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WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court said Friday that it will hear a case related to California's ability to set its own, often strict, vehicle emissions standards that include curbs on greenhouse gases. It has become a fraught and politicized issue, especially since California began regulating greenhouse gases in an effort to combat climate change. Due to the size of the California market, the state’s regulations hold considerable sway over vehicle manufacturers. The case stems from the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to issue national standards under the federal Clean Air Act. The court only took up the question of whether various business interests, including liquid fuel companies, had legal standing to sue based on their argument that demand for their products would decrease under California's rules. It did not agree to hear the much bigger issue of whether the provision allowing California to set its own standards is unlawful. In recognition of California's historic role in regulating emissions, the law allows the EPA to give the state a waiver from the nationwide standards so that it can adopt its own. The Obama administration granted California a waiver to regulate greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions but the first Trump administration sought to change course. When Joe Biden was elected, his administration again gave California the leeway it wanted. The underlying California regulation was adopted in 2012. It sets standards to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and requires each manufacturer to sell a certain number of zero-emission vehicles. The state ultimately wants all cars and light trucks to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The most recent EPA waiver, in 2022, prompted 17 Republican states led by Ohio and the business groups to sue. The Supreme Court did not act on the separate appeal brought by states. Notably, some vehicle manufacturers backed the EPA in the lower court. In court papers, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar pointed out that manufacturers are already meeting the state's standards. The business challengers, meanwhile, say that the waiver "permits California to operate as a quasi-federal regulator on global climate change." The states argued that the provision in the Clean Air Act allowing for the veto is unconstitutional because it treats California differently compared to other states. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of the EPA in April.CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 FSR Cardiac Sarcoidosis Grant, providing $200,000 in funding to advance groundbreaking research aimed at improving the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis and doubling FSR's investment from 2023. FSR has awarded two grants, each in the amount of $100,000, to Dr. Eliot Peyster, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Ravi Karra, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology at Duke University. These grants support innovative projects designed to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical care for cardiac sarcoidosis patients. Dr. Peyster's research project, Establishing a True Gold Standard for Cardiac Sarcoidosis Diagnosis with Quantitative Multi-marker Immunofluorescence , applies advanced spatial biology techniques to create a new diagnostic gold standard for cardiac sarcoidosis, leveraging quantitative multi-marker immunofluorescence. His expertise spans cardiovascular diseases, heart failure, and translational research, with a focus on adapting cutting-edge technologies to improve patient care. "This generous award from the FSR will enable us to test a novel, modern, and very promising new approach to diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis," says Dr. Peyster. "The work we will perform as part of this award has the potential to be practice-changing and will hopefully lead to earlier disease detection and better outcomes for patients." Dr. Karra's research project, Repurposing 99mTc-Tilmanocept Imaging for Cardiac Sarcoidosis , focuses on adapting macrophage-specific imaging agents to improve cardiac sarcoidosis diagnosis and monitoring. His translational program at Duke University combines developmental biology and epidemiology to advance early-phase clinical trials and improve care for heart failure patients. "With generous support from the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, we are excited to test whether an imaging agent specific to macrophages can be used to better diagnose and follow cardiac sarcoidosis," says Dr. Karra. "This work is part of a bench-to-bedside approach from my lab and has the potential to address a significant, unmet need in the field of sarcoidosis." "We are thrilled to support these extraordinary projects through FSR's Cardiac Sarcoidosis Grant," says Mary McGowan, FSR's CEO. "The insights gained from this research have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, outcome evaluation, and treatment strategies not only for individuals with cardiac sarcoidosis but also for a wide range of other inflammatory diseases." FSR is dedicated to accelerating sarcoidosis research through its fellowships, pilot and cardiac grants, and other disease-specific initiatives. To date, FSR has provided more than $7 million in funding to support sarcoidosis research worldwide. To learn more about FSR's funding opportunities, visit https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/fsr-grants/ . About Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—that can form in one or more organs. Despite advances in research, sarcoidosis remains challenging to diagnose, with limited treatment options and no known cure. Approximately 175,000 people live with sarcoidosis in the United States. About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for those living with the disease through research, education, and support. For more information about FSR and its community programs, visit: www.stopsarcoidosis.org . Media contact: Cathi Davis Director of Communications and Marketing 312-341-0500 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e117b7a-964e-442d-b5ed-d7fff74c93b9 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia New Democrats have negotiated a deal with the two Green Party members of the legislature that will help stabilize the New Democrats' slim majority government, Premier David Eby says. The premier said in a statement Friday that while the two parties are distinct and won't always agree, they have "many shared values." Eby's party won a bare majority with 47 seats in the October provincial election, while two Greens were elected and the B.C. Conservatives have 44 seats. He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they'll work together to achieve, which includes health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. "This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people," Eby said. The stability of the NDP government got even shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she had cancer and was stepping away from her role as children's minister. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has said he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its "destructive policies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian PressThe Strictly Come Dancing 2024 final will air this Saturday (December 14) Vito Coppola and Sarah Hadland have expressed their affection for each other ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing final. The grand finale of the 2024 series is set to take place on Saturday, December 14. It's been confirmed that the couple will perform their Show Dance to Cabaret by Metropole Orkest, their American Smooth to Proud by Heather Small, and their Cha Cha to Like A Prayer by Madonna, all in a bid to win the coveted Glitterball trophy. Sarah, best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in the BBC sitcom Miranda, has shared her surprise at making it to the end of Strictly's 20th-anniversary series. At a press conference, the 53 year-old was asked if it had sunk in yet, to which she responded: "Not really, no. Because I was convinced we were going to be in that (semi-final) dance-off. I said to you (Vito), where do we go? Because we've never been in a dance-off. And I was like, where do we go? Where will we warm up? I was so convinced." Vito admitted that when co-host Tess Daly announced they had been saved, they "did not expect it at all". However, one person who has been rooting for Sarah, also known as Hadders, is her Miranda co-star and close friend Miranda Hart, reports the Manchester Evening News . The comedian and actress, who watched Sarah live in the ballroom a few weeks ago, has been sharing videos on social media directed at Vito and Sarah, acting as their unofficial 'choreographer'. This week, fans noticed the lack of a new video from Miranda, which she explained in a recent Instagram clip: "Hello, lots of people asking why I didn't do choreography Tuesday for Hadders and Vito for the final. Well, I'll tell you why. Guys, I've taught you all you need to know. I'm an empty husk of choreography and I've got you this far. I got you to the final and now it's over to you... Joking apart, laughter aside, thank you for bringing such joy to us all this autumn and just so much love and luck for Saturday. I can't wait. "To bring it back to me again, it happens to be my birthday and it's the best birthday gift that you're in the final. Love you both so much! " Sarah was quick to join the conversation with her reply: "I mean really could we have got this far without the choreography captain ? ? ? ? I think not caller. Love oooooo." Similarly, Vito expressed his gratitude: "Mirandaaaaaaa Thank you so so much for all the ideas, notes, choreography tips during the entire season. It's actually a trouple us 3. You have been with us since day one until the final and we will give our best also for you. We will celebrate your birthday keeping dancing. The biggest massive THANK YOU. We Love you so very much."Abacus Life director Adam Gusky buys $137,537 in stock

These Analysts Revise Their Forecasts On Dell After Q3 ResultsIrish voters head to the polls on Friday. Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is taking a “project truth” approach to calling out Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the Irish General Election campaign. Election results on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean have set the background for the final stretch of campaigning for Irish parties ahead of polling day on Friday. Donald Trump’s presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern that his administration’s proposals around corporation tax and tariffs would significantly impact Ireland’s economic model. Mr Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: “I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless.” He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in “project fear” to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: “I call it ‘project truth’. It’s telling people what’s being discussed right across European capitals.” Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being “dishonest” about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. “I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, they’re predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. “Even in 2025, they’re talking about a mini budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that we’re anticipating in 2025. “There’s a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8% of GDP to one side, and into the funds. There’s no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds.” He added: “It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if there’s headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it.” Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. She said the two men were now “indistinguishable” from each other as she claimed they were suffering “acute amnesia” in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: “To listen to them, you’d imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. “They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side.” Mr Martin’s and Mr Harris’ coalition partner Roderic O’Gorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government – but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue “fighting hard” on policies. He told reporters: “My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that they’d like an easier life in the next government – and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents.” Mr O’Gorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that “too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government”. Reflecting on Tuesday night’s debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained “too close to call” while Mr Harris said it is “all to play for”. The leaders of Ireland’s three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Friday’s General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. The latest opinion poll on Wednesday put the parties in a tight grouping, with Fianna Fail slightly ahead of Sinn Fein and Fine Gael in joint second. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power – with the Greens as a junior partner. From 2016 to 2020, Fianna Fail had supported Fine Gael in power through a confidence-and-supply arrangement from the Opposition benches in the Dail parliament. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government.

