Article content SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customized emojis within a matter of seconds. Recommended Videos The Wednesday release of the iPhone’s upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple’s expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple’s description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI’s emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won’t work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn’t in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple’s profit even higher from the $94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple’s stock price has climbed by about 30% so far this year to push the company’s market value closer to the $4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite’s appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone’s AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users’ privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data center can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple.Residents take to the water to escape massive Tondo fire

NFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other playsNEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global iron ore market size is estimated to grow by USD 57.5 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Region Outlook 1. APAC - APAC is estimated to contribute 89%. To the growth of the global market. The Iron Ore Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The iron ore market in APAC is anticipated to expand due to the rising demand for steel in the region. This demand is driven by industrialization and infrastructure development projects in countries like Indonesia , South Korea , and India . Notably, Indonesia has announced a USD430 billion investment in infrastructure by 2024. Several industrial, commercial, and residential projects are underway in these countries, fueling the need for iron ore. Additionally, increasing government initiatives to boost steel production will further boost the demand for iron ore in APAC during the forecast period. For more insights on APAC's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview 1.1 Fines 1.2 Pellets 1.3 Lump 1.4 HBI/DRI 2.1 Surface mining 2.2 Underground mining 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 South America 3.4 North America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Iron ore fines are crushed forms of iron ore used in the production of sinter, a material essential for ironmaking in blast furnaces. Fines are mixed with a binder like clay and sometimes flux such as limestone during the sintering process. The advantage of using fines is their ability to be blended for optimal iron concentration and reduced contaminants. In the sintering process, fines are combined with coke breeze, limestone, and recycled sinter particles, enhancing blast furnace permeability for efficient iron production. Globally, iron ore fines are exported and traded for use in steel production, driving the growth of the iron ore fines market. Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Research Analysis Iron ore is a crucial nonrenewable resource found primarily in the Earth's crust, predominantly as minerals such as hematite, magnetite, and goethite. These minerals contain metal iron, which is an essential component of steel, a versatile material with numerous industrial applications. Steel is used extensively in construction, manufacturing cars, and producing various appliances. Sedimentary rocks, including iron-rich formations, are the primary sources of iron ore. The mining and processing of iron ore involve extracting the ore from the ground and separating the iron minerals from other impurities. The resulting iron ore is then smelted to produce molten iron, which is used to create steel. Other elements, such as tungsten, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and chromium, are often found in iron ore deposits and can be extracted as by-products. The demand for iron ore is driven by the need for steel in various industries, including construction, automotive manufacturing, and residential and commercial building projects. Steel is used to create frames, panels, doors, engine blocks, gears, suspensions, and other components for cars, as well as hot-rolled steel for construction purposes. Market Overview Iron ore is a crucial nonrenewable resource found in the Earth's crust, primarily in the form of minerals such as Hematite, Magnetite, Goethite, Limonite, Siderite, and others. These minerals contain iron compounds that are essential for producing steel, a key material for construction, automotive industry, transportation, and various industrial applications. Iron ore comes in different forms, including lumps, pellets, and fines. Mining practices extract this resource from deposits, often located in sedimentary rocks or irregular iron nodules. The mining process involves equipment expenditures and can lead to environmental problems, such as waste materials, tailings, acid mine drainage, and airborne dust. Steel, derived from iron ore, is used in various industries, including building, car manufacturing, infrastructure, and more. It is a vital component in car bodies, trucks, and vehicles, contributing to their durability and strength. The automotive industry and transportation sector heavily rely on iron ore for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Iron ore is also used in various industrial applications, such as pigment iron for paints, structural steel for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure, and in various manufacturing processes. Additionally, iron ore is used in the production of various other materials, such as tungsten, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and chromium. The