8 in 1 super game

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — Nyle Ralph-Beyer's 20 points helped Sacred Heart defeat Division III-member Manhattanville 100-60 on Sunday. Ralph-Beyer also had five rebounds for the Pioneers (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Anquan Hill scored 18 points and added seven rebounds. Griffin Barrouk had 16 points and went 5 of 8 from the field (4 for 7 from 3-point range). Andrew Saint-Louis led the Valiants in scoring, finishing with 26 points. John Ranaghan added 10 points for Manhattanville. Don Mays Jr. also had eight points. Sacred Heart hosts Canisius in its next matchup on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .8 in 1 super game 。

The academic paper mills helping China commit scientific fraud

Consumers in the United States scoured the internet for online deals as they looked to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people's regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it. Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expected consumers to spend $13.2 billion Monday — a record, and 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the biggest shopping day for e-commerce for the season — and the year. Online spending was expected to peak between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night, per Adobe — reaching an estimated $15.7 million spent every minute. For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. An Amazon Prime delivery person lifts packages while making a stop Nov. 28, 2023, in Denver. Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target's two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock after the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless remain strong, and the economy kept growing at a healthy pace. At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies are rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use "buy now, pay later" plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items. Many economists also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles. A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck Nov. 17, 2022, in Denver. The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023. A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won't emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, but some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward "exceeded expectations" and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record $40 billion mark combined. U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in about $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. Meanwhile, software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 3.4% from a year ago. A United Parcel Service driver sorts deliveries July 15, 2023, on New York's Upper West Side. E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company. Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. "Hot products" included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care. Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes. RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, said its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest. Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023. Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday. "Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected," Gustafson said. In 2024, staying small on purpose seems to be paying off big for small businesses. They're keeping operations small and targeting niche, highly specialized customers. And some business owners find this strategy results in more time, energy, and money to intentionally capitalize on unique, small cap opportunities. The data tells the story of growth in small businesses for the year. According to NEXT , the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports awarding 38,000 SBA 7(a) loans under $150,000: double the amount they awarded in 2020. Here are the related small-business trends paying off in 2024. Commercial real estate agent Ryan Beckenhauer of Market Real Estate in Boulder, Colorado, has noticed that small businesses are growing smaller, and that their office and warehouse spaces are starting to reflect that as they shop for business space. In commercial real estate, many small business owners gravitate toward industrial condos and other flexible spaces. These are small-scale industrial spaces with a 90:10 or 80:20 split of warehouse to office. "More individuals are leveraging skills acquired at larger organizations to venture out on their own," explains Beckenhauer. And he goes on to say that they don't need a large commercial space as they make that leap to start a business. His clients include engineers, consultants, builders and other tradespeople. Beckenhauer's clients like the flexibility of being out of an office and being close to their inventory and workshop space. "The clients want to see and touch the finishes," he says. Small business owners both rent or buy these spaces. But he's seeing his clients opt to own industrial condos to stabilize costs due to rent increases in Boulder. And because these spaces are smaller, it can be easier for new buyers to qualify for financing. Mariana Alvarez, owner of Controller Works , an online bookkeeping and advisory firm, has noticed that small business owners outsource financial support services because they don't want to increase headcount. "Outsourcing gives them the possibility of having access to the knowledge and the skills of a CFO without having to pay for the salary," she says. "They don't have to manage or deal with the workload, employment taxes , and all that comes with it," says Alvarez. Additionally, many small business owners in fields like construction are family-owned, and this makes it easier for business owners to hand off delicate financial work to a trusted person with financial experience. Every small business has recurring tasks that can benefit from some level of artificial intelligence automation . And Alvarez sees a lot of value in using AI for small business bookkeeping. She explains that you can automate the data entry on Quickbooks. "When you create rules, as long as you create the rules correctly, it pretty much does itself," says Alvarez. From there, you can lean on financial experts to help you analyze the data and make more informed decisions. She uses AI as a background resource when guiding her accounting clients. "I believe that we still need the human-to-human interaction that comes with more perspective for financial analysis," she explains. According to the SBA , 77% of consumers feel that human interaction is still required for a positive customer experience. People turn to small businesses every day for a human experience. According to Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar , small business workers can show up for their customers but still use AI for routine tasks like customer queries. "This balance allows companies to scale their operations without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. It's important to remember that AI isn't there to replace the human element—it's there to enhance it," he says. "By really focusing on one very small weakness that Amazon has, I've been able to carve out a successful business by offering something different," says Lou Harvey owner of Tank Retailer , a retailer of commercial water and fuel tanks. "When you read our customer reviews, many of them actually mention me by name because of how much we focus on customer service and go the extra mile." One of Harvey's most successful business strategies this year has been to lean into his small, niche market and offer the kind of customer experience that large retailers like Amazon don't. "Any small weaknesses that Amazon has (however small those weaknesses may be) needs to become a strength of a smaller business focusing on a niche market," says Harvey. Harvey has his company's customer service phone number front and center on the website to help earn customer trust. "I prominently feature our phone number, and a real person always answers the phone (usually it's me)," says Harvey. Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of Church Hill Classics , an online, woman-owned diploma framing company that uses sustainable materials, has noticed an uptick in customers seeking services from a business on a mission. "This year, we've seen a growing inclination for consumers to actively seek out and support small businesses owned by women and minorities," says Voves. When consumers shop small, they choose to make their dollars count. "Customers are fueled by a desire to promote social impact through purchasing power," says Voves. Long gone are the days of online retailers "building it and they will come." In 2024 we've seen more small businesses than ever turn to social commerce to sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram Shopping , Facebook Marketplace , and TikTok . Small business owners are turning toward influencers, social media ads, and organic content to target their customers. Mike Vannelli of Envy Creative creates online ads for businesses, and he has seen his clients succeed on TikTok of late. "I've seen businesses, especially in retail, use TikTok's short-form video format to make their products go viral. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids," says Vannelli. He uses the platform's algorithm to push a company's content to the right audiences, and it works because TikTok loves storytelling. "I know small brands that use behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even playful challenges that tap into trends to humanize their products and build trust," explains Vannelli. To stand out on TikTok, he says, smaller brands need to embrace authenticity and emotional connection. Show your team, share your journey, and involve your community in content creation. This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Japan Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) above forecasts (0.2%) in 3Q: Actual (0.3%)

Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”A well-organised school assembly sets a positive tone for the day, inspiring students and fostering a sense of unity. This guide provides everything you need to make your assembly engaging and impactful: from current news highlights to motivational thoughts for the day, and a well-crafted anchoring script. Let’s dive into the essential components for hosting a memorable assembly. Mumbai: A well-organised school assembly sets a positive tone for the day, promoting unity and enthusiasm within the school community. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to planning and delivering impactful assemblies, covering key elements like current news updates, motivating thoughts for the day, and a flexible anchoring script. With these resources, creating a dynamic and meaningful event becomes a seamless task. School assemblies play a crucial role in the holistic development of students, offering a platform to cultivate leadership skills, build self-confidence, and strengthen community ties. They are more than just routine events; they provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, learning, and inspiration, becoming an essential part of a vibrant educational environment. The success of an assembly relies on careful planning and creative input. By blending educational, motivational, and entertaining elements, educators can craft sessions that engage students and leave a lasting impact. The process starts with selecting a theme that resonates with the students, aligns with the school’s values, or highlights important events and upcoming celebrations. A well-selected theme sets the tone and direction for the assembly. Starting with a warm, energetic welcome creates a welcoming atmosphere and encourages participation. Introducing a Thought of the Day offers a chance for reflection, motivating students with optimism and self-awareness. This can be followed by brief updates on school activities, achievements, or global news to keep students informed and connected. Including interactive activities like performances, role-plays, or quizzes adds excitement and encourages active student participation. These activities not only highlight student talents but also help develop public speaking and teamwork skills. As the assembly wraps up, recognising contributions, sharing important announcements, and concluding with a collective gesture—such as singing the national anthem, reciting the school pledge, or delivering a motivational message—helps foster pride and unity. To make the assembly memorable, ensure each segment is concise and engaging, holding the audience’s attention. Promoting inclusivity and valuing each student’s presence enhances the experience, leaving a positive, lasting impact. With thoughtful planning and effective execution, school assemblies can become transformative events that inspire, strengthen connections, and create cherished memories for everyone involved. Thought for the Day for school assembly “Kindness is not an act, it’s a lifestyle.” School assembly news headlines today Refer to the top school assembly headlines covering national, international, and sports news: National news for school assembly International news for school assembly Sports news for school assembly Anchoring Script for School Assembly Here’s an engaging and lively anchoring script for a school assembly—a perfect mix of warm greetings, inspirational thoughts, news updates, motivational moments, and an exciting performance. Crafted to captivate and energise, this script guarantees a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved. [Opening Remarks] Anchor 1: Good morning, everyone! A warm welcome to our respected Principal, dedicated teachers, and all our wonderful students. I’m [Anchor Name], and I’m thrilled to guide you through today’s assembly. Let’s start the day on a high note! Anchor 2: Good morning! It’s fantastic to see so many bright and eager faces ready to kick off the day with positive energy and purpose. We have an exciting program ahead, so let’s dive right in! [Thought for the Day] Anchor 1: To set the tone for the day, let’s begin with an inspiring thought. [Student Name], please share today’s thought. Anchor 2: Thank you, [Student Name], for such uplifting words. Let’s carry this thought with us as we go through the day and let it guide our actions. [News and Announcements] Anchor 1: Now, let’s move on to the latest updates. Here are some important news items and announcements for everyone. [Provide relevant updates and announcements.] Anchor 2: A quick reminder to all those participating in the Annual Day celebrations—please make sure to complete your event registrations by the end of this week. We can’t wait to see your amazing performances! [Motivational Segment] Anchor 1: It’s time for a motivational boost to inspire us all! Let’s remember, that every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and work towards our goals. Anchor 2: Exactly! Every challenge we overcome makes us stronger, and every effort takes us one step closer to success. Let’s embrace today with energy and determination. [Special Performance] Anchor 1: Now, it’s time for something special! Please join me in welcoming [Student/Group Name], who will be performing a [type of performance, e.g., skit, song, or dance]. Let’s give them a big round of applause as they take the stage! Anchor 2: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance. Let’s show our appreciation for their creativity and effort! [Closing Remarks] Anchor 1: That was an amazing performance! A huge thank you to [Student/Group Name] for sharing their talent with us. Anchor 2: Absolutely! As we wrap up today’s assembly, let’s carry the positive energy and lessons we’ve learned with us. Anchor 1: Let’s continue supporting one another, facing challenges confidently, and making the most of every opportunity. Anchor 2: Thank you all for your participation and enthusiasm. Wishing everyone a productive and rewarding day ahead! Both Anchors: Goodbye, and have a wonderful day! This script is designed to make your school assembly both engaging and impactful, helping to foster positivity, build a sense of community, and create excitement. This guide provides everything you need to design a school assembly that resonates with students and staff alike. By integrating relevant news, motivational messages, and a well-prepared anchoring script, it inspires the audience, fosters positivity, and ensures the assembly is an event everyone will look forward to. Click for more latest Events news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Chhaya Gupta, a lifestyle sub-editor specialising in fashion, food, relationships, travel, well-being, and spirituality, is a dedicated fashion enthusiast and avid traveller. With meticulous attention to detail, she stays abreast of the latest developments in major events across Indian cities and internationally. From life to style, she derives immense pleasure in covering a variety of subjects. With 1.5 years of experience, she has honed her skills while working at The Free Press Journal.Healthcare is a fundamental right under Article 9 of the Constitution. Unfortunately, governments, political parties and the establishment have consistently failed to uphold this basic right for the people. Instead, substantial sums of money are spent on constructing buildings, purchasing equipment, establishing so-called training institutions, acquiring substandard medicines, and funding salaries, perks, tours, and seminars. The criminal inefficiency of successive governments has been slightly offset by philanthropists and individuals who have built better healthcare systems, including hospitals, to provide free or subsidized care to Pakistan’s disenfranchised poor. These individuals and organizations deserve recognition and respect for their invaluable contributions. Failure of traditional model The traditional healthcare model is increasingly failing to meet the needs of the population, and this failure can be attributed to several critical factors. First and foremost, Pakistan’s rapidly growing population places immense pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system. As the population expands, so too does the demand for medical services, infrastructure, and healthcare professionals, creating a supply-demand imbalance that the old model simply cannot sustain. Secondly, the rising prevalence of unhealthy foods and lifestyles has exacerbated the burden on healthcare. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, fats, coupled with sedentary habits, and polluted environment, are contributing to an alarming increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, respiratory diseases and obesity. These preventable health conditions place additional strain on the healthcare system, further stretching limited resources and capacities. Corruption and mismanagement have also played havoc in the deterioration of the healthcare system. Funds that could have been used to improve infrastructure, procure quality medicines, and enhance services are often diverted or wasted. The inefficiency of public healthcare institutions, along with the lack of accountability and transparency, has led to poor-quality care, substandard facilities, and an overall loss of public trust in the system. The old model’s reliance on reactive rather than proactive care has resulted in unnecessary wastage of resources. Large sums are often spent on treating advanced stages of diseases that could have been prevented through earlier intervention, preventive care, or health education. This inefficiency not only increases the financial burden on the system but also leads to poorer health outcomes for individuals and communities. Furthermore, the absence of a clear vision and strategy for modernizing healthcare has hindered progress. New techniques, methods, and technologies—such as telemedicine, digital health records, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalized medicine—are reshaping healthcare globally. However, Pakistan’s healthcare system has been slow to adopt these innovations, often due to complete lack of vision and apathy of ‘leaders’, bureaucratic inertia, lack of investment, and a resistance to change. The failure to integrate such technologies means that the system remains outdated, inefficient, and unable to meet the evolving needs of the population. Need to change the old model The cornerstone of this model is universal access to essential healthcare services without financial barriers. Every individual, irrespective of socioeconomic status, should have access to preventative, primary, and family health care. This inclusivity ensures that no one is left behind, reducing disparities and promoting a healthier population overall. Advanced technologies play a pivotal role in modernizing healthcare delivery. The model should integrate technologies that: Ensure Public Health Essentials: Guarantee access to safe drinking water, non-adulterated food, and healthy cooking oils. AI and IoT sensors can monitor water quality, detect contaminants in food, and ensure supply chain transparency in food and oil production. Support Family Health Management: Maintain comprehensive health data for families, allowing providers to track hereditary risks, vaccination records, and regular check-ups. This system can identify at-risk individuals for early interventions. Enable Virtual Monitoring and Consultation: A robust virtual healthcare ecosystem can support patients remotely through wearable devices, apps, and telemedicine platforms. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, alleviating the strain on healthcare infrastructure. Preventive care must take centre stage. Regular health education campaigns should focus on teaching individuals about healthy lifestyle choices, the importance of vaccinations, and how to monitor their own health indicators. The healthcare system should actively promote wellness to reduce the prevalence of diseases. Primary healthcare facilities at village and Mohalla, etc., levels must be reinforced to become the first point of contact for most health concerns. Equipped with virtual consultation capabilities, diagnostic tools, and preventive care resources, these centers can manage the majority of healthcare needs locally, reducing reliance on secondary and tertiary care. Efficient use of secondary and tertiary healthcare By prioritizing preventive and primary care, the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities can be minimized. These higher-level facilities should focus exclusively on specialized and emergency cases, ensuring resources are used efficiently. The role of awareness and education Public awareness is a cornerstone for the success of the new healthcare model. It is essential to utilize cost-effective and widely accessible platforms, particularly social media, to disseminate information and engage the public effectively. The reliance on costly avenues such as commercial media advertisements and seminars can be minimized by strategically leveraging social media platforms. This approach ensures broader outreach and more sustainable engagement. Social media campaigns should focus on the following key areas: The importance of drinking clean water and unadulterated food. Identifying and avoiding harmful cooking oils and ingredients. Utilising virtual healthcare tools for monitoring and consultation. Adopting preventive measures for chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. The path to a sustainable future Achieving a sustainable future in healthcare requires addressing fundamental human needs alongside the seamless integration of advanced technologies. Providing safe drinking water, unadulterated food, a clean environment, and uninterrupted electricity are not merely necessities but constitutionally protected rights. In the age of generative AI and cutting-edge technologies, these foundational elements can be complemented by transformative innovations to create a truly inclusive and efficient healthcare system. This vision encompasses virtual healthcare access, universal diagnostic services, and integrated facilities, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive quality care without the need for extensive travel. Prerequisites Safe water and food: AI monitors contaminants in water and detects food adulteration, while blockchain ensures traceability and certification. Clean air: IoT and AI provide real-time air quality updates, predict pollution trends, and influence government policies. Reliable electricity: AI-powered grids optimize energy distribution, integrate renewables, and ensure underserved areas receive electricity for healthcare and digital needs. Internet is essential for education, healthcare, and opportunities. Satellite internet and AI-driven network optimization can bring connectivity to remote areas. Virtual consultations, telemedicine with integrated data, and AI chatbots enable remote care, personalized diagnoses, and reduced patient burden. Mobile units collect samples remotely, AI automates analysis, and results integrate with patient records for quicker diagnoses. AI enhances radiology, point-of-care devices, and predictive analytics for early detection and preventive healthcare. AI-powered hubs unify consultations, diagnostics, and treatment planning. Centralized data repositories ensure continuity, while remote tools enable real-time prescriptions. AI optimizes hospital resource management and decentralizes care to primary systems, allowing hospitals to focus on critical cases. AI creates personalized health plans, educates professionals and the public, and supports decision-making through data analysis. The government, policymakers, managers, international organizations, and economic stakeholders must recognize that a nation’s progress hinges on the health and well-being of its people. How can a country achieve optimal development when the majority of its population struggles with inadequate sleep, family medical issues, unreliable electricity, limited or disrupted internet access, and the need to travel long distances for basic healthcare? A healthy workforce with a sound mind is essential for driving economic and societal transformation. The inadequacy of the healthcare system is a significant contributor to this country’s stagnation. It is time to move forward by leveraging Agentic AI and other transformative technologies to address these challenges and build a brighter future. (The writer is an Advocate and techno-economist) Copyright Business Recorder, 2024Moore's 33 lead Norfolk State past High Point 77-74

