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Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday. Let me count some of the ways I love Thanksgiving: Because it isn’t very commercialized. Because it doesn’t leave out the lovelorn and the lonely. Because it has an intrinsic honesty: It’s about being grateful. Because it’s about as much extended family as most of us can take: just one day of them. Because the political class generally shuts up. It doesn’t feel necessary to make long atavistic speeches with dubious grandiloquence that no one believes, least of all the speakers. Because you don’t have to receive presents and lie to your close friends and family, “I always wanted a toy pig that burps,” or “Thank you for the lovely necktie. I’m sure they will come back into fashion in a few decades.” Because no flags or bunting appear, and most houses aren’t turned into glaring neon performance art, nor are skeletons hanging from swing sets. Because you don’t have to wear a funny hat and red or green or any other color that signals that you are in the spirit of the event. Because when I worked on the newspapers, I could volunteer and get paid double or better in overtime for a shift on Thanksgiving Day. From my arrival at New York’s Idlewild Airport in 1963, I have been able to luxuriate in America’s bounty and give thanks. It wasn’t always easy being an immigrant, even one of favored language and provenance (British), and it didn’t spare me and my English wife, Doreen, from hard times. We had those. But America remained the mansion on the high ground where, if we were lucky, we could be let in to enjoy the riches of acceptance. My first experience of the United States — and I give thanks for it — was the taxi driver who, when he learned I had hardly any money, gave me a free guided tour of Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn. Finally, he deposited me at an uncompromising address on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where I was to stay while I found work and before I sent for Doreen, my cherished first wife. It was a walk-up with no air conditioning. My hosts were an English couple in their 70s: Doreen’s aunt and her husband. She helped with newborns in wealthier people’s homes well into her old age. He had worked rather unsuccessfully as an industrial jeweler. They were palpably short of money and hadn’t enjoyed an easy life since arriving in America in 1918. Their story had a fairytale, extraordinary last volume. Out on Long Island, their grandson and granddaughter were growing up with a single mother, also in straitened circumstances. She worked with seedlings in a plant nursery. The grandson was to climb to the apex of achievement, to stun his family and, in time, the world with his talent. This young man and I would swim in Long Island Sound, where we would head for anchored yachts with people partying on board. A decade older than my companion, I always believed that when they looked down on the swimmers, the partiers would invite us aboard for food and drink. It never happened, but we enjoyed our aquatic adventures and social failure. If they had only known! As I said, that young man was destined to win all that his mother and grandparents didn’t have. His name is Billy Joel, the “Piano Man.” He is someone for all in America to be thankful for — proof that in the United States, the last can be first.fish names 。

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 16, 2024-- KEO World (KEO), a fintech leader in B2B digital payments and inventory financing, today announced that it has taken a significant step in its expansion. Through a partnership agreement with BTG Pactual Bank S.A., the largest investment bank in Latin America, KEO World will expand its operations in the Brazilian market. As part of the partnership, KEO's Workeo solution , in collaboration with the Amex Business Link PlatformTM, can help thousands of medium and large businesses in Brazil digitize their B2B invoice payments, which can result significant cost efficiencies and increased purchasing power. Founded in 2020, KEO has experienced rapid growth. KEO's Workeo solution, powered by KEO's flagship credit processing, provides businesses with a working capital line of credit through a digital wallet within a multi-product payment and billing rails, available via Amex Business LinkTM. Additionally, KEO offers its own proprietary blockchain payment rails, known as KEO Rails TM, to help make payments even easier. "We are delighted to have agreed to this partnership agreement with one of the largest financial institutions in South America, which will allow us to increase the reach of our B2B digital payments program and provide financing to many more companies in Brazil," said Paolo Fidanza , Founder and CEO of KEO. "In a market where less than 10% of total traditional credit is extended to SMEs, our Workeo product enables business buyers to access core inventory on credit and suppliers to increase their recurring sales, enhancing working capital management through a fully digital, frictionless, and low-cost financing and cash management platform thanks to our innovative payment rails, credit processing, and the American Express network." "Expanding