demand for iron ore is high due to its extensive use in various industries. Consumers, including the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors, drive the market for iron ore. The mining and production of iron ore involve various processes, including sintering, pelletizing, and smelting, using equipment such as sinter facilities, blast furnaces, and steel mills. The iron and steel industry is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, making it essential to focus on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. The industry is also exploring the use of hydrogen gas, steam oxidation, and other cleaner production methods to reduce its environmental footprint. Iron ore is used in various industries, including oil drilling rigs, catalyst industries, hydrogen gas production, and even in the production of iron oxide-based paints, UV radiation absorbers, and various consumer products like packaged food items and beverages. It is also used as a shield against radiation, in healing stones, and as gems. The mining and production of iron ore involve various challenges, including the handling of heavy media separation, ballast, and impurities. Foundries use iron ore in various manufacturing purposes, while energy storage and iron catalyst industries use it in their processes. Sinter plants and blast furnaces are essential components in the production of lump iron ore and iron ore fines, which are used in steel mills for manufacturing purposes. In conclusion, iron ore is a vital resource with extensive applications in various industries, from construction and automotive to manufacturing and consumer goods. Its production and use involve various processes, challenges, and environmental considerations. The industry's focus on productivity, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources will continue to shape its future. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Anglo American; 11.2 Ansteel Group Corporation Limited 11.3 ArcelorMittal 11.4 BHP 11.5 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. 11.6 EVRAZ plc 11.7 Fortescue Metals Group Ltd 11.8 HBIS Group 11.9 LKAB 11.10 Metalloinvest MC LLC 11.11 Rio Tinto 11.12 Vale 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

NEW ORLEANS — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Michelle Cheramie, founder of Zeus' Rescues, at her office in New Orleans on Dec. 9 with a whiteboard index of sheltered cats and dogs and a Scrim look-alike recuperating in the background. Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. Neighbor Tammy Murray had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues van toward reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim came to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter for stealth. Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, left, walks with Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something," she said. "He's doing that, too.” Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim rests in a kennel Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Scrim sits in the arms of Zoey Ponder on Oct. 24 at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Scrim at the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana. A Scrim sticker for sale Dec. 9 at Zeus' Rescues office to raise money for the shelter in New Orleans. A homemade portrait of Scrim hangs Dec. 9 in the Zeus' Rescues shelter in New Orleans. Scrim spends some time outside Oct. 24 with Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, in a fenced-in area at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Harris' campaign leaders say there was a 'price to be paid' for shortened campaign against TrumpWinch Remote Control Market Analysis By Top Keyplayers - WARN, Champion Power Equipment, BULLDOG, Mile Marker Industries LLC, Warn Industries, Inc., Winchmax, Superwinch, VRS, Lewmar Limited, Sistematica Srl, MSM PowerSailwinch, DCH Industriral Communicat

At a town hall meeting with the bureau workforce, Mr Wray said he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought”. Mr Wray’s intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Mr Trump had picked Mr Patel for the role in his new administration. Mr Wray had previously been named by Mr Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Mr Trump fired then-FBI director James Comey. Mr Trump had demonstrated his anger with Mr Wray on multiple occasions, including after Mr Wray’s congressional testimony in September. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Mr Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” Mr Wray continued: “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me. I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Mr Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorised to discuss the private gathering and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Mr Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the weaponisation of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice” and saying that Mr Patel’s confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again”. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI’s Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators”, raising alarm that he might seek to wield the FBI’s significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Mr Trump’s perceived enemies. Mr Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to “a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one”.

EVLV INVESTOR ALERT: Kirby Mcinerney LLP Notifies Evolv Technologies Holding, Inc. Investors Of Upcoming Lead Plaintiff Deadline In Class Action LawsuitBiden Welcomes Middle East Ceasefire as Hope for Peace

