the group’s resources. This shared accountability ensures the system remains functional. Transparency: Regular meetings and clear documentation maintain trust among members. Flexibility: Contributions are tailored to suit the financial capabilities of members. Inclusivity: Groups often prioritize marginalized individuals, including women and rural populations. Benefits of Micro-Savings Groups Financial Inclusion For many individuals, access to formal banking services is a distant dream due to high fees, stringent requirements, or geographic barriers. Micro-savings groups bridge this gap by providing a simple, accessible platform for saving money and accessing credit. Members can build financial resilience without navigating the complexities of traditional banking. Empowerment Through Community Being part of a micro-savings group fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Members often share knowledge, skills, and resources, creating a supportive network. This collective strength enables individuals to pursue financial goals they might not achieve alone. Encouraging Savings Habits Saving money can be challenging, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. Micro-savings groups instill discipline by requiring regular contributions. Over time, members develop a habit of saving, which can lead to greater financial stability. Access to Credit In emergencies or for investment purposes, accessing loans can be crucial. Micro-savings groups offer an alternative to predatory lenders by providing low-interest loans from the shared fund. This system ensures that financial assistance remains affordable and within the community. How Micro-Savings Groups Operate Formation and Membership Groups usually form organically, with members coming together based on mutual trust. Ideal group sizes range from 10 to 25 members, ensuring manageability while fostering a sense of community. Once formed, members establish rules, including contribution amounts, meeting schedules, and loan terms. Contribution and Savings Members contribute fixed amounts at regular intervals, such as weekly or monthly. These contributions are recorded meticulously to ensure transparency. The accumulated savings create a fund that members can borrow from as needed. Loan Disbursement and Repayment Loans are granted based on group consensus, with clear repayment terms and minimal interest rates. Members are motivated to repay loans promptly, as the fund’s sustainability depends on it. Default rates are typically low due to the high level of trust within the group. Profit Sharing At the end of a savings cycle, often a year, the group distributes the accumulated savings and any profits from loan interest among members. This payout serves as a tangible reward for collective effort and financial discipline. The Role of Women in Micro-Savings Groups Women play a pivotal role in the success of micro-savings groups. In many communities, they are the primary caretakers and financial planners. By participating in these groups, women gain access to resources that can improve their families’ well-being. Micro-savings groups also provide a platform for women to develop leadership skills. As treasurers, secretaries, or chairpersons, they gain experience in financial management and decision-making. This empowerment extends beyond the group, enabling women to take on more active roles in their communities. Challenges and Solutions Lack of Financial Literacy Many participants may have limited knowledge of financial management, which can hinder the group’s effectiveness. Regular training sessions on budgeting, saving, and record-keeping can address this issue. Trust Issues Trust is the foundation of micro-savings groups. Any breach, such as mismanagement of funds, can jeopardize the group’s stability. To prevent this, members should establish clear rules and accountability mechanisms. Limited Funds The small contributions of members may not always meet the group’s financial needs. Partnering with NGOs or local governments can provide additional resources and support. Examples of Successful Micro-Savings Initiatives Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) VSLAs are a popular model of micro-savings groups, particularly in Africa. These groups have helped thousands of rural families access financial services, invest in businesses, and improve their quality of life. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India SHGs empower women in rural areas by providing them with access to savings and credit. These groups have significantly contributed to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment. Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) ROSCAs operate on a rotating basis, where each member receives the entire savings pool at a predetermined time. This system is simple yet effective in addressing immediate financial needs. The Future of Micro-Savings Groups As technology advances, micro-savings groups are evolving. Digital platforms and mobile banking are making it easier for groups to manage their funds and expand their reach. Apps designed specifically for savings groups can facilitate record-keeping, enhance transparency, and connect members with additional financial services. Moreover, partnerships with microfinance institutions and NGOs can amplify the impact of these groups, providing them with access to training, funding, and resources. By leveraging technology and collaboration, micro-savings groups can continue to thrive and empower more communities. Conclusion Social micro-savings groups are a testament to the power of collective effort. By pooling resources and working together, individuals can overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. These groups not only provide practical financial solutions but also foster a sense of community and empowerment. As they continue to grow and evolve, micro-savings groups have the potential to transform countless lives, proving that unity truly is strength . Related Items: Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments

Canada's Trudeau returns home after Trump meeting without assurances that tariffs are off the table

How this civic lottery will shape decision making in Burnaby over 25 yearsSAY the name JK Rowling and be ready to take cover as sanctimonious snowflakes screech hate about her views on transgender people. But attempts by leftie woke warriors to cancel the Harry Potter author have failed, with news she will definitely play a key role in a £1.6billion, ten-year TV adaptation of her books about the boy wizard. Furious trans activists had complained about Rowling being an executive producer on the show, which is being made in Britain for American TV channel HBO’s streaming service Max. Rowling has previously come under fire for claiming the “trans women are women” mantra is “idiotic”, and for campaigning to preserve safe spaces and women’s toilets for biological females only. JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement. But she denies being transphobic — and now excitement about the new TV project has drowned out calls for a boycott of her participation. At the weekend, HBO said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. “JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” The announcement has quietened those who have lined up to deny the 59-year-old her views on transgender questions. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, stars of the Harry Potter movie franchise, have previously slammed her comments on transgender rights. But Daniel, who played Harry, and Rupert, famed as Potter’s pal Ron Weasley at wizard school Hogwarts, have now both said they are looking forward to HBO bringing back the characters they played in eight films. And well they might — the TV series, which promises to “dive deep into each one of the iconic books” is a seriously big deal. Thousands of children have auditioned to play Harry, Ron and their friend Hermione Granger — portrayed in the films by Emma Watson — ahead of the expected start of filming in the spring . Meanwhile, Gary Oldman , who played wizard Sirius Black in the movies, has put his hat in the ring for future projects, saying, “Maybe in a few years I can play [Hogwarts headmaster] Dumbledore”. His former fellow cast members, including Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes and Jim Broadbent , have all defended Rowling’s right to express her opinions. If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it. These public displays of support for the writer reflect a shift in Holly-wood, which appears to be tiring of political correctness, which has proven to be a turn-off at the box office. Four years ago when Rowling mocked “people who menstruate” as a term to describe “women”, she faced a huge backlash from stars including Emma Watson. But rather than be cowed by the criticism, JK has continued to stand up for her beliefs. Last week she posted defiantly: “If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it.” The appeal of the story of orphan schoolboy Harry who discovers he has magical powers appears to be just as strong as ever. Since the first novel was published in 1997, and followed by six sequels, more than 600million books have been sold across the world. Shops selling merchandise, such as scarves and wands, continue to open and next month streaming platform Amazon Prime Video launches a Great British Bake Off-style TV show titled Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. When anti-Rowling campaigners called for a boycott of the Hogwarts Legacy video game last year, their protest had little or no effect as sales soared past 12million in just a couple of months. Meanwhile, stage play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child is still going strong in London’s West End after eight years. It is no surprise, then, that HBO parent company Warner Bros, whose eight Harry Potter films made around £ 7 billion combined, was keen to return to the Hogwarts school of Witch-craft and Wizardry. The movie giant’s streaming channel Max, previously known as HBO Max, will air the TV series in 2026. Succession and Killing Eve producer Francesca Gardiner will lead the project with British director Mark Mylod, whose CV includes Game Of Thrones. There are rumours Brit actor Mark Rylance, star of BBC period drama Wolf Hall, is in line to play Hogwarts Professor Albus Dumbledore . In September it was announced that the casting process for all the young Hogwarts characters — from Harry to his nemesis and fellow wizarding student Draco Malfoy — would be open to the public. They are looking for