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By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Related Articles National News | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National News | US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people National News | Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds National News | Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? National News | Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.uno online games 。

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama outHurricanes star Cam Ward named ACC Player of the YearIowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media

Yagi Studio Palladyne AI Corp. ( NASDAQ: PDYN ) develops adaptive robots for dynamic environments leveraging its Palladyne IQ AI Software platform. This platform relies on hardware-agnostic systems, real-time processing, closed-loop autonomy, and edge AI to create versatile robotic systems. PDYN’s solutions could be used in Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Monday, December 9, 2024 Saudi Arabia has emerged as a formidable leader in global tourism, outpacing its Gulf counterparts — UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain — to secure the coveted 3rd position in the international tourism order . This achievement is driven by an exceptional 61% growth in international tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to 2019. This growth reflects the success of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 , a comprehensive strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil. Through large-scale developments, heritage preservation, enhanced aviation infrastructure, and strategic financial investments, Saudi Arabia is leading the Gulf region in tourism. Below is an in-depth comparison of Saudi Arabia’s progress against the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain across critical tourism elements. Saudi Arabia spans an enormous 2.15 million square kilometers , making it the largest country in the Middle East and the 12th largest globally . This expansive landmass allows the Kingdom to develop large-scale tourism projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla , which require extensive land and natural resources. This is a key factor that sets Saudi Arabia apart from UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia has leveraged its large landmass to develop multi-regional tourism projects . For instance, NEOM covers over 26,500 sq km, offering futuristic attractions, adventure tourism, and technology-driven smart city developments. Similarly, The Red Sea Project utilizes Saudi Arabia’s natural islands to build luxury resorts, offering eco-friendly tourism experiences. Unlike smaller Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia’s land advantage allows it to create multiple world-class tourism hubs . UAE is significantly smaller, covering just 83,600 sq km , which limits the scale of its tourism developments. To overcome this constraint, the UAE relies on man-made islands like The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands . Unlike Saudi Arabia’s use of natural resources, UAE’s artificial islands come with environmental concerns. The UAE’s reliance on concentrated development in Dubai contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s regional tourism strategy that incorporates Jazan, AlUla, and Diriyah. Qatar is even smaller, covering only 11,581 sq km , making it one of the smallest countries in the Gulf. Due to space constraints, Qatar cannot undertake large-scale developments like The Red Sea Project or NEOM . Instead, it relies on urban developments like The Pearl-Qatar , which is smaller in scale compared to Saudi Arabia’s transformative projects. Qatar’s space limitations prevent it from executing multi-regional tourism initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s nationwide development strategy . Oman is relatively large at 309,500 sq km , but its tourism strategy focuses on eco-tourism and nature retreats . While Oman’s vast deserts and scenic wadis offer opportunities for natural tourism, it lacks the large-scale, futuristic smart city projects seen in Saudi Arabia. Oman’s focus is on preserving natural heritage, whereas Saudi Arabia’s approach combines nature with luxury, as seen in the Red Sea Project and NEOM . Bahrain is the smallest Gulf country, with just 760 sq km of land. Its tourism industry is centered around shopping malls, nightlife, and weekend getaways for GCC residents. Bahrain does not have sufficient land for large-scale tourism developments, unlike Saudi Arabia, which has developed extensive tourism hubs like NEOM and Diriyah . Bahrain’s reliance on short-term tourism is a disadvantage compared to Saudi Arabia’s multi-regional strategy . Saudi Arabia has committed an unprecedented $250 billion budget for 2023 , with substantial portions allocated to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and tourism. At the heart of this funding strategy is the Public Investment Fund (PIF) , which manages over $700 billion in assets . This massive financial resource is driving the development of transformative projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah, and AlUla . Unlike other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia’s government directly funds these projects, allowing for faster execution and large-scale developments that surpass the capacity of UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain . The scale and speed of these investments are unmatched, as the Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 , create 1.8 million jobs , and establish itself as a global tourism powerhouse . Saudi Arabia is channeling its vast financial resources through its Public Investment Fund (PIF) , which provides full financial backing for major projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Diriyah . Unlike other Gulf countries that depend on private investors or public-private partnerships, Saudi Arabia can directly fund large-scale developments, giving it more control over timelines and execution. Projects like NEOM , valued at over $500 billion , are being developed as futuristic, smart, and sustainable cities , while the Red Sea Project aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in eco-tourism . This approach allows Saudi Arabia to develop multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, unlike its neighbors, who typically focus on one large initiative at a time. UAE relies heavily on private-sector partnerships and foreign direct investment to finance its landmark projects like the Burj Khalifa and The World Islands . While this model has been successful in building iconic developments, it slows down project completion and increases reliance on foreign stakeholders. Unlike Saudi Arabia’s PIF-funded model , the UAE cannot independently fund multiple large-scale projects at once. As a result, developments like The World Islands experienced significant delays due to investor withdrawals. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s PIF enables the Kingdom to fast-track projects like The Red Sea Project and Diriyah , which are being developed without financial constraints or the need for private investment. Qatar funneled over $220 billion into infrastructure development for the FIFA World Cup 2022 , including the construction of stadiums, transportation, and hospitality infrastructure. However, most of Qatar’s spending was directed toward a single event, while Saudi Arabia’s budget is distributed across multiple large-scale projects with long-term growth potential. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Qatar does not have a state-controlled fund as large as PIF , which means its capacity to fund multi-regional developments is limited. Saudi Arabia’s financial strategy ensures that mega-projects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project generate sustained tourism revenue throughout the year, while Qatar’s projects are often focused on one-time events like the FIFA World Cup. Oman operates with a smaller budget and limited financial capacity , relying on foreign partnerships and development loans to fund its tourism infrastructure. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which independently funds its projects through the PIF , Oman’s development model limits its ability to execute large-scale initiatives. While Oman has successfully positioned itself as a leader in eco-tourism and nature-based tourism , it lacks the financial strength to develop large-scale, luxury-driven projects like Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project . Additionally, while Oman’s focus on small eco-lodges appeals to nature lovers, it cannot match the grand, multi-billion-dollar hospitality developments that Saudi Arabia is rolling out in NEOM and Sindalah Island . Bahrain relies on financial aid from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and private investments to support its tourism and hospitality sector. Without access to a sovereign wealth fund like Saudi Arabia’s PIF , Bahrain faces significant funding challenges. The Kingdom’s reliance on regional tourism also limits its ability to justify large-scale development projects. While Bahrain has developed luxury resorts and high-end hotels , it lacks the financial resources to undertake landmark projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, or Diriyah . Unlike Saudi Arabia, which is developing a distributed network of tourist destinations , Bahrain’s tourism economy is concentrated in a small urban area with limited capacity for growth. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a hospitality revolution , with plans to build 250,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 to support its goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually . Major projects like NEOM’s Sindalah Island and The Red Sea Project are transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for luxury resorts, eco-tourism hubs, and high-end hospitality experiences . Unlike its Gulf neighbors, Saudi Arabia is following a multi-regional hospitality approach , developing tourist hubs in Jazan, AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM , ensuring that every region benefits from tourism growth. Saudi Arabia is creating a distributed network of hospitality hubs across multiple regions. Projects like NEOM’s Sindalah Island offer ultra-luxury resorts with yacht marinas, while The Red Sea Project blends eco-tourism with luxury, offering unique island getaways. AlUla focuses on heritage-inspired hotels that immerse visitors in the Kingdom’s rich cultural history. Unlike other Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) , ensuring rapid development and global appeal. UAE has long been known for its luxury hotel industry , but most of its hospitality is concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi . While Dubai boasts landmarks like Burj Al Arab , the UAE’s tourism strategy is largely urban-focused. By contrast, Saudi Arabia’s multi-regional approach spreads luxury hotels and resorts across its vast territory. Saudi Arabia also incorporates natural beauty in its projects, unlike the UAE’s reliance on man-made islands like The Palm Jumeirah. Qatar experienced rapid hospitality growth in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 , with a surge in hotel construction. However, after the event, hotel occupancy rates fell significantly. Unlike Qatar’s event-driven model, Saudi Arabia focuses on year-round, sustainable tourism . Its diversified hospitality model, with projects like The Red Sea Project and AlUla , supports steady tourist arrivals throughout the year, not just for single events. Oman is known for its eco-tourism and nature retreats , with boutique hotels and eco-lodges in locations like Salalah and Muscat. However, Oman’s focus on small-scale development contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s large-scale, multi-region approach . Projects like The Red Sea Project incorporate eco-friendly luxury resorts on pristine islands, offering both luxury and sustainability. Unlike Oman’s niche approach, Saudi Arabia caters to a broader range of tourists, from adventure travelers to luxury seekers. Bahrain relies heavily on weekend tourism from neighboring Saudi Arabia, with many visitors traveling for shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. However, as Saudi Arabia develops its own luxury resorts in NEOM, AlUla, and Jazan , these same tourists are now staying within the Kingdom. This shift has reduced Bahrain’s hotel occupancy rates, as Saudi Arabia’s expansive hospitality network offers superior options for luxury, eco-tourism, and heritage experiences. Gulf nations are competing to attract international tourists through visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies , making it easier for millions of travelers to visit the region. By streamlining entry processes, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia aim to boost tourist arrivals, increase economic diversification, and reduce reliance on oil revenues. Each country’s approach reflects its broader tourism strategy, from promoting weekend getaways to encouraging luxury, adventure, and event-driven tourism . While Bahrain and Qatar focus on short-term tourism , Saudi Arabia is using its multi-regional tourism hubs to support year-round growth . Saudi Arabia has introduced visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry for citizens of 49 countries , marking a key step in its Vision 2030 initiative. This policy aims to make Saudi Arabia a leading global tourist destination. By simplifying entry for travelers from Europe, North America, and Asia , the Kingdom is drawing in a diverse range of visitors, from adventure travelers to luxury seekers. Tourists can now visit NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla with minimal travel restrictions. Unlike Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar , which focus on short-term tourism, Saudi Arabia’s approach targets year-round, multi-regional tourism growth , boosting its position as a top global destination. The UAE offers visa-free entry for citizens of 87 countries , reinforcing its status as one of the most accessible Gulf nations for international tourists. The policy supports the UAE’s goal to increase the number of visitors to Dubai and Abu Dhabi , which serve as the main tourism hubs. By simplifying travel for citizens from Europe, Asia, and the Americas , the UAE strengthens its reputation as a luxury shopping, entertainment, and urban tourism hub . Unlike Saudi Arabia, which focuses on multi-regional development , UAE’s tourism industry is heavily centered around Dubai . While the UAE remains a preferred transit point for global travelers, Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation capacity and multi-region strategy could soon challenge Dubai’s dominance. Qatar now offers visa-free entry for citizens of 102 countries , making it one of the most accessible destinations in the Gulf. This policy is part of Qatar’s efforts to maintain momentum following the success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 , which drew millions of tourists. Qatar’s visa-free policy targets visitors from Europe, Africa, and Asia , supporting its ambition to become a leading destination for sports tourism and cultural tourism . Unlike Saudi Arabia, which is focused on developing year-round tourism hubs like The Red Sea Project and NEOM , Qatar relies heavily on event-driven tourism . While Qatar’s visa policy ensures tourist access for major events, Saudi Arabia’s policy promotes sustained tourist inflow throughout the year. Oman now offers visa-free travel to citizens of 98 countries , making it one of the most accessible nature-based tourism destinations in the Gulf. This policy is aimed at attracting eco-tourists, adventure travelers, and cultural tourists from Europe and Asia. Visitors can explore natural retreats like Muscat, Salalah, and Oman’s wadis without the hassle of obtaining a visa. While Oman’s visa policy is similar to Saudi Arabia’s, its tourism model is niche-focused , promoting small-scale eco-lodges and boutique hotels. In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s visa-free entry supports a more diverse tourism approach , attracting travelers to luxury resorts, heritage sites, and adventure hubs like NEOM and AlUla . Bahrain has introduced visa-free entry for citizens of 72 countries , aiming to boost its status as a weekend getaway destination for Gulf travelers. The policy is intended to maintain Bahrain’s share of tourists from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) . With easy visa access, Bahrain aims to attract visitors for shopping, dining, and leisure tourism . However, Bahrain’s reliance on short-term visitors contrasts with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to promote year-round, luxury, and adventure tourism . As Saudi Arabia develops luxury hubs like NEOM, Jazan, and The Red Sea , many of the weekend tourists who once traveled to Bahrain are now choosing to stay within Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is transforming its aviation sector with the construction of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, which will have the capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually by 2030 . In addition, Saudi Arabia is launching a new flagship airline, Riyadh Air , which aims to connect the Kingdom to over 100 global destinations . The expansion of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is also underway to support increased tourist and religious pilgrim traffic. Unlike its Gulf rivals, Saudi Arabia is not focused on a single airport hub but on a multi-airport strategy to distribute tourism traffic across its vast regions. This strategy directly challenges the dominance of regional aviation giants like Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Hamad International Airport (DOH) . Saudi Arabia is building King Salman International Airport to handle 120 million passengers annually , surpassing the capacity of Dubai International Airport. The launch of Riyadh Air will further boost Saudi Arabia’s position as a global transit hub , offering direct flights to over 100 international destinations . Meanwhile, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport is being upgraded to handle increased tourism linked to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages , as well as leisure tourists visiting new resorts like The Red Sea Project . Saudi Arabia’s focus on regional airports and multi-destination connectivity sets it apart from other Gulf nations that rely on one primary airport hub. UAE relies on Dubai International Airport (DXB) , one of the busiest transit hubs in the world, handling 90 million passengers annually . While Dubai Airport is currently larger, King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will surpass it in capacity by 2030, with a capacity of 120 million passengers . Unlike Saudi Arabia’s multi-hub strategy , the UAE relies on a single major airport for most of its tourism traffic. Saudi Arabia’s introduction of Riyadh Air will also pose direct competition to Emirates Airlines , currently the leading Gulf carrier for long-haul flights. Qatar is home to Hamad International Airport (DOH) , which underwent significant expansion to support traffic from the FIFA World Cup 2022 . However, after the event, tourist arrivals have declined, leaving Qatar with underutilized airport capacity. Unlike Qatar’s event-driven strategy, Saudi Arabia’s approach is long-term and growth-focused . The King Salman International Airport will support sustained tourism growth and global transit routes through Riyadh Air , offering year-round demand rather than event-based spikes. This strategy ensures that Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is future-proof. Oman operates Muscat International Airport , but its passenger capacity is small compared to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport . Oman’s aviation sector is geared toward regional travel , with limited capacity to act as a global transit hub. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is pursuing an aggressive global connectivity strategy , positioning itself as a major player in aviation. With the launch of Riyadh Air , Saudi Arabia will attract international transit passengers, taking market share from Oman’s airports and boosting connectivity for tourism hotspots like AlUla, Jazan, and The Red Sea resorts . Bahrain relies on Bahrain International Airport , which primarily caters to short-haul regional traffic. Bahrain also relies on Gulf Air , its national airline, which offers limited connectivity compared to the global expansion planned by Riyadh Air . The multi-hub approach of Saudi Arabia , with airport development in Riyadh, Jeddah, and new regional airports , reduces Bahrain’s ability to compete. Saudi Arabia’s expansion into the global aviation market threatens Bahrain’s position as a convenient layover point for Gulf travelers. Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s master plan for economic and social transformation , aimed at reducing its dependence on oil and positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism powerhouse . Launched in 2016 under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , Vision 2030 outlines ambitious goals, including increasing non-oil revenue, growing the tourism sector, and boosting the economy through large-scale development projects . The strategy aims to transform Saudi Arabia into one of the world’s top destinations for leisure, culture, and adventure tourism. Unlike UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain , which focus on specific aspects of tourism, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a multi-dimensional strategy that touches every part of the economy, from aviation and hospitality to entertainment and regional development. Saudi Arabia has set clear targets under Vision 2030 , with the most prominent goal being to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. To achieve this, the Kingdom is focusing on mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Diriyah, and AlUla , each offering a unique tourism experience. Vision 2030 also emphasizes economic diversification , with the goal of reducing oil dependency to less than 50% of GDP . Key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and aviation are now major contributors to the economy. Additionally, the Kingdom aims to create 1.8 million new jobs in the tourism sector, further driving socio-economic transformation. Saudi Arabia’s vision also includes hosting major global events like the World Expo 2030 , which is expected to attract over 40 million visitors to Riyadh, generating billions in revenue. Unlike its Gulf rivals, Saudi Arabia’s vision goes beyond one-time sporting events or luxury hubs — it aims for long-term sustainable tourism growth . UAE has developed its own long-term strategy for growth, with Dubai’s vision focusing on luxury tourism, shopping, and entertainment . However, UAE’s strategy is centered around the success of a few key hubs like Dubai and, to a lesser extent, Abu Dhabi . Unlike Saudi Arabia, which is developing tourism across multiple regions, the UAE relies on urban-based tourism driven by luxury shopping malls, theme parks, and architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa . While Dubai hosted Expo 2020 , it was a short-term event that did not generate the long-term sustainable growth Saudi Arabia aims to achieve with its hosting of the World Expo 2030 . Furthermore, UAE’s tourism strategy lacks the depth and regional diversification seen in Vision 2030, where multiple regions like Jazan, AlUla, and The Red Sea are being developed simultaneously. Qatar made headlines with its hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 , which temporarily boosted tourism. However, Qatar’s tourism growth is largely event-driven . Once the event concluded, hotel occupancy rates declined, and tourist arrivals slowed. While Qatar has focused on promoting sports tourism and cultural tourism through museums like the National Museum of Qatar , its strategy does not have the multi-pronged approach of Vision 2030 . Saudi Arabia’s vision aims to sustain year-round tourism by creating large-scale tourism projects like NEOM and The Red Sea Project , ensuring there is a constant influx of visitors throughout the year. Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia is also targeting a wider range of tourists, from eco-tourists and adventure seekers to luxury travelers . By incorporating cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and luxury resorts , Saudi Arabia is creating a more diversified tourism economy than Qatar’s sports-driven model . Oman has focused its tourism strategy on eco-tourism and nature-based retreats , with projects in areas like Salalah and Muscat. However, Oman’s tourism growth is limited due to its smaller budget and reliance on small-scale eco-lodges and nature resorts. Vision 2030 takes Oman’s eco-tourism model to the next level with The Red Sea Project , where 90 pristine natural islands are being converted into a luxury eco-tourism hub. Unlike Oman’s small-scale eco-resorts, Saudi Arabia’s The Red Sea Project offers a combination of ultra-luxury villas, floating hotels, and coral reef tourism , making it one of the most ambitious eco-tourism developments in the world. While Oman is known for its nature tourism, it lacks the financial capacity and large-scale projects that Saudi Arabia’s PIF funds. Moreover, Vision 2030 promotes the development of tourism in multiple regions like NEOM, AlUla, and Jazan , while Oman’s tourism efforts are primarily focused on a few areas like Salalah. Bahrain has traditionally relied on weekend tourism from neighboring Gulf countries, especially visitors from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Bahrain’s tourism sector revolves around shopping malls, nightlife, and leisure tourism , but this model is being challenged by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With the development of luxury resorts in NEOM, Jazan, and The Red Sea , Saudi Arabia is now retaining tourists who previously traveled to Bahrain for leisure. Unlike Bahrain, which relies on weekend traffic, Vision 2030 promotes year-round, sustainable tourism . Bahrain’s reliance on Gulf tourists is fragile, as Saudi Arabia’s domestic developments offer better-quality resorts and more diverse attractions. While Bahrain focuses on its small hospitality sector, Vision 2030 envisions a future where Saudi Arabia becomes a global tourism leader , not just a regional player. This shift has already led to a decline in Bahrain’s hotel occupancy, as tourists who used to travel to Bahrain now stay within Saudi Arabia’s new tourist hubs. Saudi Arabia is set to host the prestigious World Expo 2030 in Riyadh , a monumental achievement that will position the Kingdom as a global tourism and business hub . Running from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031 , the Expo is expected to attract over 40 million visitors from around the world. This six-month-long event will showcase Saudi Arabia’s advancements in technology, culture, innovation, and sustainability , aligning perfectly with the goals of Vision 2030 . Hosting the World Expo not only enhances Saudi Arabia’s global reputation but also provides a significant boost to its tourism sector, hospitality industry, and local economy. Saudi Arabia ’s successful bid to host World Expo 2030 is a testament to its growing influence on the global stage. The event will generate billions in economic activity and create thousands of new jobs, further supporting the Kingdom’s mission to diversify its economy. Unlike short-term events like Qatar’s FIFA World Cup , the World Expo 2030 will span six months , drawing tourists, investors, and world leaders. The Expo will be hosted in Riyadh , but its impact will be felt nationwide, with supporting tourism hubs in AlUla, Jazan, and The Red Sea Project also benefiting from the influx of international visitors. As the Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors annually , hosting this global event ensures Saudi Arabia will remain a key player in the tourism and business sectors for years to come. UAE previously hosted Expo 2020 Dubai , which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the event successfully attracted millions of visitors, it only lasted for six months and had limited long-term tourism impact. Unlike UAE’s strategy of promoting Dubai as the key tourism hub, Saudi Arabia’s World Expo 2030 will showcase multiple regions , including Jeddah, AlUla, and Riyadh. This multi-regional approach allows for more distributed tourism growth, unlike Dubai, where most activity is centered in a single city. Additionally, while Dubai hosted the Expo after building its global reputation, Saudi Arabia’s Expo will showcase its economic transformation under Vision 2030 , symbolizing a shift from oil reliance to a diversified economy fueled by tourism, aviation, and hospitality. Qatar gained global attention for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 , an event that boosted short-term tourism but faced criticism for its limited long-term impact on the country’s economy. Unlike the World Cup, which lasted for only a month, the World Expo 2030 will run for six months, ensuring sustained tourism activity. Saudi Arabia’s tourism model is long-term and multi-dimensional , offering visitors more than just sports events. While Qatar used the World Cup to increase hotel capacity and expand its aviation sector, many of its newly built hotels are now underutilized. Saudi Arabia’s multi-regional tourism model ensures that tourism hubs like NEOM, The Red Sea, and AlUla will benefit from the influx of Expo visitors. This approach drives sustained economic growth, unlike Qatar’s event-driven strategy , which resulted in an occupancy drop after the World Cup ended. Oman has never hosted an event on the scale of the World Expo 2030 , and its tourism strategy is focused on eco-tourism and nature retreats . While Oman’s eco-tourism model attracts niche travelers, it does not have the capacity to host large-scale international events like a World Expo . Saudi Arabia’s ability to host the event reflects its growing influence and infrastructural development. Unlike Oman, which relies on its natural landscape for tourism, Saudi Arabia is using Vision 2030 to build a future-ready tourism industry capable of handling millions of international visitors. The construction of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and the launch of Riyadh Air are directly linked to the success of the World Expo 2030 , as they will facilitate the arrival of millions of tourists. Unlike Oman, which focuses on small-scale nature retreats, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality network will expand to accommodate Expo visitors in regions like NEOM, Jazan, and AlUla . Bahrain ‘s tourism strategy has always centered on weekend tourism from neighboring Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Bahrain does not have the capacity or infrastructure to host an event as large as World Expo 2030 . The Expo will further reduce Bahrain’s share of weekend tourists, as many of these visitors from Saudi Arabia will now stay within the Kingdom to experience the world-class exhibitions, entertainment, and attractions associated with the Expo. Saudi Arabia’s strategy of using the Expo as a catalyst for its long-term tourism growth contrasts sharply with Bahrain’s reliance on short-term tourist arrivals. The development of luxury resorts in NEOM, AlUla, and The Red Sea offers an alternative to Bahrain’s hotel and shopping experience, giving tourists more reasons to stay within Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is transforming Gulf tourism and aviation under Vision 2030, surpassing UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. As the largest country in the Middle East, it’s leveraging its vast land for mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Diriyah, supported by a $700B PIF and a $250B budget allocation. The hospitality sector is expanding with 250,000 new hotel rooms, while King Salman International Airport (120M capacity) and Riyadh Air (100+ destinations) are redefining aviation. Hosting the World Expo 2030 will draw 40M visitors, cementing Saudi Arabia’s status as the region’s leader in tourism, hospitality, and aviation. says Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan Editor in Chief of TTW Saudi Arabia is taking a multi-regional approach with the launch of Riyadh Air , enabling direct flight connections to over 100 global destinations . The airline will operate a state-of-the-art fleet consisting of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo aircraft , allowing it to offer short, medium, and long-haul flights. This approach caters to a wide range of travelers, from business executives to leisure tourists, ensuring maximum passenger reach. Riyadh Air is being strategically positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector, with direct routes to key tourist hubs like NEOM, The Red Sea, and AlUla . Unlike other Gulf airlines, Riyadh Air’s multi-destination strategy allows tourists to enter Saudi Arabia directly through multiple regions, not just Riyadh. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) , Riyadh Air’s launch will create thousands of jobs and fuel Saudi Arabia’s mission to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Unlike its Gulf competitors, Riyadh Air’s comprehensive strategy positions it to be a direct competitor to Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Oman Air. UAE is currently the leader in Gulf aviation, with Emirates being one of the most well-known global airlines. Emirates operates out of Dubai International Airport (DXB) and serves more than 150 destinations worldwide. However, Saudi Arabia’s launch of Riyadh Air directly challenges Emirates’ dominance in the region. Unlike Emirates, which is heavily reliant on a single hub (Dubai), Riyadh Air follows a multi-region strategy , operating flights directly into multiple Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and new tourist hotspots like NEOM . This multi-destination approach gives Riyadh Air a clear advantage over Emirates, which must funnel most of its passengers through Dubai. Riyadh Air’s entry into the long-haul flight market is further boosted by its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet , which allows for fuel-efficient, non-stop routes to Europe, Asia, and North America . Saudi Arabia’s focus on multi-regional connectivity ensures that travelers have direct access to tourist hotspots like The Red Sea Project and AlUla , unlike the UAE, where most tourism traffic is concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Qatar has long dominated the Gulf’s premium aviation space with Qatar Airways , which operates out of Hamad International Airport in Doha. Renowned for its 5-star service and premium cabin experience, Qatar Airways has become one of the world’s most awarded airlines. However, Riyadh Air poses a significant threat to Qatar Airways’ market share. While Qatar Airways operates from a single hub in Doha , Riyadh Air will offer flights to multiple Saudi destinations, creating direct access to Saudi Arabia’s top tourist destinations . Riyadh Air is also set to challenge Qatar Airways in the premium aviation sector , with modern fleets of Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A321neo planes that offer luxurious cabin options for business and first-class passengers. Unlike Qatar Airways, which relies heavily on event-driven tourist demand (like the FIFA World Cup), Riyadh Air is part of Saudi Arabia’s sustained tourism growth model , where the focus is on attracting year-round tourists. By offering connections to major cities in Europe, Asia, and North America , Riyadh Air is expected to draw business travelers and high-end tourists who previously relied on Qatar Airways for long-haul flights. Oman ‘s aviation sector is supported by Oman Air , a relatively smaller carrier that operates regional flights and some medium-haul routes to Asia, Europe, and Africa . Oman Air’s strategy focuses on regional connectivity , but it lacks the capacity, fleet size, and global reach of Riyadh Air . Unlike Oman Air, which serves a niche market, Riyadh Air will serve over 100 destinations worldwide . Riyadh Air’s global connectivity strategy will offer passengers more direct long-haul routes than Oman Air, allowing passengers to avoid stopovers at hubs like Muscat or Doha. The airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners provides ultra-long-haul flight capability , connecting travelers directly to key cities in North America, Europe, and Asia . With the support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 , Riyadh Air is backed by the full weight of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) , ensuring it can execute large-scale fleet expansion and operational growth at a pace that Oman Air cannot match. The entry of Riyadh Air into the global aviation market is likely to reduce Oman Air’s regional traffic, as travelers who once relied on Oman’s connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa will now have direct access to key global cities via Riyadh Air . Bahrain has relied heavily on its national airline, Gulf Air , to maintain its aviation presence in the Gulf. Gulf Air is a relatively small carrier, operating regional and short-haul flights to parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa . Bahrain’s aviation strategy relies on regional connectivity and layovers , especially for passengers traveling from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, with the launch of Riyadh Air , Bahrain’s role as a layover destination is likely to diminish. Riyadh Air’s entry will allow travelers to fly directly to their destinations , avoiding layovers in Bahrain. Gulf Air’s fleet size and limited route network are no match for Riyadh Air’s planned operations, which will connect travelers to over 100 destinations worldwide . Saudi Arabia’s focus on tourism-driven aviation growth will also attract regional tourists who would have previously flown through Bahrain. The Kingdom’s strategy of providing direct access to NEOM, The Red Sea, and Jazan ensures that regional traffic will no longer need to pass through Bahrain , further reducing Gulf Air’s market share. Unlike Gulf Air, which relies on small aircraft for short-haul flights, Riyadh Air’s use of Boeing 787s and Airbus A321neo aircraft enables it to offer direct long-haul flights to key international markets. Saudi Arabia’s ascent to 3rd place in the international tourism order, surpassing UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, is driven by an explosive 61% growth in international arrivals . This remarkable achievement is the result of a well-executed strategy under Vision 2030 , which focuses on large-scale tourism projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Diriyah . Unlike its Gulf counterparts that rely on event-driven tourism or niche markets, Saudi Arabia’s approach is comprehensive, spanning eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and luxury hospitality. Backed by the $700 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF) and extensive government support, the Kingdom has developed a multi-regional tourism model, ensuring every part of the country benefits from the tourism surge. The diversity of offerings, from ultra-luxury resorts to natural island retreats, gives Saudi Arabia a competitive edge, allowing it to attract tourists year-round, not just during events. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has played a pivotal role in its tourism dominance. The development of King Salman International Airport and the launch of Riyadh Air have increased global connectivity, allowing tourists to fly directly to new hotspots like NEOM, The Red Sea, and AlUla . This multi-hub approach sets Saudi Arabia apart from Gulf competitors that rely on single major airports. The Kingdom’s successful bid to host the World Expo 2030 further solidifies its position as a global tourism leader. Unlike short-term tourism boosts from events like Qatar’s FIFA World Cup, the six-month-long Expo is expected to attract over 40 million visitors , driving sustained economic growth. Saudi Arabia’s combination of bold investments, diversified tourist attractions, and long-term growth strategies has redefined Gulf tourism, firmly establishing it as a regional powerhouse and a rising global tourism leader.NASA to Test X-59 Quesst Shock Wave ProbeWASHINGTON: China’s retaliatory export controls could take a toll on the growing US clean energy sector and its defense industry, analysts say, as a trade tussle escalates between the world’s two biggest economies. Beijing announced this week it would ban exports of gallium, germanium and antimony to the United States, targeting materials used for everything from semiconductors to solar cells. China also tightened restrictions on graphite, which is key to the electric vehicle industry. The moves, which Beijing said were to safeguard national security, swiftly followed Washington’s own curbs to hobble China’s ability to make advanced computer chips. While trade tensions have been simmering, US President-elect Donald Trump’s arrival at the White House in January is likely to ratchet up the temperature on trade - with the Republican already vowing sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports. Analysts say it would take time to assess the impact of the new Chinese curbs on US industries, though any immediate hit should be limited. Some see Beijing’s moves as symbolic for now, even as ramifications depend on how China enforces the new rules. “This certainly could drive up costs,” said Arun Seraphin of the National Defense Industrial Association. “It could create situations where you can’t produce what you need.” “It’s certainly going to drive a lot of uncertainty for companies who want to plan out their supply chain,” he told AFP. China is a major producer of the three metals in question. In August, it unveiled export controls on some antimony products and since then, shipments have plunged. Restrictions announced in 2023 on gallium and germanium also hit exports to the United States. Defense tech “Gallium, germanium, and antimony are vital inputs for defense technologies,” said Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in a recent analysis. Gallium and germanium are increasingly preferred over traditional silicon for high-performance chips used in defense applications, CSIS added. It noted these materials have properties that boost device performance, speed, and energy efficiency. Antimony is used in fireproofing and has defense-related uses, too. While China is investing in munitions and buying high-end weapons systems more rapidly than the United States, the US industrial base lacks capacity to meet defense tech production needs, the report warned. “Bans on vital mineral inputs will only further allow China to outpace the United States in