BOSTON, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block & Leviton is investigating Sezzle Inc. (Nasdaq: SEZL) for potential securities law violations. Investors who have lost money in their Sezzle Inc. investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/sezl . What is this all about? Shares of Sezzle fell 22% on December 18 after Hindenburg Research accused the company of engaging in unsustainable lending practices funded by high-interest loans, overstating its customer and merchant base, and allowing insiders to profit through margin loans. Hindenburg Research's report raises concerns regarding Sezzle’s financial health, and Sezzle's business model. Block & Leviton is investigating. Who is eligible? Anyone who purchased Sezzle Inc. common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more. What is Block & Leviton doing? Block & Leviton is investigating whether the Company committed securities law violations and may file an action to attempt to recover losses on behalf of investors who have lost money. What should you do next? If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website , by email at shareholders@blockleviton.com , or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Whistleblower? If you have non-public information about Sezzle Inc., you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at shareholders@blockleviton.com or by phone at (888) 256-2510. Why should you contact Block & Leviton? Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website www.blockleviton.com , call (888) 256-2510 or email shareholders@blockleviton.com with any questions. This notice may constitute attorney advertising. CONTACT: BLOCK & LEVITON LLP 260 Franklin St., Suite 1860 Boston, MA 02110 Phone: (888) 256-2510 Email: shareholders@blockleviton.comFor “Hysteria!” actresses Anna Camp and Julie Bowen, horror is harder than comedy. “Horror is really hard actually because there is a fine line you have to walk; you have to make it feel grounded and you’re put in these extreme circumstances: You’re being possessed or pulled through the air, there’s nothing you can do to relate to that,” explained Camp of “Pitch Perfect” fame. “With comedy, you can have a relatable situation and go, ‘I’ve been in situations like that.’ There’s nothing you can compare (horror) to, so you have to use your imagination. I find it harder. Your imagination goes home with you at the end of the day. You’re still thinking crazy thoughts.” Bowen, best known for playing Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family,” agreed. “Comedy’s pretty binary because it’s like either you can make people laugh or you don’t. I can’t watch horror. I’m terrified, terrified! I am the easiest scare in the world, so as far as doing (horror), I want to make it as real as possible. It was hard because I had to be really, really crazy. There were times when I’d get back to my hotel room at 3 a.m., I didn’t want to be alone in my head,” said Bowen, laughing. Camp, Bowen, Royal Oak native Bruce Campbell (“Evil Dead”), showrunner David A. Goodman (“Futurama”), and Ypsilanti native/creator Matthew Scott Kane (“American Horror Story”) were promoting “Hysteria!” at the New York Comic Con in October. The horror series is streaming on Peacock. Set in the fictional Michigan town of Happy Hollow, the first episode of “Hysteria” begins with a popular quarterback’s disappearance and a pentagram is discovered on a garage door. As a result, rumors of the occult and satanic influence run rampant through the town. A trio of outcasts in a heavy metal band called Dethkrunch exploit this by rebranding themselves as a satanic metal band, which leads to them becoming the targets of the town’s witch hunt. “Something on my mind a lot in 2019 was we’re living in this post-factual age with social media. It seemed like decades and decades ago, you could trust the news. Now everything is in question. When lies end up getting disseminated as truth, that starts to warp people’s version of reality. Suddenly, they’re living in a world other people are not. That was going on in the world I was living in and I very quickly connected it to the 1980s satanic panic. It’s not really that different because people were saying Ozzy Osbourne, Jason Voorhees (of ‘Friday the 13th’), and the Smurfs were going to turn your kids into satanists and kill you in your sleep. That didn’t happen. It wasn’t true, but so many people got worked up into such a fervor over it, bad things happened. ... It was smoke without fire,” Kane said. “Disinformation is not new,” Campbell said. “Disinformation will tear a town apart.” Campbell portrays Happy Hollow Police Chief Ben Dandridge. “This guy’s a reasonable cop; he’s a rational person who doesn’t treat the teenagers like they’re idiots. It’s all very refreshing,” he said. “I want to play that guy again. I want cops to be that guy. I’m playing the cop (that) cops need to be. That’s my whole motivation for playing this guy: How would you like cops to be, especially the guy in charge, the chief of police? They’re lucky to have Chief Dandridge.” “It was truly an exciting moment when Bruce signed on,” Goodman said. By the end of the first episode, a supernatural phenomenon happens to Linda Campbell, played by Bowen. “Linda seems like one thing, then you realize she’s bananas. She’s either bananas or she’s possessed. Either way, it’s a complicated thing to play,” Bowen said. “With Julie, you can have your cake and eat it too,” Kane said. “She’s this fun, quirky mom. ... As the episode goes on, she’s pulled deeper into this thing and crazy stuff starts happening. That final act of the first episode was my favorite moment with her because this announced that this is not Claire Dunphy. We’re not doing that again; we’re pushing her as a performer. “Julie was so excited about doing stunts. She told us on many occasions she’s very sturdy and can take it. The same goes for Bruce and for Anna. We didn’t ask anyone to give us a flavor of the thing they did before. We cast people we loved so much (in their famous projects) that we wanted to give them the opportunity to do the exact opposite.” Added Bowen: “I got this script and was like, ‘Oh great. She’s a mom. How fun.’ I love moms. I’m a mom, but I felt this was not worth flying out of town to Georgia and being away from my kids. Then I got to the end of the pilot and was like, ‘She’s crazy!’ Is she possessed? There’s a lot more questions. It’s fun to just stretch again and do things I haven’t done in a while, which I found really exciting.” Kane said he felt lucky Bowen signed on at the beginning. “She was the first adult actor to sign on. That gave us such credibility to have a two-time Emmy-winning actor leading this show. Suddenly, it goes from this script from a relatively unknown writer into the new Julie Bowen show,” he said. It was the quality of the writing that attracted Camp, Bowen and Campbell to “Hysteria!” “I loved the script; it was incredibly well-written. It was immersed in the time period. It was such a good coming-of-age story, too — the feeling of being in high school again, being in the 1980s,” Camp said. “I talked to Matt who said my character (Tracy) was incredibly pivotal to the series and we’ll learn about why she is the way she is. So I was like, ‘I’d love to do this!’” For Campbell, the writing is everything. “A lot of times, I’ll get a script that could make the words interchangeable with every other character because the writing is very bland and just doesn’t have the detail you need. This was different. Every character was pretty distinct and pretty well-drawn,” he said. “It’s quality. It’s not a (expletive) show. It’s a real show that’s playing around with interesting themes. A lot of it is still relevant to this day.” “Hysteria!” has other Michigan connections, including University of Michigan alumnus Jonathan Goldstein (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Dondero High School alumnus Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“Kong: Skull Island”), who both serve as executive producers. Kane explained why he set “Hysteria!” in Michigan. “You write what you know. I grew up in Ypsilanti, so that had a lot to do with it. More importantly, when you’re in a small town in the Midwest — somewhere like Michigan — these things don’t ever happen and word spreads fast and paranoia spreads quickly and (everything’s) blown out of proportion and takes up a lot of people’s minds,” he said. “Whether or not something is real doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if there are people willing to believe it does and willing it into the world. What does it matter if it’s objectively real or living rent-free in someone’s head?”

The opposition in Singapore is here to stay and there is "no chance" of an opposition wipe-out happening in the next general election, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said. He was speaking at the People's Action Party (PAP) party conference on Nov. 24, 2024 where he spoke about the political challenges that Singapore is facing. No chance of opposition wipe-out Opposition MPs have been in Parliament ever since 1981 , when JB Jeyaretnam of the Workers' Party was elected in the Anson by-election. With the Non-constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, Singaporeans are also guaranteed of at least 12 opposition MPs in parliament, PM Wong said. However, given the desire for more opposition voices, the "bigger risk we face" is the loss of a government that's "stable", "strong" and "good". The next election will bring high stakes, and there are "no longer any safe seats". This means that there is no guarantee that the PAP will win and form a stable government, he explained. PM Wong added that the opposition themselves admit that they are not yet ready to form the government. In April 2024, WP leader Pritam Singh clarified that his party's medium-term goal is to "play their part" to deny the PAP a majority of more than two-thirds of the seats in Parliament, following an opinion column in the Straits Times. PM Wong cautioned that it does not take a large number of swing votes to significantly change electoral outcomes. "A modest swing in popular votes against the PAP can lead to very different electoral outcomes. We are talking very possibly the loss of another three or four GRCs. That means we lose another four or five ministers, or a quarter of the Cabinet. We will end up with a much weaker government; with far less ability to solve the problems facing our people and our country, at a time when the world is becoming more uncertain and troubled." Challenges in recruiting One of PM Wong's priorities is to assemble the "best team for Singapore". He outlined his challenges in getting potential candidates to join, as many Singaporeans are reluctant to change their lifestyles or subject themselves to public scrutiny. PM Wong had also asked his predecessors, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, for advice on this front. "It's never easy to get good people to enter politics. I asked my two predecessors, ESM Goh and SM Lee, 'Do you have any advice and tips for me?' They say, 'Just do your best, this has always been challenging.' They too face difficulties attracting good people to join. In fact, I've seen how SM Lee agonised over this when I worked with him at that time, I didn't quite fully understand the significance of this work. Now, having taken over, I realise it's absolutely the most important, the most crucial, the most urgent thing I have to do." While he shared that he has made some progress on that front, he still hopes to persuade a few more to join the team. These new candidates will be presented as the campaign approaches. Top photo from PAP Singapore/Facebook, Mothership.Claire Grimes Boucher, mother to Elon Musk’s 3 kids, says: 'He’s turned into someone I don't know'