the value proposition of the Amex Business LinkTM platform is one of our priorities so that buyers and suppliers can make real-time decisions that optimize their working capital and improve their operational-administrative and reconciliation processes. Thanks to this expansion, companies in Brazil will be able to access an innovative and 100% digital ecosystem that offers digital payment and billing tools for local and international transactions," said René Centeno, American Express, Supply Chain Solutions Global Head. About KEO World Founded in 2020, KEO World is a leading innovator of technology-based financial solutions with a mission to provide businesses with digital, seamless and secure ways to finance their supplies and increase efficiency in their cash flow. KEO is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with operations in the US, Canada, Mexico, and throughout Latin America. The company was the first non-bank financial institution to receive an American Express issuing license. To learn more, visit www.KEOworld.com . About American Express American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us at facebook.com/americanexpress , instagram.com/americanexpress , linkedin.com/company/american-express , twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress . American Express ® is a brand of American Express. Workeo is issued by KEO World S.A. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. under license from American Express. KEO presents Workeo, a credit solution through the Amex Business LinkTM platform. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216985773/en/ CONTACT: KEO World Media Contact Carlos Mejia Public Realtions carlos@elfashonguru.tv KEYWORD: FLORIDA LATIN AMERICA NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES BRAZIL SOUTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY PAYMENTS FINANCE FINTECH BANKING OTHER TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE SMALL BUSINESS DATA MANAGEMENT SOURCE: KEO World Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/16/2024 05:52 PM/DISC: 12/16/2024 05:50 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241216985773/en

The Travelers Taproom, Grand Island’s only self-serving tap wall bar, held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 20. The bar’s self-serve tap wall is one of a handful in Nebraska, as well as the largest. Owned by Jeff and Tosha Edwards, the Travelers Taproom is a local bar off of Highway 281 at 2230 N. Webb Road. The establishment serves a variety of drinks, such as beer, cider, whiskey, bourbon, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, along with food. Attendees check out the Travelers Taproom during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 20. One of the more unique aspects of the Travelers Taproom is its self-serve tap wall, where customers can come in, pay by the ounce, and fill their glasses whenever they want, with whatever is on tap. There are not many self-serve places in Nebraska. According to Jeff, the taproom is one of four establishments with a self-serving tap in the state. “There's Smokin’ Oak pizza in Omaha, there's a City Tap in Nebraska City,” Jeff said. “And then Loup Brewing in McCook has not only their brewery, but a little place called the yard, where they put in a self-serve tap wall.” On top of that, Edwards said that Travelers Taproom is the largest self-serving tap wall with 60 taps. Edwards believed Smokin’ Oak was the second largest with around 36 taps, with Loup Brewing having 17-18 and City Tap having 14-16. Beer taps fill the wall at the Travelers Taproom on Friday, Dec. 20. It might seem odd to mostly self-serve tap alcohol, but it's that idea that made the Edwards’ want to open the taproom. According to Jeff, the couple had the idea a long time ago when they were sitting in a packed establishment in Denver, Colorado. “We waited to be served for quite a while and we just kind of threw out, ‘Wouldn't it be nice if you could go up and serve yourself?’” Jeff said. “Well, roll the clock ahead 10 years, and you know, we found out that technology is out there.” Once the Edwards’ learned of the technology, they learned more through a webinar and visited a brewery in Minneapolis with a similar self-serve system. Once the couple got back to Grand Island, they began looking for a good location for the Travelers Taproom. “Originally, we were just going to do the tap wall and some tables, and maybe a small appetizer type kitchen,” Jeff said. “Then we found this spot available, which is a lot more square footage than what we were looking for, so we've been able to add the full kitchen.” Tosha Edwards (second from left) and Jeff Edwards (second from right) cut the ribbon for Travelers Taproom during the ceremony on Friday, Dec. 20. In contrast to what the name might suggest, the Travelers Taproom primarily serves Nebraska-based products. According to Jeff, the taproom has a few domestic beers but serves alcohol from 26 breweries, eight distilleries, and four wineries across the state. “Anywhere from Arapahoe all the way to Brickway in Omaha and Cooper’s Chase in West Point,” Jeff said. “We try to get a wide variety.” The reason the taproom mainly hosts