The Centre for Ageing Better said data analysed on its behalf suggested more than a fifth of people in this age group are living in a poor-quality home that could be making their existing health condition worse. It said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in London and those who have a serious health condition or disability are more likely to be affected. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing covering 2022/23 was analysed by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the charity. It found an estimated 4.5 million people aged 50 or older in England with a health condition aggravated by the cold are living in a home with one or more serious problems. Some 2.8 million were aged between 50 and 70, while 1.7 million were aged 70 and older. Health conditions included respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease and lung conditions, including asthma. Housing problems identified in the research included damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay. While some 2.2 million people over 50 with health and housing problems owned their home outright, the biggest proportion of people (51%) with such issues lived in rented accommodation. The charity said older renters with a health condition were up to three times more likely to have five or more issues with their home than someone in the same age group who owns their home. Those with a health condition that can be affected by poor housing who had a significant issue in their homes were most likely to live in London (52%) followed by the North East (35%) and the North West (35%), the West Midlands and the East of England (both on 28%), and the South West (27%). Almost half (46%) of people aged 50 and above from black and minority ethnic backgrounds with one of the health conditions had at least one problem with their home, which the charity said amounted to almost 500,000 people. Among white people in this age group it was just under one in three (32%). The research also suggested people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds living with a health condition were also more than twice as likely to have five or more issues with their housing compared with their white counterparts – 15% compared with 6%. Dr Carole Easton, the charity’s chief executive, said not only does the research show the difficulties faced by those living in poor housing, but it is also “very bad news” for both the economy and the NHS. She said: “Our latest research shows that our poor-quality housing crisis is putting people with health conditions in their 50s, 60s and beyond, in harm’s way. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. “All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the charity, said the Government must “fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade”. She added: “No-one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. “By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “Our new analysis shows that the combination of health and house problems are most likely to impact groups of people who are already disadvantaged by multiple health and wealth inequalities.” A Government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this Government, through our Plan for Change we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable. “We’re consulting on reforms to the Decent Homes Standard next year to improve the quality of social and privately rented housing, and introducing Awaab’s Law to both sectors to tackle damp, dangerous and cold conditions for all renters in England. “Our warm homes plan will also help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver cleaner heating, with up to 300,000 households to benefit from upgrades next year.”

Conor Coady turned away in frustration and Ruud van Nistelrooy wore a look of disappointment as Erling Haaland put Manchester City 2-0 up at the King Power Stadium. Another promising Leicester City display would bring no points. They created enough chances to equalise, but failed to take them as they fell to an 11th league defeat and fourth in succession. Advertisement Van Nistelrooy’s side have shown progress since his arrival as Steve Cooper’s replacement earlier this month and there were plenty of positives to take from their offensive performance on Sunday. But that progress — and Leicester’s status as a Premier League side — are at risk of being undermined by a defence that just cannot stop conceding. Defensive fragility is not new to this Leicester team, who have kept just two clean sheets in their last 42 Premier League matches when the end of their 2022-23 relegation season is included. They have conceded 42 goals in 19 games this season (the joint-worst record along with Wolverhampton Wanderers ), including 23 in 12 games under Cooper, and 15 in six under Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman was in the stands as interim manager Ben Dawson took charge of the 4-1 defeat at Brentford. In those six games, Leicester have already conceded 20 or more shots twice, including 31 in his debut against West Ham United (a 3-1 win) and 27 in a 4-0 defeat by Newcastle United . Opponents have created an average xG (expected goals, a measure of how many goals a team is expected to score based on the quality of chances created) of 2.2. Leicester’s attack, which created opportunities against both Liverpool and Manchester City, has seen them average less than 1 xG per game (5.8 across six matches). Sunday’s match indicated there is potential for the attack to improve. Jamie Vardy was trapped offside twice in promising situations and forced a save from Stefan Ortega , and Facundo Buonanotte hit the post while James Justin forced a goalline clearance and Vardy put Leicester’s best chance over the bar. But those misses and Manchester City’s goals turned the focus back towards a greater problem — individual errors. Jakub Stolarczyk — playing his second Premier League match in a row in place of Mads Hermansen , who injured his groin against Newcastle, and ahead of Danny Ward — palmed Phil Foden ’s shot straight into the path of Savinho for the first goal while Coady and Boubakary Soumare failed to see Haaland run into the space they left behind to head home. This has become a theme under Van Nistelrooy. Across his six matches in charge, they have made four errors leading to shots and three errors leading to goals after recording five and two in Cooper’s 12 league games. In the defeat at Newcastle, Alexander Isak benefited from Coady’s awkward attempt to clear while Rodrigo Gomes took advantage of Justin’s misjudgement of a routine cross in the 3-0 defeat by Wolves. These numbers do not include Leicester’s failure to mark Haaland adequately against Manchester City nor Niclas Fullkrug against West Ham, nor their slowness to react to situations such as the corner routine that led to Jacob Murphy ’s opener for Newcastle. Advertisement Van Nistelrooy addressed the errors after Sunday’s game. “After the Wolves match, I referred to structural mistakes or individual mistakes – this is something we have to separate. “I think Jakub had a fantastic (home) debut in a great game, so credit for him, but he is not happy with the first goal. (It is) something we have to accept, and it will happen, but we have to reduce these moments to stay in the game or take the lead,” he said, adding that he felt their performance merited a better result. There is a case to be made for errors emanating from Leicester adapting to Van Nistelrooy’s style, similar to Enzo Maresca’s early months in charge in their Championship-winning season. But the margin for error was far smaller to begin this season than the last given the quality of opposition in the top tier, and only reduces with every defeat, especially with the potential implications that relegation could have on the team’s finances. GO DEEPER How Leicester avoided a points deduction - and what it means for PSR Wolves, who drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, sit only two points clear of Leicester in 18th, but are unbeaten in three games under Vitor Pereira, keeping clean sheets against Leicester and Manchester United . Prior to their 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 16th-placed Everton drew with Chelsea , Arsenal and Manchester City, conceding just once, in their toughest stretch of the season. For Leicester to move out of the relegation zone in 2025, which begins with a daunting visit to Aston Villa before Crystal Palace and Fulham visit the King Power Stadium, Van Nistelrooy will need to reduce his team’s errors, especially in defence. (Top photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)Kobe Sanders scores 27 points, Nevada never trails in 90-78 win over Oklahoma State

Brian Dowling has revealed the stress it has taken to grab a quick getaway with his other half after a number of delays as a result of Storm Bert. The broadcaster and presenter and his Dancing with the Stars husband Arthur Gourounlian took part in ‘military style’ planning to make the 24-hour trip possible. The pair share two children — Blake and Blu — with their solo trip requiring them to enlist help from family to mind the girls. ‘We got a message yesterday saying our original flight was now cancelled and we were being transferred on to the next available flight, which was six hours later,’ Brian revealed, adding they needed to think of a back-up plan. ‘Our new plan now involves us flying to Luton first & then making our way to London,’ he revealed. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth from then, with their new flight delayed by an hour as a result of the storm. A post shared by Brian Dowling Gourounlian (@bprdowling) Brian added: ‘We’ve just spent the last 5 mins stood in gale-force wind & rain trying to board, so please excuse the UTTER STATE of my hair.’ Remaining positive, the Kildare native noted the ‘it will take more than this to dampen our SPIRITS.’ ‘So London, WE ARE STILL COMING FOR YOU!!!’ Friends and followers took to the comments to extend well wishes to the couple on their quick getaway. One said: ‘Enjoy so well deserved.’ Another added: ‘Enjoy your break xxxxxx.’ A third wrote: ‘Awwww! Have a ball... London is the best at this time of year.’ Earlier this month, Arthur slammed trolls after he was subject to more ‘horrible, disgusting and inhumane’ abuse. After frequently discussing the negative attention their family receives, the father of two questioned: ‘When will enough be enough?’ Taking to social media , Arthur reassured followers that he was ‘absolutely fine’ but revealed there were ‘about 20 individuals consistently targeting me and my family.’ The TV personality admitted that the messages he had received had left him ‘speechless’ once again.