building these capabilities,” it said. The US Geological Survey estimates that if China’s net exports of gallium and germanium were completely restricted simultaneously, US GDP could decrease by $3.4 billion. Clean energy Besides defense, gallium-based semiconductors are used in radio frequency electronics, LEDs for lighting and high-efficiency solar cells, the US Geological Survey noted. Although gasoline vehicles do not call for graphite, electric vehicles (EVs) require an average of 136 pounds (61.7 kilograms) of the material, CSIS said. This could prove dicey for the United States, which has spurred billions in private sector investments for its domestic EV supply chain through subsidies via the Inflation Reduction Act. The act is a package of energy transition policy and social reforms under President Joe Biden. Seraphin told AFP that although Washington also pushed to attract investment and build up US semiconductor manufacturing capacity through the CHIPS and Science Act, these efforts do not yet target components such as germanium. Challenges Beijing’s retaliation this week steps up the restrictions on gallium and germanium announced in 2023 - as China hit back at previous US semiconductor export controls. “The industry was likely somewhat surprised by the swiftness of the imposition of a broader ban, but has been conditioned over the past year to expect some restrictions,” Paul Triolo of Albright Stonebridge Group told AFP. He noted that China’s commerce ministry had already implemented a licensing regime around these key minerals, including “rolling three-month licenses to try and prevent stockpiling.” While there has been some effort to stockpile minerals like graphite and gallium, this does not appear to be coordinated between US authorities and allies to reduce reliance on China over the long haul. It will be tricky to create capacity for processing and producing products based on these minerals outside China, Triolo believes, due to costs and regulatory challenges. “Companies are reluctant to enter these markets without long-term guarantees of subsidies, given the dominance of Chinese firms,” he said. — AFP

What Causes Saudi Arabia to Beat UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain with Explosive Sixty One Percent Growth to Categorized 3rd in International Tourism OrderAbbeville Christian Academy is looking for a new head football coach following the resignation of Matthew Mims. Mims guided the Generals for three seasons. After a 4-7 season in his first year in 2022, ACA went 1-9 and 2-8 in the last two seasons. Both his first and third teams made the AISA state playoffs. While he has resigned from football, Mims remains at the school as a junior high history teacher, the head junior high baseball coach and assistant athletic director. As of now, he plans to stay at ACA through the school year in May. “I stepped down at this time to allow somebody else to come in that these boys deserve that can lead them in the right direction,” Mims said, adding he turned in his resignation on Monday, Nov. 11, a couple of days after the Generals’ season ended in a first-round playoff loss. “I thought it was best to give Abbeville Christian Academy the best possible coach (to take over). I have really enjoyed my time here. It has been family and a great experience. “I just feel I owe it to that younger group coming through to give them the best person possible to be the next football coach at Abbeville Christian. I think our administration is going to do a fantastic job of finding the right person.” Mims came to ACA from an assistant coaching role at Evangel Christian Academy. A former high school quarterback, Mims is a 2012 graduate of Jemison High School in Chilton County and a 2017 graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery. He began his coaching career at Sidney Lanier in 2013 while attending school at Huntingdon. He was the quarterback coach of the Poets for two seasons before moving to the AISA ranks at Hooper Academy as offensive coordinator. After one season at Hooper and graduating from Huntingdon, he was hired at Chambers Academy where he was an offensive assistant to head coach Jason Allen. While at Chambers, he was part of the Rebels’ 2017 state runner-up team and the 2018 state championship team. Following two seasons at Chambers, he moved to the junior college coaching ranks, serving as quarterbacks coach at Independence Community College in the Jayhawk Conference in Kansas for one season. He then became the offensive coordinator at Nowata High School in Oklahoma before landing a head coaching job at Baxter Springs (Kansas). After one season at Baxter Springs, he wanted to return to Alabama, doing so at Evangel Christian Academy. Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Cam Johnson scored 26 points, Nic Claxton had 16 and the shorthanded Nets beat the Indiana Pacers, 99-90, on Wednesday night at Barclay Center to end a three-game losing streak. Shake Milton had 15 points off the bench for the Nets. The 6-8 Johnson, who missed the Nets' last game with a sprained ankle, is off to a strong start this season. He has been averaging a career-high 18.1 points coming into Wednesday night. Johnson has scored at least 20 points in nine games this season. The Nets have been hit hard by injuries. Cam Thomas (left hamstring strain), Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle), Ziaire Williams (left knee) and Noah Clowney (left ankle) were sidelined. T.J. McConnell had 14 points for Indiana, and Tyrese Haliburton had 13. The Pacers have lost four in a row and seven of 10. After Indiana's Pascal Siakam scored four consecutive points to tie it at 80 with 8:08 left, the Nets responded with a 10-0 run — making it 90-80 on Jaylen Wilson's basket with 5:57 remaining. Indiana got off to a slow start and shot just 13 for 39 from the field and 4 for 18 from long distance in the first half. They turned the ball over 12 times. The Nets outscored Indiana 19-10 over the last eight minutes. The Pacers did a better job of protecting the ball in the second half and had only four turnovers after having 12 in the first half.

Portable generator vs power station: Which power solution is best for you?Topline France’s government was fractured Wednesday when a coalition of far-right and far-left lawmakers led a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister of France Michel Barnier, leaving the wobbly ruling coalition of President Emmanuel Macron in disarray. Key Facts This story is breaking and will be updated. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Key Background Barnier was named prime minister in September, months after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned in July, though Attal stayed on in a caretaker capacity until Macron picked a new prime minister. France has been in political turmoil since June, when Macron called snap elections in an effort to “clarify” the country’s political makeup after his party lost to the far-right in European Parliament elections—but the results left the country with a deeply divided Parliament, with no party having a majority. The leftist New Popular Front party won the most seats (182), but was far short of the 289 seats needed for a majority. The far-right National Rally party and its allies won 143 seats, and Macron’s more centrist party, the Ensemble alliance, won 163 seats. Although the New Popular Front won the most seats, Macron did not appoint a member of the party as prime minister, opting for Barnier instead out of concern that the NPF’s candidate was “not in a position to govern with stability," Politico reported. When Macron named Barnier, who had been a cabinet minister four times and a European commissioner twice, the Elysée Palace said in a statement Macron “made sure that the prime minister and its government will have the most stable conditions possible.” What Does This Mean For The French Economy? France is reportedly the second-biggest economic power in the European Union, and Barnier’s resignation will likely throw the country into greater disarray while trying to manage its budget. Reuters reported that with Barnier out of power, France risks ending the year without a budget for 2025 or a prime minister in power, both of which could weaken its standing worldwide. The Wall Street Journal reported French stocks have fallen in recent weeks as the country’s debt has risen to its highest level since 2012. France’s deficit is currently projected at 6.1% of its GDP—which is more than double the EU’s limit —leading investors to deem France a “risky investment,” Politico reported. What To Watch For How Macron responds. He could allow Barnier to stay on in a caretaker capacity, the Journal reported, and try to pass measures to extend this year’s budget and avoid a government shutdown in 2025. He could also appoint a new prime minister to address the budget. Further ReadingDesign Your Career: Lead Self, Lead Others, Lead ChangeSave a quick $20 on the 8GB Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11′′

FORMER Vice-President, Cde Phelekezela Mphoko, died in India yesterday afternoon at the age of 84 while receiving medical treatment. Acknowledging his dedicated contributions to Zimbabwe’s liberation and growth, the Zanu-PF Politburo promptly honoured him by declaring him a national hero. He is survived by wife, Laurinda, three children, Sikhumbuzo, Siduduzo and Siqokoqela, as well as several grandchildren. Family member Velile Mphoko said the former Vice-President’s wife and children were in Dubai and preparing to fly back home. “Senior family members have instructed us not to allow anyone into the house,” he told Saturday Chronicle at the Mphoko family home in Douglasdale suburb, Bulawayo, yesterday evening. President Mnangagwa expressed deep grief and sadness at the passing of the former Vice-President. “A veteran of our Liberation Struggle, Cde Mphoko’s political and military history coincides with the early days of militant nationalism against white settler colonialism, which later morphed into the armed Liberation Struggle. He was among its early architects, brave fighters, and formative commanders,” said President Mnangagwa. The President stressed that the national hero’s contribution to the liberation struggle can hardly be overstated. “Trained in many countries, including in the then Soviet Union, Cde Mphoko specialised in logistics, an onerous and sensitive responsibility which ensured huge consignments of assortments of arms of war were moved to different bases in the rear, and the war front inside the country in order to maintain the momentum of the Armed Liberation Struggle and to exert ever-mounting pressure on the settler regime until final victory. “A versatile cadre, Cde Mphoko would later join Zapu’s liaison department, a role which took him to Maputo, Mozambique, where the then Zanu was headquartered. We worked very closely with him, laying the groundwork and anticipating the eventual convergence of the two liberation movements into the Patriotic Front,” said President Mnangagwa. He noted that Cde Mphoko’s latter career as an ambassador was moulded by his early exposure to diplomacy during the liberation struggle. “It was an illustrious career which peaked with his appointment as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to various key countries, including the Russian Federation. On behalf of the Party Zanu-PF, Government, my family, and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Mphoko family, especially to Mrs Mphoko and the children, on this their saddest loss,” said the President. In recognition of Cde Mphoko’s meritorious role of service to his country, the former Vice -President has been declared a national hero. “The Zanu-PF Politburo has unanimously decided and agreed to celebrate and immortalise his life of sacrifice by according him the status of National Hero. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.” Cde Mphoko was appointed Vice-President in 2014, replacing Cde John Landa Nkomo, who died in 2013. Cde Mphoko was born on June 11, 1940, at Gwizane in Bubi District, Matabeleland North. The former Vice-President was arrested in 1963 for political violence after lashing out at a Rhodesian police officer who had set his dog on him and fellow youths. He was sentenced to three years in jail and sent to Khami Prison. He was a delegate at the Cold Comfort Farm People’s Caretaker Council Congress in the same year. The Congress created a Special Affairs Department and decided on an external wing of Zapu that would plan and direct the armed struggle. Under the Special Affairs programme, Cde Mphoko, along with Albert Nxele, Walter Mbambo, and Sam Dumaza Mpofu, was selected by Zapu leader Cde Joshua Nkomo to go for military training. On April 4, 1964, while awaiting a retrial, Cde Mphoko left Zimbabwe as part of a group of six and received military training in the Soviet Union between May 1964 and February 1965. In March 1965, he created the first military command structure, the Military Planning Committee, to plan and direct the armed struggle. He was one of the first seven commanders commissioned by the revolution and the political leadership to recruit, train, and command Zimbabweans into a revolution for the liberation of Zimbabwe. In 1967, he became a member of the Joint Military Command in charge of Logistics and Supply in the ANC/Zapu Alliance. He commanded the Joint Military rehearsals for the Wankie operations at Dan Nang base, Luthuli Camp, which included South African freedom fighters Joe Modise and Chris Hani, who was the commander of the Detachment, among others. In 1967 and 1968, he operated in Sipolilo (now Guruve) together with Modise, Abraham Nkiwane, Dumiso Dabengwa and others. In 1976, he was a delegate at the formation of the Patriotic Front in Maputo, Mozambique, with Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, George Silundika, and Joseph Msika. In 1977, Cde Mphoko attended the OAU Adhoc Committee of Foreign Ministers in Luanda, Angola, with Cdes Msika and Silundika. In 1979, he attended the Lancaster House Peace Talks as a military delegate. In 1980, Cde Mphoko was appointed as a Special Envoy for Dr Joshua Nkomo to President Samora Machel of Mozambique, King Sobhuza II of Swaziland, Chief Leabuwa Jonathan of Lesotho, President Fidel Castro of Cuba, and Eric Honneker of the German Democratic Republic. He served in the sub-committee that designed the national flag of the new Republic of Zimbabwe. In 1981, Cde Mphoko worked in the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare as Deputy Director for Demobilisation. In 1987, he was transferred to the diplomatic service, with junior stints in Mozambique as Liaison Officer, and in 1996, he was appointed Liaison Officer to Austria, also covering the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation. In 2002, he was appointed Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana, before becoming Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Zvamaida Murwira and Remember Deketeke PRESIDENT Mnangagwa, who is also Chancellor of all State universities, yesterday capped 3 320 graduates from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), with the institution saying it will start producing bio-methane gas as part of its contribution to address the energy gap that has affected the country owing to the El [...] Patrick Chitumba, AFTER successfully hosting the inaugural SADC Regional Construction Summit, Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) president, Dr Tinashe Manzungu, has revealed ambitious plans for the sector to establish itself as a major player in the region. This vision aligns with the industry’s broader objective of bolstering Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development. Zimbabwe’s construction [...] Ashley Phiri, DEPUTY Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Bubi Member of Parliament, Simelisizwe Sibanda, has stressed the urgent need for collective action to address the ongoing HIV/Aids crisis. Speaking at the Matabeleland North World Aids Day commemorations, themed “Take the Rights Path — my health, my rights, our [...]

Woolworths apology over bare shelvesIllinois Department of Human Services employees have worked excessive overtime — with one worker more than tripling an annual salary of $66,000 — which could have an adverse effect on people in the department’s care, a state audit released earlier this month found. The Dec. 4 report from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino’s office, which covered fiscal years 2021 through 2023, also found that misconduct allegations within IDHS have increased and that the department’s inspector general’s office has been slower to investigate complaints. The report lays out the latest problems for an agency still dealing with fallout from accusations that a downstate mental health center repeatedly covered up staff misconduct amid allegations of abuse and neglect of residents. The report noted that due to a high number of allegations, it’s likely that many of the same issues documented at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna exist at other centers. The overtime issues detailed in the report are eye-opening. In fiscal year 2023, IDHS reported that 70% of the more than 7,200 employees at its state-operated facilities had overtime that accumulated a total of 1,606,962 hours. Of those, 330 employees tallied more than 1,000 hours in OT, the audit found. • A worker at the Ludeman Development Center in Park Forest with an annual pay rate of $66,000 logged 3,331 hours in overtime during the fiscal year and collected $227,800 in gross pay during the calendar year, the audit found. • Another employee who worked at the Elgin Mental Health Center tallied 2,745 of the extra hours and had gross pay of $203,700, well above their calendar year pay rate of $68,400. • At the Alton Mental Health Center, a $57,600-a-year employee was paid for 2,122 hours of overtime, receiving gross pay of $144,600. The auditor general’s office noted that the hours of overtime reported do not necessarily reflect the amount of overtime worked. One reason for that is that there are different rates of overtime pay for holidays. Another is that an employee with seniority can file a grievance after not being offered an overtime shift, and, if successful, collect the extra money without having worked the shift. “However, even when taking these instances into consideration, the amount of overtime being worked by State-operated facility employees appears excessive,” Mautino’s office wrote. The report noted that beyond the fiscal implications, having employees work so many additional hours can have adverse consequences for people in IDHS care. “Multiple academic studies have found that excessive amounts of overtime can have a detrimental effect on the care provided to residents or patients, as well as the health care workers providing the care,” Mautino’s office said. The report also found allegations of wrongdoing within the department, including those involving its mental health and developmental centers and as well as community agencies, have climbed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and that the department’s inspector general has been taking longer to investigate those claims. The IDHS inspector general’s office received 3,281 allegations during fiscal year 2023 compared with 2,423 in fiscal year 2021, which at that time was the lowest in a decade. But during fiscal year 2023, the watchdog took an average of 205 calendar days to investigate cases, an increase of 25 days during the 2020 fiscal year, according to Mautino’s office. Along with the rise in complaints, there was a slowdown in the time it took the department’s inspector general’s office to complete investigations, the audit found. In fiscal year 2023, only 22% of the IDHS watchdog’s cases were completed within 60 calendar days, an 8% drop from fiscal year 2020 — which covered part of the prior audit of the watchdog — and a 14% decrease when compared with both fiscal years 2021 and 2022, Mautino’s office found. The auditor general also found the IDHS inspector general’s office was slow to fill open positions. From fiscal years 2021 through 2023, the watchdog requested to hire for 38 positions, but as of mid-August 2023, 17 had been filled and 21 were vacant. “(IDHS watchdog) officials stated that multiple bureaus have lost headcount; if there is a lack of investigators, then timeliness worsens and caseloads increase,” Mautino’s office wrote. “According to (IDHS watchdog officials), they are unable to hire investigators fast enough to maintain their headcount.” The audit also addressed the IDHS inspector general’s office’s Quality Care Board, which is supposed to monitor the watchdog to ensure investigations of abuse and neglect are handled properly. The board is supposed to have seven members, appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate, with two of them being a person with a disability or a parent of someone disabled. According to Mautino’s office, the board did not have the required seven members during the audit period and two members were serving on expired terms. “The Board cannot fully function as directed by statute to ‘monitor and oversee the operations, policies, and procedures of the Inspector General with vacancies and neglected membership requirements,” Mautino’s office wrote. Mautino’s office noted an IDHS watchdog directive requiring that office to interview a “complainant and/or required reporter and the victim and/or guardian” within 15 working days of case assignment. But in five of 39 investigations sampled by the auditor that included a victim who was verbal, it took anywhere