Nebraska products is to promote a shop local mentality. “Not only do we encourage people to come here and try Nebraska products,” Jeff said. “But we actually want them to go out and visit Native 32 in West Point, or, you know, go out to Boss City in Sydney.” Jeff Edwards speaks during the Travelers Taproom's ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 20. But if it’s mostly Nebraska-based products, why is it called the Travelers Taproom? Well, that actually comes from the Edwards family’s love of traveling. Tosha said that traveling has always been huge in the family and that, “We always go to local breweries, wineries and distilleries wherever we travel, whatever state we go to.” The Edwards’ love for traveling has also been incorporated into the restaurant itself. The taproom’s logo is based on places the family has visited or lived, a six-year collection of beer glasses hangs along the wall of the party, and a montage of the family’s travels is imprinted on the wall. “It (the photos) represents 15 different states and three countries that we have up there,” Tosha said. “It has all members of the family on my husband's side of the family, and the majority, or a huge part, of the family on my side of the family.” A view of the Travelers Taproom's party room. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, but the taproom has been open for several months. Specifically, Tosha said that the soft launch was on Aug. 24, which means the taproom will have been open for four months on Christmas Eve. With the taproom open, Jeff said that its customer base has been growing and that it’s been exciting, as well as scary. “To see it come to fruition has been pretty, pretty scary yet exciting,” Jeff said. “Because, you know, it is a large investment, and sharing our vision with the public has been a lot of fun.” Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Madrid’s Latino population surpasses one million A significant milestone has been reached: the census reveals that 1,038,671 people born in Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas now reside in the region. Just 25 years ago, this number was only 81,552, highlighting the rapid pace of a wave that is reshaping the community The number of Latin American-born residents in the Madrid region has surpassed the symbolic milestone of one million, according to the population census published on Thursday by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE). As of January 1, 2024, the census recorded 1,038,671 people from the 18 Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. This remarkable figure takes on even greater significance when put into context. Immigrants from this community, who identify as Latinos, now make up one in every seven inhabitants in the Madrid region. If this group were to form a separate city, it would surpass the populations of Cuba’s second-largest city, Santiago (707,000), Peru’s Arequipa (984,000), and Chile’s Valparaíso (1.02 million), and would be close to the populations of Managua and San Salvador, the capitals of Nicaragua and El Salvador, respectively, which are both home to around 1.1 million people. The size of this hypothetical city would be comparable to that of Málaga, which, with 1.03 million inhabitants, is the fifth largest urban area in Spain, and would be larger than Bilbao or Zaragoza. Census data reveals how the distribution of the Latino community varies by country of origin: Venezuelans are spread throughout the Madrid region, while Ecuadorians, Peruvians, and Colombians are more prominent in neighborhoods outside the M-30 ring road. Dominicans have established their own enclave in the Tetuán district, often referred to as “Little Santo Domingo,” and Argentines are concentrated in the central areas. When comparing the figure of one million with historical data, another striking revelation emerges that warrants further reflection: just a quarter of a century ago, in 1999, only 81,552 people were born in those 18 Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas. At that time, Madrid was a European capital w ith little diversity and minimal connection to the world it had once dominated for centuries. Only 25 years have passed since then, and demographic experts predict that this trend will continue to grow. Immigration to the major metropolises of the wealthy world is reaching record levels, with cultural affinity being one of the key factors driving these movements. Thanks to these new Madrileños, the capital has rediscovered its Latin American identity. The year 1999 marked a turning point. That year, the arrival of Ecuadorians fleeing the serious economic crisis in their country accelerated. The collapse of the national currency, the sucre, left the population in ruin. Until then, political exiles from Argentina, Cuba, Chile, and Uruguay had been the main Latin American presence in Madrid. Many of them came from affluent families who had fled dictatorships. Ecuadorian immigrants, however, were escaping another evil: poverty. In the wake of Ecuador’s economic crisis, flights from Quito began arriving at Barajas airport, filled with working-class families who, in a short time, transformed the face of the capital. They came to Spain