Aston Villa denied last-gasp winner in Juventus stalemateDespite the Congress party’s success in denting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s majoritarian dreams in the Lok Sabha elections, 2024 is a year most Indians are relieved to leave behind. Marked by calamities and few consolations, it’s a year everyone hopes will not be repeated in 2025. Among the few bright spots were examples of extraordinary courage. A. Sabeena, a nurse from Tamil Nadu, stands out for her heroism. She ziplined across the turbulent Chaliyar River in Wayanad, Kerala, to save 35 lives following a massive landslide that wiped out entire villages. Sabeena had seen footage of the devastation but was unprepared for the grim reality: bodies scattered, homes obliterated, and bridges destroyed. When no male nurses were available to cross the zipline built by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), she volunteered. “I wanted to do what I could to help. Everybody has to join hands during disasters,” she said matter-of-factly. Videos of her bravery went viral, earning her the Kalpana Chawla Award for Bravery from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Dr. Madhav Gadgil, the scientist behind the seminal Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report, was another hero of 2024. He was awarded the UN’s Champions of the Earth Award for his lifelong work in conservation and advocacy for marginalized communities. Gadgil’s 2021 report recommended declaring 75% of the Western Ghats—stretching across six states—an ecologically sensitive zone. However, the Kerala government rejected his recommendations, branding them anti-development. Politicians fueled anti-Gadgil sentiment, leading to rampant deforestation, illegal quarrying, and road construction—all contributing to the region’s landslide crises. At 82, Gadgil continues his advocacy, having founded India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986. Equally remarkable is the resilience of Ritu Singh, a Dalit professor denied tenure at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College in 2020. Singh claims her vocal advocacy for Dalit issues and opposition to RSS-backed upper-caste appointments cost her the position. Since her dismissal, Singh has protested outside the college gates, conducting classes on the Constitution and reading the Preamble to supporters. Her lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, poignantly described her plight in court, likening her to Eklavya, whose thumb was unjustly taken. Singh’s slogan, “Naukri nahi, nyay chahiye” (I demand justice, not a job), underscores her fight against systemic discrimination. On the flip side are figures whose actions—or lack thereof—warrant scrutiny. Madhabi Puri Buch, chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), faced allegations of conflict of interest. US-based short-seller Hindenburg accused her and her husband of investments in offshore funds linked to the Adani Group, potentially explaining SEBI’s tepid investigation into the conglomerate’s alleged accounting fraud and market manipulation. Further claims about Buch retaining ICICI employee stock options during her tenure at SEBI and alleged ties to equity firm Greater Pacific Capital added fuel to the fire. Despite denying these allegations, her credibility suffered. A protest by SEBI staff demanding her resignation and her absence from a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee hearing on October 24 only deepened the controversy. Other government officials have also failed in their responsibilities. Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari admitted during Parliament’s Question Hour that road accidents claim 1.78 lakh lives annually, with 60% of victims aged 18–34. Gadkari candidly acknowledged the need for societal change and stricter enforcement of laws but has yet to introduce measures to curb this epidemic. His remark about avoiding Delhi during winter due to “itna bhayankar” (terrible) air pollution drew attention to the deteriorating air quality affecting millions in the National Capital Region. Yet, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav remains conspicuously silent on the issue. While BJP and Congress politicians blame each other, AAP’s Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has repeatedly sought a joint meeting with Yadav, to no avail. Studies, including those by The Lancet, report air pollution-related deaths in India rising from 4.5 million to 7.3 million in the past decade, underscoring the urgent need for action. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, nicknamed the “derailment minister” by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, has similarly evaded accountability. Frequent accidents—from signal failures to derailments—have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. While Vaishnaw blames Congress for instilling fear among railway passengers, eleven railway unions have pointed out safety violations and staff shortages as key contributors to accidents. Their calls for prioritizing rail track renewals and filling vacant safety positions remain unanswered. As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that India’s heroes embody the resilience and courage needed to navigate crises, while its leaders must shoulder greater responsibility to ensure a better future. With hope as our compass, let’s work toward a brighter 2025. Rashme Sehgal is an author and an independent journalistNew Tech, New Gains! Nvidia Stock Set to Skyrocket?