from 24 to 536 working days to complete the interview. “Conducting interviews quickly is essential in conducting effective investigations. As time passes, victims who have a developmental disability or mental illness may be more likely to forget what happened or be unable to recount what happened accurately,” Mautino’s office wrote. The audit recommended that IDHS ensure all employees at state-operated facilities receive training in prevention and “reporting of abuse, neglect and exploitation” as required by policies and state law. IDHS and its watchdog should work together to identify and resolve bottlenecks in the hiring process and address pay structure imbalances for management positions, Mautino’s office also said. The office also said IDHS should conduct a staffing analysis to determine if staffing levels at the state-run facilities are appropriate. “The staffing analysis should take into consideration the need to reduce excessive amounts of employee overtime, especially for direct care employees,” according to Mautino’s office. In a response to the findings that was included in the audit, IDHS said it’s in the process of reviewing staffing levels at its facilities and noted it has worked to implement changes to the collective bargaining agreements to expedite hiring for certain positions. The agency acknowledged being challenged by retirement and retention issues. The IDHS watchdog, meanwhile, said it has worked closely with IDHS to increase headcount and is in the process of “substantial additional hiring.” “However, it will take time for the new hires to make a noticeable impact on timeliness, as training takes time and significant effort from supervisory staff,” IDHS said, according to Mautino’s office. “(The IDHS watchdog) continuously reviews processes for timeliness improvements and training opportunities.” IDHS also pointed to how its bureau of hotline and intake has seen “a severe shortage” in intake investigators and bureau management due to retirements and significant delays in the hiring process. The agency also acknowledged how staff shortages result in growing backlogs that further affect the ability of the IDHS watchdog to investigate complaints quickly. “Unfortunately, the ongoing staff shortage has persisted as overall calls, including reportable and non-reportable calls, have increased,” IDHS said, according to Mautino’s report. “As of October 2024, (the IDHS watchdog) has six intake investigators, and five unfilled intake investigator positions that are in various stages of the hiring process.” The IDHS watchdog expects an upcoming change in technology will help the inspector general’s office provide better oversight. Next year, for instance, the watchdog will have a new case management system designed to better track and document when an investigator is unable to reach a victim or complainant within the required timeframes. In a statement, IDHS and its inspector general’s office said it accepted the audit’s findings and is “working to implement changes, including the hiring of staff to ensure appropriate staffing levels across all of our programs and offices.” Separately, IDHS last week said it experienced a privacy breach in April when an outside entity, through a phishing campaign, gained access to files that included the Social Security numbers of more than 4,700 customers and three employees. In addition, public assistance account information was accessed for more than a million customers, though that information did not include Social Security numbers. “Upon learning of the phishing incident, IDHS worked in partnership with (the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology) to investigate the extent of the breach and to determine which individuals were included,” IDHS said in a statement.Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich: Certain penalties can illustrate ‘lack of discipline’Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is questionable to start Sunday's game against the New York Giants because of back and foot injuries. Richardson did not practice this week, but head coach Shane Steichen fell short of declaring his starter out. "We'll see how next 48 hours go," he told reporters Friday. If Richardson, 22, is unable to go, veteran Joe Flacco would make his fifth start of the season. As of Friday, the Colts (7-8) still have a shot at a playoff berth, but they'd need to beat the Giants (2-13) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) in Week 18 -- and for both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to lose their games on Saturday -- to stay alive. That Indianapolis even remained in the playoff hunt in Week 17 is surprising, given an unspectacular season from Richardson, who was taken by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson has completed just 47.7 percent of his pass attempts (126 of 264) for 1,814 yards and has thrown more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (8). Still, he is 6-5 in 11 starts. Flacco, who turns 40 next month, was 1-3 in four starts earlier this year amid both injury and ineffectiveness for Richardson. Flacco has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Two of the losses were to playoff-bound teams -- the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. --Field Level Media

Taking it one step at a time, Bonner-Prendergast can see the state summit(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a university convocation, emphasizing the profound understanding of Dharma by Indian seers. He argued that Dharma transcends being merely a method of worship and reinforced its alignment with truth and morality. Adityanath highlighted the necessity for technological innovation, noting societal progress hinges on acknowledging advancements like AI and digital connectivity. He also praised technological literacy through government initiatives, like distributing tablets to millions of youth. Expressing a forward-looking vision, Adityanath stressed that respecting teachers, parents, and elders is vital for gaining knowledge. He warned against resisting technological reforms and emphasized the youth's potential to overcome adversity with proper guidance and values. (With inputs from agencies.)

NoneNew shape-changing polymer developed December 6, 2024 Ohio State University A team of scientists has created a new shape-changing polymer that could transform how future soft materials are constructed. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email A team of scientists has created a new shape-changing polymer that could transform how future soft materials are constructed. Made using a material called a liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE), a soft rubber-like material that can be stimulated by external forces like light or heat, the polymer is so versatile that it can move in several directions. Its behavior, which resembles the movements of animals in nature, includes being able to twist, tilt left and right, shrink and expand, said Xiaoguang Wang, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering at The Ohio State University. "Liquid crystals are materials that have very unique characteristics and properties that other materials cannot normally achieve," said Wang. "They're fascinating to work with." This new polymer's ability to change shapes could make it useful for creating soft robots or artificial muscles, among other high-tech devices in medicine and other fields. Today, liquid crystals are most often used in TVs and cell phone displays, but these materials often degrade over time. But with the expansion of LEDs, many researchers are focused on developing new applications for liquid crystals. Unlike conventional materials that can only bend in one direction or require multiple components to create intricate shapes, this team's polymer is a single component that can twist in two directions. This property is tied to how the material is exposed to temperature changes to control the molecular phases of the polymer, said Wang. "Liquid crystals have orientational order, meaning they can self-align," he said. "When we heat the LCE, they transition into different phases causing a shift in their structure and properties." This means that molecules, tiny building blocks of matter, that were once fixed in place can be directed to rearrange in ways that allow for greater flexibility. This aspect may also make the material easier to manufacture, said Wang. The study was recently published in the journal Science . If scaled up, the polymer in this study could potentially advance several scientific fields and technologies, including controlled drug delivery systems, biosensor devices and as an aid in complex locomotion maneuvers for next-generation soft robots. One of the study's most important findings reveals the three phases that the material goes through as its temperature changes, said Alan Weible, co-author of the study and a graduate fellow in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State. Throughout these phases, molecules shift and self-assemble into different configurations. "These phases are one of the key factors we optimized to allow the material ambidirectional shape deformability," he said. In terms of size, the study further suggests that the material can be scaled up or down to adapt to nearly any need. "Our paper opens a new direction for people to start synthesizing other multiphase materials," said Wang. Researchers note that with future computational advances, their polymer could eventually be a useful tool for dealing with delicate situations, like those that require the precise design of artificial muscles and joints or upgrading soft nanorobots needed for complex surgeries. "In the next few years, we plan to develop new applications and hopefully break into the biomedical field," said Weible. "There's a lot more we can explore based on these results." This work was supported by the Department of Energy and the Harvard University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. Other co-authors include Yuxing Yao, Shucong Li, Atalaya Milan Wilborn, Friedrich Stricker, Joanna Aizenberg, Baptiste Lemaire, Robert K. A. Bennett, Tung Chun Cheung and Alison Grinthal from Harvard University; Foteini Trigka and Michael M. Lerch from the University of Groningen; Guillaume Freychet, Mikhail Zhernenkov and Patryk Wasik from Brookhaven National Laboratory; and Boris Kozinsky from Bosch Research. Story Source: Materials provided by Ohio State University . Original written by Tatyana Woodall. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :

Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view. People took to social media to figure out why a warning was issued and then canceled so quickly, and how the NWS determines when to send alerts. Here are answers to more questions. What exactly is a tsunami? The word for tsunami comes from the Japanese characters for harbor and wave. It's a series of extremely long waves set in motion when energy from an earthquake causes the ocean floor to suddenly rise or fall, according to the National Weather Service. How common are they in California? Since 1800, California's shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis, most of them minor, according to the California Geological Survey. Phones buzzed Thursday when the National Weather Service issued its warning just minutes after the quake struck west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County. It read in part: “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now.” Why was there an alert if there wasn't a large tsunami? The National Weather Service Bay Area posted on the social platform X early Friday that the region doesn't get tsunami alerts often and “there are lot of questions, frustration, and even some anger” about Thursday's event. A warning alert is the most serious of four tsunami alerts, including a watch alert for a possible tsunami and an advisory alert telling people to stay out of the water and away from the shore. The last time California received a warning alert was 2011 when an earthquake in Japan caused about $100 million in damages along the California coast. Basically, a distant, offshore earthquake or other trigger event gives scientists more time to analyze data and confirm that a large tsunami was generated before sounding a warning. But Thursday’s earthquake was local and close to the coast, forcing a hasty high-level alert in order to give people the maximum time to prepare as tsunami waves can travel very fast, up to 500 mph (800 kph) in the deep ocean, the NWS wrote. “By the time we actually observe it, it may be too late, because it's right there in our back doors,” said Dalton Behringer, a meteorologist with NWS Bay Area, on Friday. Scientists used the time Thursday to monitor buoys and get more information on the earthquake itself, he said. They canceled the alert after seeing little sea-level change and determining the quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, he said. “These things happen so infrequently for us, I think it just caught a lot of people off-guard,” he said. How did Northern California respond? Authorities in Eureka, the biggest city in Humboldt County, sent texts and went door-to-door to order businesses in high-risk areas to evacuate, said City Manager Miles Slattery. He said only a small portion of the city was at risk, and Thursday's test run showed evacuees need to work on leaving by foot, rather than by car. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the commuter light-rail system known as BART stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland, and the San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated. Responses varied as fire and police in Berkeley evacuated certain areas of the city while in San Francisco, officials sent alerts and messages on social media telling residents to stay away from water, beaches, harbors, marina docks, and piers. “Move at least one block inland,” said the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. Emergency personnel in vehicles with public address systems also went to make sure no one was on beaches and other low-lying areas. But some critics said San Francisco should have sounded its loud emergency sirens, which have been off-line since 2019 for repairs. In San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco, officials considered but decided against sounding its tsunami warning sirens after receiving more comprehensive information from the NWS that any tsunami would affect coastlines north of the Golden Gate Bridge, said Michelle Durand, a spokesperson for the county. Fire and police cleared the beaches while emergency personnel gathered to monitor the situation, she said, which “prioritized both public safety and the prevention of unnecessary panic.”

Sam Darnold has played most of his football on either the East or West Coast. After staying home to play his college ball at Southern California, Darnold spent his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets before stints in Carolina and San Francisco. Now that he's in the Upper Midwest, the veteran quarterback has a much better appreciation of the rivalry between his Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North foes will battle Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. "It's the whole entire NFC North, man," Darnold said. "It's an incredible kind of rivalries or bitterness, I guess you could say. It's awesome to be able to run into Packers fans. I'm not going to lie, they're nice and everything, but when you start to talk about football, they're not shy about speaking their mind about who they think the better team is. "It's just fun, man. It makes everything more fun, makes the game more fun. That's the reason we play." Along with the traditional bragging rights between the border rivals, Sunday's matchup also holds significant playoff implications for the Vikings (13-2) and Packers (11-4), though both teams already have clinched a spot in the postseason. Minnesota is tied with the Detroit Lions for the top spot in the division with two games to play, though the Lions hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their 31-29 win at the Vikings in Week 7. Green Bay could end up with the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed as a wild-card team, and Sunday's outcome will go a long way toward determining its playoff positioning. "We're playing for something," said Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who leads Green Bay's ground attack with 1,216 yards and 13 scores. Jacobs ran for 69 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' 34-0 home win over New Orleans on Monday night. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 182 yards and a score without committing a turnover for Green Bay in its second straight win. Love has passed for 3,135 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over his 13 starts this season, good for a 97.8 passer rating. Jayden Reed has a team-high 52 catches for 803 yards and six touchdowns. Christian Watson is next with 29 catches for 620 yards and two TDs. "What's really cool is you are getting contributions from a lot of different people," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "I think that is usually the mark of a good team. "You have to stay healthy and continue to build on what you've done. I love the energy of our group. Our guys show up ready to work, willing to work every day, and we have to continue to push one another to be at our best because this is the time when you need to be playing your best ball." Minnesota is going for its ninth straight win. The Vikings' only other loss besides Detroit came four days later, a 30-20 Thursday night setback at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Darnold has powered Minnesota with 3,776 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 starts. He has posted a 105.4 passer rating in his first season with the team. Former Green Bay star Aaron Jones is Minnesota's top running back with 1,046 yards and five TDs. Justin Jefferson is Darnold's top target with 92 receptions for 1,387 yards and 10 touchdowns. No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison has 56 catches for 806 yards and eight scores. Packers top cornerback Jaire Alexander is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him out of Sunday's contest. While he may not match up against one of the league's premier defenders in Alexander, Jefferson remains motivated for the divisional clash. "I love any competition regardless of if it's Green Bay or I'm playing the No. 1 corner in the league," Jefferson said. "I'm always going to prepare to go out there and play my best regardless of who's out there. I always say I love these types of games, the games that you really need, the games that are exciting for everyone to watch." Alexander was limited in Green Bay's practice Thursday, as were safety Javon Bullard (ankle), tackle Andre Dillard (concussion), linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper (ankle) and tight ends Tucker Kraft (hip) and Luke Musgrave (ankle). Guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad) and Watson (knee) sat out Thursday's session. The Vikings were fully healthy for Thursday's practice aside from cornerback Fabian Moreau, who has not practiced all week due to a hip injury. This will be the final regular-season meeting between the rivals. Minnesota jumped ahead of host Green Bay 28-0 before holding on 31-29 on Sept. 29. --Field Level Media

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Toby Fournier scored a season-high 27 points and collected nine rebounds to lead No. 8 Duke to an 81-59 victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Toby Fournier scored a season-high 27 points and collected nine rebounds to lead No. 8 Duke to an 81-59 victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Toby Fournier scored a season-high 27 points and collected nine rebounds to lead No. 8 Duke to an 81-59 victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams. Fournier, a freshman forward, shot 12 of 17 from the floor in an off-the-bench effort to power the Blue Devils (9-2, 1-0 ACC). Oluchi Okananwa added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Delaney Thomas chipped in 14 points. Reigan Richardson finished with just five points but dished out a career-high-tying seven assists. Carleigh Wenzel paced the Hokies (7-3, 0-1) with 19 points, while Carys Baker had 11 points and six rebounds. Takeaways Duke: The Blue Devils bounced back from their loss at No. 3 South Carolina with a decisive victory and improved to 24-4 when opening ACC play at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Virginia Tech: Duke’s stingy defense kept the Hokies from getting to their offensive actions consistently, leading them to turn the ball over 18 times while shooting a season-worst 14.3% from 3-point range. Key moment After trailing by three points early, Duke outscored Virginia Tech 32-10 on a run that bled into the second quarter. Fournier kickstarted the spurt for the Blue Devils with a layup in traffic, totaling 10 points and five rebounds over the 12-minute stretch. Key stat Duke entered this game ranking 15th nationally in 3-point shooting with a 38.8% clip and 18th nationally in assists per game with an average of 18.5. The Blue Devils had a positive assist-turnover ratio for the eighth time this season, and they improved to 5-0 when shooting north of 40% from behind the arc. Up next Duke hosts Wofford on Dec. 18. Virginia Tech hosts Radford on Sunday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball Advertisement

Edmonton zoo elephant Lucy gets medical OK as she approaches 50th birthday