because the economy was in desperate need of workers: men to build houses and women to care for the elderly. Mónica Guamán was one of the first to arrive when the clouds were already gathering on the horizon of her home country. She boarded a plane in Quito on August 16, 1998, the first flight of her life. At Barajas, she was met by a friend who had left two years earlier. She was 21 years old, and the Ecuadorian crisis had derailed her plans. She had to abandon her university studies in accounting halfway through because rising taxes made it impossible for her to continue paying. She clearly remembers her first days in Madrid: the fascination she felt when cars stopped at red lights, and the modernity of the Metro. She slept in a 40-square-meter apartment with 15 fellow Ecuadorians. A week later, she found a job as a caregiver for the elderly. The new life was difficult but filled with hope. “I had to decide,” she recalls today, reflecting on that adventure. “Either I remained stagnant, or I began to fly. And I decided to fly.” Ecuadorians were soon joined by tens of thousands of Colombians, Peruvians, Bolivians, and Dominicans, who were fleeing crises in their own countries or seeking a better future, encouraged by Spain’s economic boom. By 2009, shortly after the construction bubble burst , almost 600,000 Latin American immigrants were living in Madrid. That figure remained stable until 2017, when a second wave began, which continues today. The main countries of origin are now Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, and their socioeconomic profiles are more diverse. Peope with large fortunes are also arriving (17% of residents in the Salamanca district are Latino, according to the municipal register) as well as students (14,776 Latin Americans enrolled in Madrid universities during the 2022-23 academic year, a 40% increase compared to eight years earlier). Latinos are also transforming other regions of Spain, although none has as many Latin American-born immigrants as Madrid, where they make up 62% of the immigrant population. The next most-popular destinations are Catalonia and Valencia, with 883,548 Latin Americans (43% of immigrants) and 446,453 (37%), respectively. As of early 2024, a total of 1,668,418 immigrants were residing in Madrid. The four most common countries of origin among immigrants are Spanish-speaking Latin American countries: Venezuela (184,387), Colombia (180,983), Peru (150,590), and Ecuador (136,309). The only non-Spanish-speaking countries in the top 10 are Romania (115,911), Morocco (98,360), and China (53,204), while Brazil ranks 15th (29,865). This new wave is part of an unprecedented migration flow to wealthy countries. In 2023, many OECD nations saw record numbers of permanent migrants, totaling 6.5 million, along with a record 2.7 million asylum seekers. According to Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, one key factor is the strong demand for labor, coinciding with these countries’ aging population. “The growing number of labor migrants has contributed to sustained economic growth,” he said. The children of these Latin American immigrants born in Spain do not appear in the INE statistics as a separate group, but they tend to self-identify as Latinos, meaning the cultural impact of this new community is likely even greater than the census figures suggest. The influx of wealthy Latinos has spurred comparisons between Madrid and Miami, an idea amplified by both Spanish and American media, including Bloomberg and The New York Times . The argument is that the Spanish capital has become a serious rival to the Florida city for Latin American investment . Wealthy Latinos are buying luxury apartments in the Salamanca district and acquiring stakes in major IBEX companies. This investment surge has sparked enthusiasm among local politicians. Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, told the BBC in March that “the time will come when people in Miami will wonder why Madrid is looking at us in the rearview mirror.” Madrid’s growing Hispanic-American connection is viewed as a strategic asset in the global city competition. In his book Madrid DF , published in September, urban planner Fernando Caballero envisions a metropolis with 10 million inhabitants by 2050. He argues that Madrid should leverage its differences with Miami to capture the unique position the southern Florida city holds in the Latino imagination. “The two cities have very different mentalities,” Caballero explains. “Those who want to live in a dollar-based economy have their place in Miami. But they will encounter a less dynamic society and more barriers to entry. Madrid is much more accessible for newcomers, and its immigration laws are more friendly. In fact, a political strategy in Madrid is to lower these barriers,” Caballero adds, referring to Madrid’s regional premier, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who announced last year that in the future, university fees for Latinos would be reduced to the same level as those paid by Spaniards. The authorities are working to make Madrid’s Latino identity more visible, a characteristic that isn’t entirely new. Most people are unaware that one of the oldest trees in the