Poor-quality housing is putting the over-50s in England who have health conditions “in harm’s way”, a charity has said, as it said living in a home that damages their health was “the norm for far too many people”. The Centre for Ageing Better said data analysed on its behalf suggested more than a fifth of people in this age group are living in a poor-quality home that could be making their existing health condition worse. It said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in London and those who have a serious health condition or disability are more likely to be affected. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing covering 2022/23 was analysed by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the charity. It found an estimated 4.5 million people aged 50 or older in England with a health condition aggravated by the cold are living in a home with one or more serious problems. Some 2.8 million were aged between 50 and 70, while 1.7 million were aged 70 and older. Health conditions included respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease and lung conditions, including asthma. Housing problems identified in the research included damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay. While some 2.2 million people over 50 with health and housing problems owned their home outright, the biggest proportion of people (51%) with such issues lived in rented accommodation. The charity said older renters with a health condition were up to three times more likely to have five or more issues with their home than someone in the same age group who owns their home. Those with a health condition that can be affected by poor housing who had a significant issue in their homes were most likely to live in London (52%) followed by the North East (35%) and the North West (35%), the West Midlands and the East of England (both on 28%), and the South West (27%). Almost half (46%) of people aged 50 and above from black and minority ethnic backgrounds with one of the health conditions had at least one problem with their home, which the charity said amounted to almost 500,000 people. Among white people in this age group it was just under one in three (32%). The research also suggested people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds living with a health condition were also more than twice as likely to have five or more issues with their housing compared with their white counterparts – 15% compared with 6%. Dr Carole Easton, the charity’s chief executive, said not only does the research show the difficulties faced by those living in poor housing, but it is also “very bad news” for both the economy and the NHS. She said: “Our latest research shows that our poor-quality housing crisis is putting people with health conditions in their 50s, 60s and beyond, in harm’s way. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. “All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the charity, said the Government must “fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade”. She added: “No-one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. “By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “Our new analysis shows that the combination of health and house problems are most likely to impact groups of people who are already disadvantaged by multiple health and wealth inequalities.” A Government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this Government, through our Plan for Change we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable. “We’re consulting on reforms to the Decent Homes Standard next year to improve the quality of social and privately rented housing, and introducing Awaab’s Law to both sectors to tackle damp, dangerous and cold conditions for all renters in England. “Our warm homes plan will also help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver cleaner heating, with up to 300,000 households to benefit from upgrades next year.”

1 / 11 Adani Group stocks | The Group's Founder and Chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar have been summoned to explain their stand on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allegation of paying $265 million (₹2,200 crore) in bribes to secure lucrative solar power contracts. 2 / 11 Zomato | The company's shareholders have approved a proposal to raise capital through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) to raise ₹8,500. The approval was granted via a special resolution passed through a postal ballot conducted through remote e-voting. The fundraising is meant to strengthen the balance sheet at this point, the company said in a filing. 3 / 11 HDFC Life Insurance Company | Private general insurer ICICI Lombard General said it has acquired a 0.19% equity stake in the company for ₹233 crore. The transaction, executed during market hours on November 22, 2024, was made through cash consideration. 4 / 11 Power utility firm CESC | Its unit Eminent Electricity Distribution has received a letter of intent (LOI) for the acquisition of 100% shares in a distribution company responsible for the electricity distribution and retail supply in the union territory of Chandigarh. The deal, valued at ₹871 crore and expected to be executed within 30 days. 5 / 11 Rail Vikas Nigam | The company has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from Eastern Railway for an infrastructure project involving earthwork, bridge construction, and railway track laying. The contract is for a value of ₹837.67 crore. RVNL is leading the project through its joint venture with SCPL, holding a 74% share, while SCPL holds 26%. 6 / 11 RITES | The company has received revised estimates for its railway electrification project in the Lumding-Badarpur (LMG-BPB) section of the Lumding division, under Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The revised total cost for the turnkey project stands at ₹531.77 crore, excluding GST, which marks an increase from the original cost of ₹288.44 crore. 7 / 11 Cochin Shipyard | The company entered into a MOU with Seatrium Letourneau USA, Inc. (SLET) for the design and critical equipment for jack-up rigs for the Indian Market. This collaboration combines CSL's extensive expertise in ship construction and engineering with SLET's renowned design capabilities in offshore drilling technology. 8 / 11 VST Industries | The company said it has completed the sale of an immovable property located in Panjagutta, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, to ViNS Bioproducts Ltd and others. The transaction, valued at ₹101.7 crore, involves the sale of approximately 2.7 acres of land along with existing structures. 9 / 11 Mahindra Lifespace Developers | The company's unit Mahindra World City Developers Ltd (MWCDL) has announced the second phase of its industrial parks project, Origins by Mahindra, in Tamil Nadu. The agreement entails an investment of ₹225 crore by MWCDL and Sumitomo in Mahindra Industrial Park Chennai Ltd (MIPCL) in proportion to their shareholding. 10 / 11 HG Infra Engineering | The company signed a Letter of Award (LoA) with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd under the tariff-based global competitive bidding process. Under the LoA, HG Infra will handle 185 MW/370 MWh of the total capacity at a tariff rate of ₹2,38,000 per MW per month. The project is valued at approximately ₹1,110 crore and has a completion timeline of 1.5 years. 11 / 11 Prakash Industries | The company has finalised the mining lease for the Bhaskarpara commercial coal mine in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh. The lease, executed by the state government on November 21, 2024, has been registered today, granting the company coal mining rights for 30 years. Operational activities are set to begin with overburden removal next month, followed by coal extraction in the subsequent quarter.