talented kids aged nine to 11 who live in the UK or Ireland. No acting experience is necessary, although show bosses have also been scouting stage schools. The website taking applications has now closed due to the huge response. It is a massive boost for the British TV industry, with the bulk of the series set to be made at Warner Bros’ studios in Leavesden, near Watford. The budget for each of the ten seasons is reckoned to be around £159million and the plan is to film each series back to back because bosses do not want the cast to age too much on screen. But it will be tricky because there are strict regulations about the hours school-age actors and actresses are allowed to work. Daniel Radcliffe, now aged 35, who had the most scenes in the Potter movies, had to be taught on set between shoots. He earned a reported £86million from the films but it is unlikely any of the wannabe Harrys eyeing up the TV gig would enjoy the same sort of payday. Daniel has backed the remake, saying: “It’ll be cool to see the torch get passed on.” Rupert Grint agrees, telling GQ magazine: “I’d love to see Harry Potter be adapted into a TV show. “It would really work.” Rowling, who is worth an estimated £945million, retains the rights to her books and she has always insisted strongly on having her say about any Potter-related projects. It was thanks to the Gloucestershire-born author, who now lives in Scotland , that the movies were not Americanised. HBO and Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys says Rowling has been “very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and director” for the telly series. Bloys also denied that her comments about trans issues had “affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff”. Indeed, Warner Bros are not the only ones who wish to work with the hugely imaginative writer. Even though the BBC twice apologised last year after Rowling was described during its programmes as “anti-trans”, the corporation keep adapting her Cormoran Strike crime novels into TV shows. Activists are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne. This December, her fictional detective played by Tom Burke will return for a BBC One four-part dramatisation of her 2022 novel The Ink Black Heart. Meanwhile, plenty of actors are backing JK. Broadbent, who played Hogwarts’ Professor Horace Slug-horn in two Potter films, said, “JK Rowling is amazing”, and Bonham Carter, who portrayed evil Bellatrix Lestrange, commented: “She has been hounded.” Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, described the attacks on the author as “appalling”, and Evanna Lynch, witch Luna Love-good in the films, said: “I do wish people would just give her more grace and listen to her.” But this type of comment is at odds with much of Gen Z. Not that JK is too worried about being cancelled, as she just shrugs if all off. Last April she said: “Activists are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. “As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.” By Julie Bindel, feminist and friend of JK Rowling JK ROWLING’S pinned tweet, in response to a trans activist claiming he burns her books and toasts marshmallows over the flame, reads: “I get the same royalties whether you read them or burn them. Enjoy your marshmallows!” Having bullied the majority into submission for so long, these activists are now losing ground. Increasingly, they are ignored and sidelined. Rowling is a feminist hero. Since first speaking out against the crazed gender ideology that has swept much of the world, including treasured institutions, she has made an immeasurable difference to women and girls everywhere. As one of the most famous authors ever, Rowling had no need to take a stand on this contentious, toxic issue – she did it because she could not remain silent. Having spent millions supporting orphaned children and other disadvantaged groups through her charitable work, she decided that adding her voice to the fight against those determined to see an end to female-only spaces and facilities would be worth the inevitable backlash. And what a backlash: in addition to innumerable rape and death threats, she has been publicly maligned by those whose fame and fortune she helped create. The actors who played Harry, Ron and Hermione have all stuck the knife in. As a lesbian, and as someone lucky enough to be able to call Rowling a personal friend, I know their claims are utter fabrication. Calls to boycott the new HBO Harry Potter TV series is nothing but bullying and posturing. I don’t know how those responsible sleep at night, when the ideology Rowling speaks out against leads to children being unnecessarily medicalised for life. Asked by a trans activist why she wanted to “die on this hill”, Rowling replied in her usual forthright manner: “If there’s a better hill to die on than the rights and safety of women and children, I’ve never found it.”As the doors of St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh closed at 11am, you could hear a pin drop inside its historic walls. Around 500 invited guests gathered on Saturday to remember the life of Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond, after his sudden death at the age of 69. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, First Minister John Swinney, and figures from across politics, business and entertainment had all taken their seats. But Mr Salmond’s successor Nicola Sturgeon, who she once described as her mentor, was not present. The pair had a spectacular fall out and the rift never healed. Mr Swinney was met by a chorus of ‘boos’ as he entered the service, showing tensions remain between supporters of Mr Salmond and the party he used to lead. The splendour of the 900-year-old church added to the sense of occasion, as the cathedral’s choir took to their feet to perform ‘God Be In My Head’. There was a reading in Gaelic by Josh Robertson, a young independence activist, and close friend, Tory MP David Davis, and SNP MSP Fergus Ewing gave readings. Some of the most moving movements of the one hour ceremony came during the musical performances, which all encapsulated Mr Salmond’s love of Scotland. There was time to quietly reflect when Alasdair Fraser on the fiddle and Natalie Haas on the cello performed ‘Theme for Scotland’ and ‘The Referendum’. The personal and the political were weaved together throughout the ceremony. Mr Salmond’s niece Christina Hendry recalled memories of her ‘Uncle Alex’, including visiting the Turriff Show with her uncle and her sister where “he was the one asking us to go on the rides with him”. Perthshire-based singer and songwriter Dougie MacLean followed with a performance of his 1978 song ‘Caledonia’ and its yearning for home. Long-time friend and Acting Alba leader Kenny MacAskill told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of a man”. Mr MacAskill, a former SNP minister who quit the party to join Alba, said the cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”. Sapphire fishing disaster off coast of Peterhead remembered Duncan Hamilton KC, who served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said he was “proud to be a fishing MP and fiercely loyal to those he represented in his beloved north-east”. He recalled an interview Mr Salmond gave in 2017 in which he said he wanted to be remembered for his , which sank off the coast of Peterhead on October 1, 1997. Mr Hamilton told the congregation: “He said this: ‘If I go to the Pearly Gates and my maker says, ‘What did you ever do with your life as an MP and all the rest of it?’ I might well say, ‘I helped raised the Sapphire’.” He added: “Some of those families are here today. The point is this – he understood that politics is about people – and that at its core it is about community.” He added: “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country.” Scottish band The Proclaimers got feet tapping across the cathedral for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line: “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Led by piper Hamish Moore, the congregation poured out into the square outside St Giles which was lined with hundreds of people paying their respects. Chants of ‘Alex, Alex, Alex’ and the ‘The dream shall never die’ rang out across the square. Geoff Aberdein, former chief of staff to Mr Salmond, said the memorial was a “hugely fitting” tribute. Asked how his former boss will be remembered, he said: “He transformed Scotland. He pushed Scotland almost to the brink of independence and in his resignation speech, he said the dream of independence shall not die. “It’s now for others to ensure it stays alive.”

Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Poulin has game winner as Montreal Victoire tops Minnesota Frost 3-2 for 3rd straight win

"I am in Beijing, and it feels like a dream," Guge mused as he wandered through the historic hutongs, soaking in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture that surrounded him. The towering skyscrapers and ornate temples stood side by side, a striking juxtaposition of old and new that captivated his senses.Moreover, China's economic diplomacy has continued to play a vital role in expanding its global influence and fostering international cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative, for instance, has strengthened economic ties with countries along the Silk Road, promoting connectivity, trade, and mutual prosperity. China's proactive participation in global governance and multilateral institutions has further enhanced its role as a responsible and reliable partner in the international community.

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However, critics argue that the heavy-handed approach taken by SARFT risks stifling creativity and innovation in the digital space. The rapid advancement of AI technology has blurred the boundaries between reality and fiction, and the use of deep learning algorithms to generate new forms of entertainment has become a common practice. The "甄嬛举枪" phenomenon is just one example of how AI can be used to re-imagine and reinterpret existing narratives in ways that challenge traditional norms and conventions.In the early hours of (date), a fire broke out at the Alibaba Cloud Data Center located in (specific location). The incident caused alarm among customers and the general public due to concerns about data security and potential disruptions to cloud services. However, in an official statement released by Alibaba Group, it was confirmed that the fire has been successfully extinguished, and there were no reported injuries or casualties as a result of the incident.