capital, an ahuehuete from Mexico, stands in Retiro Park, or that for centuries, Latinos came to court and left their mark. Regional premier Ayuso has stated that Madrid is “the common home of Spaniards from both hemispheres” and has promoted the celebration of Hispanic heritage every October, with festivities that grow each year. Ayuso has also expressed her aspiration to “challenge the U.S. for the center of Spanish music production.” However, this comparison between Madrid and Miami does not convince sociologist Alejandro Portes. A Cuban-American professor at the University of Miami, Portes is known for his studies on migration. Two years ago, he published Emerging Global Cities , where he draws parallels between Miami and two other global metropolises: Dubai and Singapore. All three cities have become hubs for trade, finance, arts, and culture in their respective regions. Portes believes geography prevents Madrid from joining this league. Unlike Miami, Dubai, or Singapore, Madrid does not have a seaport that could serve as a hub for goods. In a video conference with EL PAÍS, Portes argues that Madrid is too far from the region it aims to influence. “The influx of immigrants is understandable due to cultural affinity, but saying that Madrid and Miami are going to be similar is an exaggeration,” he says. “First, Madrid has no sea. Second, it’s in Europe, not Latin America. Third, Madrid is the political capital of Spain and thus has different characteristics.” He continues: “Latin American banks prefer to establish their regional headquarters in Miami over Madrid. Madrid is too far away and is highly regulated.” Portes suggests a different approach: “I think Madrid has more to gain by investing in technology. It’s not Venezuelan capital or Dominican workers that will catapult Madrid to prominence.” Regardless of Madrid’s future role on the global stage, the face and soul of the region have already been transformed. The Latin American influence will continue to shape the language, customs, music, gastronomy, and business culture of Madrid. The lives of many immigrants who made the journey have also been transformed. When Ecuadorian Mónica Guamán arrived in 1998, she thought she would make money and return home soon. However, she soon realized that life is unpredictable. The friend who picked her up at Barajas, Luis Lincango, later became her partner. In 2001, they had their first child. In 2003, they moved out of their sharehome and rented their own apartment. By 2005, they bought a place in Getafe. In 2018, Lincango opened his own business — a car workshop. Guamán works in a large company that cares for the elderly. Their eldest son, Diego, now 23, is a mechanic, and their youngest, César, 17, is a high school student. They have prospered, but at a high price. Guamán has always missed her homeland. She would like to return, but her children, especially the eldest, feel that they belong in Madrid and do not want to move to a foreign country. Was it worth emigrating? “I tell those who arrive,” she responds, “If you’ve dared to cross the ocean, go ahead, but know that this is hard .” Those who walk through the doors of the international arrivals hall at Barajas today with the intention of staying share the same dreams as the million people who preceded them. Venezuelans Dariela Sosa, Federico Ortega, and their two children, Emiliana and Cristóbal, aged nine and five, landed on June 25 of this year. The couple, married and both professionals — he an economist and she a journalist — had previously lived in Venezuela, the United States, and Argentina. Federico works remotely for an American company, while Dariela founded and directs Arepita , a newsletter about Venezuela that has earned a prestigious Online Journalism Award in the United States. For five years, they had been researching potential cities to emigrate to, using an Excel sheet to compare them. They filled out columns with categories that mattered most to them: security, democracy, language, culture, art, climate, job opportunities, and global connectivity. As they crossed the threshold at Barajas airport, Sosa thought, “I’ve come to the right place.” Their rented apartment, located in a residential area with a swimming pool in the north of Madrid, betrays their newcomer status. The walls are still bare, with only a picture frame waiting for a photo. In one corner, they’ve placed the largest Christmas tree they’ve ever had — nearly two meters high — as a way to send a message to their children: “We are staying here,” says Sosa. “I’ve placed my bet on Madrid.” The figure of one million inhabitants includes individuals born in 18 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, with the INE providing a breakdown by country in its annual census . To create the historical series, we have used data from the Continuous Register (1998-2020) and the annual censuses (2021-2024). At the census section level, the INE provides data for only eight of these nationalities (the most numerous, representing 83% of all Latinos). For the remaining countries, the most recent detailed data available comes from the 2021 Population and Housing Census , which is conducted every ten years. This data for other countries of origin has been included on the map. Approximately 1,000 citizens fall into the “other countries in America” category (which encompasses the entire continent, both South and North), and are not reflected in the figures used in this article. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition Madrid Latinos Miami América Perú Ecuador Isabel Díaz Ayuso José Luis Martínez Almeida Venezuela Colombia