Asian Stocks Eye Gains as Wall Street Awaits Data: Markets WrapVENHUB GLOBAL, INC., A PROVIDER OF FULLY AUTONOMOUS AND ROBOTIC RETAIL SOLUTIONS, TO LIST ON NASDAQ

HIGH POINT, N.C. (AP) — Brian Moore Jr. scored 33 points as Norfolk State beat High Point 77-74 on Sunday. Moore added five rebounds and six assists for the Spartans (9-6). Christian Ings scored 12 points, shooting 5 of 6 from the field and 2 for 4 from the line. Jalen Myers had seven points and shot 1 of 3 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. The Panthers (12-3) were led in scoring by Chase Johnston, who finished with 24 points. Kimani Hamilton added 18 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks for High Point. Kezza Giffa also put up 12 points. Up next for Norfolk State is a matchup Tuesday with Tennessee on the road. High Point hosts Radford on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .A journalist records parts of a ballistic missile, which Russia used in a strike towards Dnipro city this week, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Parts of a ballistic missile, which Russia used in a strike towards Dnipro city this week, are displayed, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko A journalist records parts of a ballistic missile, which Russia used in a strike towards Dnipro city this week, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Parts of a ballistic missile, which Russia used in a strike towards Dnipro city this week, are displayed, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko Ukrainian investigators are studying the debris of a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile that was fired at the city of Dnipro on Thursday, the first time such a powerful weapon has been used in the war. Reuters was among a small group of reporters given access to the wreckage of the missile on Sunday. Reporters were asked not disclose the exact location of the site for security reasons. The scorched and crumbled pieces of debris were laid out in a hanger at a facility which conducts weapons forensics. Ukrainian experts study such debris to gain insight into Russian military supply chains, production and how to develop counter-measures. Russia has dubbed the missile the Oreshnik (Hazel Tree) and said it is impossible to intercept it with air defences. Ukraine has said the weapon reached a top speed of more than 13,000 kph (8,000 mph) on its way towards Dnipro on Thursday. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles have a range of up to 5,500 kilometres. Two state experts provided cautious assessments, saying only that the weapon was ballistic, flew on a ballistic trajectory and that the strike resulted in civilian damage. They declined to take questions or give their surnames. "These are preliminary conclusions and to say something more concrete requires time and careful study of the remains of the missile," said Ivan, one of the experts. "This is the first time that such remnants of such a missile have been discovered on the territory of Ukraine," said Oleh, an investigator for the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called the use of the weapon a severe escalation and urged his allies to respond. Ukraine originally said the weapon appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Kremlin later said it fired a new intermediate-range missile at a Ukrainian military target in Dnipro in response to Kyiv striking Russia with U.S. and British made missiles for the first time after the U.S. granted its approval. The U.S. military has said the missile's design is based on the longer-range RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The new missile was experimental and Russia likely possessed only a handful of them, they have said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday Moscow would keep testing the missile in combat and had a stock ready to use. Much remains unclear for now, including the extent of the damage caused by the missile. Ukraine seldom discloses damage to military targets, fearing such information would help Moscow. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

Washington Commanders win in overtime to clinch play-off berth

Consumers in the United States scoured the internet for online deals as they looked to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people's regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it. Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expected consumers to spend $13.2 billion Monday — a record, and 6.1% more than last year. That would make it the biggest shopping day for e-commerce for the season — and the year. Online spending was expected to peak between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday night, per Adobe — reaching an estimated $15.7 million spent every minute. People are also reading... For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend. An Amazon Prime delivery person lifts packages while making a stop Nov. 28, 2023, in Denver. David Zalubowski, Associated Press Amazon kicked off its sales event right after midnight Pacific time on Saturday. Target's two days of discount offers on its website and app began overnight Sunday. Walmart rolled out its Cyber Monday offers for Walmart+ members Sunday afternoon and opened it up to all customers three hours later, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Consumer spending for Cyber Week — the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday — provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays. Many U.S. consumers continue to experience sticker shock after the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless remain strong, and the economy kept growing at a healthy pace. At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies are rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use "buy now, pay later" plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items. Many economists also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the United States would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles. A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck Nov. 17, 2022, in Denver. David Zalubowski, Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5% to 3.5% — compared to 3.9% in 2023. A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won't emerge until the government releases sales data for the period, but some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward "exceeded expectations" and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record $40 billion mark combined. U.S. shoppers spent $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2% increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That's also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in about $5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record $6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. Meanwhile, software company Salesforce, which also tracks online shopping, estimated that Black Friday online sales totaled $17.5 billion in the U.S. and $74.4 billion globally. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks in-person and online spending, reported that overall Black Friday sales excluding automotive rose 3.4% from a year ago. A United Parcel Service driver sorts deliveries July 15, 2023, on New York's Upper West Side. Richard Drew, Associated Press E-commerce platform Shopify said its merchants raked in a record $5 billion in sales worldwide on Black Friday. At its peak, sales reached $4.6 million per minute — with top categories by volume including clothing, cosmetics and fitness products, according to the Canadian company. Toys, electronics, home goods, self-care and beauty categories were among the key drivers of holiday spending on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, according to Adobe. "Hot products" included Lego sets, espresso machines, fitness trackers, makeup and skin care. Other data showed physical stores saw fewer customers on Black Friday, underscoring how the huge crowds that were once synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving are now more than happy to shop from the comfort of their homes. RetailNext, which measures real-time foot traffic in stores, said its early data showed store traffic on Friday was down 3.2% in the U.S. compared to last year, with the biggest dip happening in the Midwest. Sensormatic Solutions, which also tracks store traffic, said its preliminary analysis showed retail store traffic on Black Friday was down 8.2% compared to 2023. Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, noted that in-store traffic was getting spread across multiple days since many retailers offered generous discounts before and after Black Friday. "Some of the extended Black Friday promotions really ended up leading to a little bit of a softer day-of traffic than expected," Gustafson said. The 7 small business trends that paid off in 2024 The 7 small business trends that paid off in 2024 In 2024, staying small on purpose seems to be paying off big for small businesses. They're keeping operations small and targeting niche, highly specialized customers. And some business owners find this strategy results in more time, energy, and money to intentionally capitalize on unique, small cap opportunities. The data tells the story of growth in small businesses for the year. According to NEXT , the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports awarding 38,000 SBA 7(a) loans under $150,000: double the amount they awarded in 2020. Here are the related small-business trends paying off in 2024. 1. Small and cozy office spaces in industrial and flex condos Commercial real estate agent Ryan Beckenhauer of Market Real Estate in Boulder, Colorado, has noticed that small businesses are growing smaller, and that their office and warehouse spaces are starting to reflect that as they shop for business space. In commercial real estate, many small business owners gravitate toward industrial condos and other flexible spaces. These are small-scale industrial spaces with a 90:10 or 80:20 split of warehouse to office. "More individuals are leveraging skills acquired at larger organizations to venture out on their own," explains Beckenhauer. And he goes on to say that they don't need a large commercial space as they make that leap to start a business. His clients include engineers, consultants, builders and other tradespeople. Beckenhauer's clients like the flexibility of being out of an office and being close to their inventory and workshop space. "The clients want to see and touch the finishes," he says. Small business owners both rent or buy these spaces. But he's seeing his clients opt to own industrial condos to stabilize costs due to rent increases in Boulder. And because these spaces are smaller, it can be easier for new buyers to qualify for financing. 2. More outsourcing of financial services Mariana Alvarez, owner of Controller Works , an online bookkeeping and advisory firm, has noticed that small business owners outsource financial support services because they don't want to increase headcount. "Outsourcing gives them the possibility of having access to the knowledge and the skills of a CFO without having to pay for the salary," she says. "They don't have to manage or deal with the workload, employment taxes , and all that comes with it," says Alvarez. Additionally, many small business owners in fields like construction are family-owned, and this makes it easier for business owners to hand off delicate financial work to a trusted person with financial experience. 3. Automating bookkeeping tasks with AI Every small business has recurring tasks that can benefit from some level of artificial intelligence automation . And Alvarez sees a lot of value in using AI for small business bookkeeping. She explains that you can automate the data entry on Quickbooks. "When you create rules, as long as you create the rules correctly, it pretty much does itself," says Alvarez. From there, you can lean on financial experts to help you analyze the data and make more informed decisions. She uses AI as a background resource when guiding her accounting clients. "I believe that we still need the human-to-human interaction that comes with more perspective for financial analysis," she explains. 4. AI-driven customer service According to the SBA , 77% of consumers feel that human interaction is still required for a positive customer experience. People turn to small businesses every day for a human experience. According to Arvind Rongala, CEO of Edstellar , small business workers can show up for their customers but still use AI for routine tasks like customer queries. "This balance allows companies to scale their operations without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. It's important to remember that AI isn't there to replace the human element—it's there to enhance it," he says. 5. Personalized customer experiences "By really focusing on one very small weakness that Amazon has, I've been able to carve out a successful business by offering something different," says Lou Harvey owner of Tank Retailer , a retailer of commercial water and fuel tanks. "When you read our customer reviews, many of them actually mention me by name because of how much we focus on customer service and go the extra mile." One of Harvey's most successful business strategies this year has been to lean into his small, niche market and offer the kind of customer experience that large retailers like Amazon don't. "Any small weaknesses that Amazon has (however small those weaknesses may be) needs to become a strength of a smaller business focusing on a niche market," says Harvey. Harvey has his company's customer service phone number front and center on the website to help earn customer trust. "I prominently feature our phone number, and a real person always answers the phone (usually it's me)," says Harvey. 6. Businesses promoting social impact Lucie Voves, CEO and founder of Church Hill Classics , an online, woman-owned diploma framing company that uses sustainable materials, has noticed an uptick in customers seeking services from a business on a mission. "This year, we've seen a growing inclination for consumers to actively seek out and support small businesses owned by women and minorities," says Voves. When consumers shop small, they choose to make their dollars count. "Customers are fueled by a desire to promote social impact through purchasing power," says Voves. 7. Increased social commerce sales Long gone are the days of online retailers "building it and they will come." In 2024 we've seen more small businesses than ever turn to social commerce to sell directly on social media platforms like Instagram Shopping , Facebook Marketplace , and TikTok . Small business owners are turning toward influencers, social media ads, and organic content to target their customers. Mike Vannelli of Envy Creative creates online ads for businesses, and he has seen his clients succeed on TikTok of late. "I've seen businesses, especially in retail, use TikTok's short-form video format to make their products go viral. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids," says Vannelli. He uses the platform's algorithm to push a company's content to the right audiences, and it works because TikTok loves storytelling. "I know small brands that use behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, and even playful challenges that tap into trends to humanize their products and build trust," explains Vannelli. To stand out on TikTok, he says, smaller brands need to embrace authenticity and emotional connection. Show your team, share your journey, and involve your community in content creation. This story was produced by NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Chay_Tee // Shutterstock The business news you needHalf a century of rule by the Assad family in Syria crumbled with astonishing speed after insurgents burst out of a rebel-held enclave and converged on the capital, Damascus, taking city after city in a matter of days. Opposition forces swept across the country and entered Damascus with little or no resistance as the Syrian army melted away. President Bashar Assad, Syria’s ruler for 24 years — succeeding his father, Hafez Assad — fled the country. Russian state media reported that he was in Moscow. It’s a stunning development in Syria’s devastating 13-year conflict. Anti-government protests in 2011 met with a brutal crackdown, escalating into a civil war that has killed more than half a million people and displaced half of Syria’s prewar population of 23 million. Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, gradually regained control of more than two-thirds of Syria, leaving the rebels with one stronghold in the northwest of the country. And there the conflict remained, largely frozen, for years until late November. Here’s a look at a seismic two weeks for the Middle East. Wednesday, Nov. 27: Rebel offensive begins Armed opposition groups launch a large-scale attack on areas controlled by government forces in northwestern Syria and claim to have wrested control of over 15 villages from government forces in northwestern Aleppo province. The government and its allies respond with airstrikes and shelling in an attempt to halt the insurgent advances. The offensive is led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaida and known as the Nusra Front, HTS later distanced itself from al-Qaida, seeking to market itself as a more moderate group. It is classed as a terrorist group by the United Nations and the U.S. The attack on Aleppo follows weeks of simmering low-level violence, including government attacks on opposition-held areas. Turkey, a main backer of Syrian opposition groups, says the rebels began a limited offensive to stop the attacks, but it expanded as government forces began to retreat. Thursday, Nov. 28: The offensive expands The offensive expands to reach the countryside of Idlib province amid reports government troops are retreating. Friday, Nov. 29: Rebels enter Aleppo The insurgents enter Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, for the first time since they were pushed out in 2016 after a grueling military campaign by Syrian government forces backed by Russia and Iran. They meet with little resistance. Saturday, Nov. 30: Aleppo falls under insurgent control The rebels say they control Aleppo, raising a flag over the city’s citadel and occupying the international airport. The Syrian armed forces claim to have redeployed troops and equipment in preparation for a counterattack. By evening, the insurgents seized at least four towns in the central Hama province and claim to have entered the provincial capital. Sunday, Dec. 1: The government fights back The Syrian military launches a counterattack with troops and airstrikes on Idlib and Aleppo. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Damascus, telling Assad that Tehran will support the counteroffensive. But Assad receives little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular airstrikes. Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Monday, Dec. 2 - Wednesday, Dec. 4: Fighting rages near Hama The insurgents push south, advancing to within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city and a key crossroads in central Syria, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Damascus. State media reports fierce fighting in the province, and both state media and a U.K.-based observer group say government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, have recaptured some territory. Turkey urges Assad to hold talks with the opposition. Thursday, Dec. 5: Insurgents capture Hama After several days of fighting the rebels swept into Hama. Dozens of jubilant fighters are seen firing weapons into the air in celebration in Assi Square, the site of massive anti-government protests in the early days of the uprising in 2011. The Syrian army says it has redeployed to positions outside the city to protect civilians. Friday, Dec. 6: Rebels advance on Homs Rapidly advancing now, the rebels seize two towns on the outskirts of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city. About 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Hama, Homs is the gateway to Damascus and the location of one of Syria’s two state-owned oil refineries. Capturing it would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. The government denies reports that its military has withdrawn from the city. Top diplomats from countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Russia, hold talks on Syria in the Qatari capital, Doha. Saturday, Dec. 7: Homs falls, Assad’s grip weakens Opposition forces take Homs after government forces abandon it. The insurgents say they have encircled Damascus and are carrying out the “final stage” of their offensive. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition,” as Syrian state media denies Assad has fled the country. Sunday, Dec. 8: Assad is toppled Syrian state television airs a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown, and all prisoners have been set free. HTS commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani visits the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and calls Assad’s fall a victory for “the Islamic nation.” Russian officials and Iranian state TV say Assad has left Syria. Russian state news agencies later report he and his family are in Moscow and were granted asylum. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali says Syria's government is ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and hand over its functions to a transitional government.No one wants to see any player take a vicious hit like the one that knocked Trevor Lawrence out of the game. It’s easy to agree on that point. Eliminating violent shots is the hard part. The NFL has instituted several rules to protect quarterbacks but football is a physical sport and players have to react instantly and make split-second decisions going at high speeds so injuries keep occurring. Lawrence was carted off the field in the first half of Jacksonville’s 23-20 loss to Houston on Sunday after Azeez Al-Shaair leveled the defenseless quarterback with a forearm to the facemask. The late hit put Lawrence in the fencing position — both fists clenched — and he stayed on the ground for several minutes, while a brawl ensued. Lawrence didn’t require hospitalization for his concussion but it’s unknown when he’ll return. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out/been praying for me,” Lawrence wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.” Al-Shaair was ejected from the game and faces a fine and potential suspension after his latest unsportsmanlike penalty. The Texans' linebacker was flagged and later fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard last week. He was fined earlier this year after he punched Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. That occurred during a scuffle that started after his hard shot on quarterback Caleb Williams near the sideline that wasn’t flagged. Al-Shaair once got away with grabbing Tom Brady by the throat on a pass rush in a game between the 49ers and Buccaneers. Outraged Jaguars players called Al-Shaair’s hit “dirty” and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made it known he didn’t condone it. “It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, get a penalty there. Have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down. Unfortunate play. Not representative of who Azeez is. He’s a smart player, really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there. His loss really affected us on the defensive side. Just not what we’re coaching. Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath. That’s not what we’re about. Not representative of us. I’ll talk to Azeez, address him personally, and we’ll move forward from it.” Fox Sports color analyst Daryl Johnston, a former fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, didn’t hold back his criticism, calling it a “cheap shot.” “It’s everything you’re not supposed to do,” Johnston said. “Everything. You’ll see this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation. It’s reckless. It’s disrespectful. There’s an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him. And there’s opportunities to be physical and give big hits and play this game in that manner. And there’s other times when there’s a respect that you grant to your opponent.” Some former NFL quarterbacks blasted Al-Shaair on social media. “There is no place in the game of football for dirty hits like this one,” Robert Griffin III wrote on X. Chase Daniel called it “one of the dirtiest hits” he’s ever seen on a quarterback. Even defensive players struggled to defend Al-Shaair. “That was uncalled for,” Hall of Fame defensive lineman Michael Strahan said on Fox’s studio show while fellow Hall of Famer Howie Long agreed. But the play also sparked debate about the quarterback slide. Lawrence slid feet first, which signals that he’s giving himself up on the play. The NFL rulebook states: “A defender must pull up when a runner begins a feet-first slide.” But defensive players aren’t automatically penalized if they make contact with a sliding quarterback if they already committed and the contact is unavoidable. The rules state it’s a foul when “the defender makes forcible contact into the head or neck area of the runner with the helmet, shoulder, or forearm, or commits some other act that is unnecessary roughness.” Al-Shaair did that so he was penalized and will face other repercussions. Still, given the hard-hitting nature of the sport, it won’t be the last time this happens.