A Loving Family Acting Normal in Apple Ad Sparks Surprised ResponseGSA starts to make OASIS+ general small business choices officialHONG KONG — Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun on Friday fulfilled a promise he made after spending $6.2 million on an artwork featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall: by eating the fruit. At one of Hong Kong's priciest hotels, Sun chomped down on a banana in front of dozens of journalists and influencers after giving a speech hailing the work as "iconic" and drew parallels between conceptual art and cryptocurrency. "It's much better than other bananas," Sun said after getting his first taste. "It's really quite good." Titled "Comedian," the conceptual work created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan was sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York last week, with Sun among seven bidders. Sun said he felt "disbelief" in the first 10 seconds after he won the bid, before realizing "this could become something big." In the 10 seconds after that, he decided he would eat the banana. "Eating it at a press conference can also become a part of the artwork's history," he said on Friday. The debut of the edible creation at the 2019 Art Basel show in Miami Beach sparked controversy and raised questions about whether it should be considered art — Cattelan's stated aim. And Sun on Friday compared conceptual art like "Comedian" to nonfungible token art and decentralized blockchain technology. "Most of its objects and ideas exist as (intellectual property) and on the internet, as opposed to something physical," he said. 'Apolitical' investment Sun this week also became an adviser to World Liberty Financial, a crypto initiative backed by US President-elect Donald Trump, following a $30-million investment. He earlier wrote on X that he was "excited to help make crypto great again in the US" with Trump's leadership. Sun on Friday denied that the investment — which made him the largest investor in the project — was an attempt to influence Trump or American politics. "We are apolitical," Sun told Agence France-Presse (AFP) in an interview. "Me [serving] as adviser also contribute a lot of value... I can be a great bridge for traditional financial and the (decentralized finance) industry." The 34-year-old crypto businessman was last year charged by the US Securities and Exchange Commission with fraud and securities law violation in relation to his crypto project Tron. Sun has rejected the allegations, and the case is ongoing. At a function room at the Peninsula hotel in Hong Kong, two men dressed as auction house staff stood in front of a featureless wall with the yellow banana offering the only splash of color. Sun said he only recently decided to bid for the artwork, adding he had "dumb questions" such as whether the banana had decayed and how to value the work. The artwork owner is given a certificate of authenticity that the work was created by Cattelan, as well as instructions about how to replace the fruit when it goes bad. Sun told AFP that his artwork may well benefit from the same kind of speculative craze usually associated with crypto. "I think [the price] probably is going to go up even more in the future, just like bitcoin," he said.Starmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine support

Two charged in connection with Iran drone strike that killed 3 US troops in the Middle East

A subtle but potentially significant shift is occurring in artificial intelligence (AI). Machines are advancing beyond processing commands to undertaking tasks with more autonomy. Google’s release of Gemini 2.0 may mark a turning point in this evolution, showcasing AI systems that can independently navigate complex tasks across multiple platforms. For example, Gemini 2.0 powers projects like Astra, a universal assistant for Android devices, and Mariner, an agent capable of autonomous web navigation. These developments suggest the system could transform user interactions and task automation. For businesses, such advancements indicate possibilities for AI to impact operations ranging from warehouse management to customer service. “Gemini 2.0 improves on previous AI systems by advancing the capabilities of autonomous decision-making through the integration of more sophisticated AI agents that leverage real-time data processing and adaptive learning models,” Prashant Kelker , chief strategy officer, partner and lead consulting sourcing and transformation – Americas, with global technology research and advisory firm ISG , told PYMNTS. “As a result, enterprises will need to strengthen the cross-functional alignment between technology, business and compliance teams. As agentic AI goes into production, we are expecting cloud and edge computing capabilities to scale.” AI Agents and Commerce The key innovation lies in Gemini 2.0’s ability to handle multistep processes with reduced human oversight. Unlike traditional AI that responds to specific prompts, this system aims to autonomously coordinate across platforms, potentially managing inventory or processing orders. “Rather than completely redesigning their eCommerce systems, businesses will likely extend existing accessibility and structured data standards to create an ‘AI-enhanced HTML’ layer that sits between pure visual interfaces and full APIs,” Dev Nag , CEO of QueryPal , a support automation company, told PYMNTS. A distinguishing feature of Gemini 2.0 is its unified approach to processing different types of information. While previous systems often required separate tools for handling text, images and audio, this new model reportedly integrates them—a development seen as critical for real-world applications where data often spans multiple formats. For retailers and logistics companies , such advancements might manage supply chains, from tracking shipments to predicting inventory needs, while also handling customer interactions across multiple channels. Financial institutions might consider deploying it to enhance fraud detection systems, potentially allowing human analysts to focus on strategic tasks. With further development, Gemini’s agentic approach could have massive usefulness for practical and inefficient consumer tasks, Kevin Green , COO of Hapax , an AI for the financial services industry , told PYMNTS . But, he said, there are a few important things to note. “First, agentic is not a tidal wave. It will not come in and impact every aspect of consumer life. Much of what we do is already incredibly efficient and will not be improved upon, or at least not improved upon quickly, by agents. “Take online shopping for example. While AI may allow us to more quickly find what we are looking for or better introduce us to new products, the act of purchasing on Amazon is already incredibly efficient so products like AI shoppers are not something I’m expecting to take hold.” Race for AI Autonomy Gemini 2.0 could be an indicator of broader changes in business operations. The ability to process multiple data types and make decisions autonomously could have implications for retail and manufacturing industries. Some early adopters are already exploring applications. For instance, logistics companies are testing AI agents for tasks like tracking shipments and rerouting them based on real-time conditions and customer preferences. Similarly, Salesforce recently announced Agentforce 2.0 , a platform designed to enhance sales, marketing and customer service through AI-driven solutions. Customer service departments are experimenting with agents capable of resolving complex support issues by accessing multiple systems without human intervention. However, these advancements raise concerns. As AI systems gain more autonomy, ensuring their security becomes critical. A compromised AI agent could disrupt supply chains or execute unauthorized financial decisions. The potential cost savings and efficiency gains are considerable but not guaranteed. By automating routine processes, companies might reduce operational overhead and improve response times, though the extent of these benefits remains to be seen. For instance, SoundHound AI’s voice technology, used in automotive and restaurant sectors, highlights the interest in AI-driven solutions but also underscores the challenges in scaling such systems effectively. For businesses, the outlook is complex. Autonomous AI is no longer just a theoretical prospect — it is beginning to influence how companies operate and compete. However, success will likely depend on balancing automation with appropriate human oversight. Companies starting small-scale implementations now may position themselves better as these technologies evolve.BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans outraged over 'unfair' scoring and predict dance-off outcomesDemocratic Congressman urges Newsom to include Tesla in EV rebate after exclusion

JPMorgan Chase, BofA and Wells Fargo Sued For 'Festering' Fraud On Zelle

A man charged over the robbery of a delivery driver in South Albury will return to court on Monday. or signup to continue reading after he ran from a white Mercedes Benz. The vehicle was involved in a police pursuit. Casey, 22, had been wanted over Those nearby said the man was picked up and thrown to the ground and parcels stolen from his vehicle. The driver was injured and was taken to hospital. Casey faces charges of aggravated robbery and inflicting actual bodily harm, robbery in company, obstructing or hindering the carriage of articles by post, disqualified driving, and disposing of a stolen motor vehicle. He is also charged with driving a stolen car and not reversing safely. Casey was extradited from Wodonga to NSW on Friday and faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday. He did not seek bail in NSW. Casey will face a bail review in Albury court on Monday. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step360-Pound Librarian Sues Employer Over Small Desk ‘Trauma’

Unmasking the bicycle bandit: How cops caught the notorious armed robber