Janine Harouni chatted about her upcoming shows at Soho Playhouse in New York, as well as her comedy career and being a part of the digital age. Can you tell us about your show at Soho Playhouse? (What can we expect) It’s first and foremost a stand-up show, so it’s full of jokes and funny stories – like the time I forced my husband to propose when I accidentally (on purpose) found the engagement ring in his night stand or the story of how I only realized I wanted to be a parent after taking magic mushrooms on a beach in Thailand. But it’s also a show that has heart and tackles some of life’s tougher subjects. What inspires your comedy? I write a lot about family, I come from a mixed family – Irish, Italian, Lebanese so there’s a lot of food and a lot of yelling. My favorite kind of comedy is the kind where you see yourself reflected back. So I tell a lot of personal stories from my life that I think people can relate to. What do your plans for the future include? I’d like to find some balance. It’s hard working and being a new parent. I’m trying to find the middle ground between holding on to myself and who I was before and making space for this new amazing little person in my life. I’ve also had pink eye four times this year so I’d like my future plans to include my son not picking up every infectious disease possible from daycare. That would be nice. How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent) Towards the tail end of covid I started posting clips of my stand up to social media and it really helped me build up a following. And because of that, last year I was able to tour to countries I’d never even been to. I performed in Mumbai, Bangalore, Dubai, and in cities all across Europe and the US. None of that would have been possible without social media, and sure it sucks up all my time and makes me feel incredibly anxious but that’s a small price to pay for an expenses paid trip to India, right? What is your advice for young and aspiring comedians? Do it. Don’t plan to do it, or think about doing it, just do it. The only way you get good is by doing. I waited a long time to try stand up because I was terrified of failing. So if that’s you – let me help you out. You are going to fail. A lot. In fact you’re going to fail more than you’re going to succeed. But there’s so much value in failing. We live in a culture that hides failure and shames it and devalues it. But failure is your greatest teacher. You learn so much more from your losses. So don’t fear it. Just book in an open mic spot and start. Were there any moments in your career that helped define you? The defining moment in my career was meeting the late great director Adam Brace. He’s directed many brilliant shows over the years including the Emmy winning “Just For Us” and a bunch of HBO specials. But I met him about two years into comedy when we were both relatively unknown. We argued over a bit of mine he said wouldn’t work and I insisted would and we then spent the next five years working (and arguing) together. That moment sparked one of my most creatively fulfilling comedy partnerships. Adam was comedy rocket fuel. He helped me grow so much as a comic and taught me that comedy can be much richer than just jokes. He encouraged me to not shy away from material that is personal and meaningful. And that completely transformed the work that I make. What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question) I think we live in a culture that has very skewed vision of what it means to be a success. Can you be the best, make the most money, be the most well known, well respected — and the truth is I’ve met a lot of those people and they suck. In order to achieve all of that you have to sacrifice a lot of the things that ground you and make you happy: friends, family, outside interests. Nobody lays on their death bead asking to see their awards again or to look at their bank statement one last time. So the older I get the more I think true success is balance. You make enough money to live a life that’s comfortable, you’re proud of the work you do, and you nourish the relationships and things that nourish you back. That to me is true success. To learn more about Janine Harouni, follow her on Instagram . Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News.Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 22,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

Leicester City have sacked manager Steve Cooper following a poor run of form that has left the club languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone after 12 games. The decision to sack Cooper was made on Sunday, a day after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, who are managed by former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. Cooper, 44, was appointed when he replaced Maresca in June due to his previous ties with local rivals Nottingham Forest. His tenure at Leicester saw the Foxes win only two of their 12 Premier League games, leaving the club close to the drop zone. In a statement, Leicester announced that first-team training will temporarily be led by coach Ben Dawson, with assistance from Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the search for a new manager gets underway. The club hopes to conclude the hiring process swiftly. In addition to Cooper, assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also departed. Cooper’s short stint at Leicester followed Maresca’s successful 2023/24 campaign, in which he led the Foxes to the Championship title and earned promotion back to the Premier League. However, the current season has seen the club struggle, with six top-flight defeats already recorded. After Saturday’s loss to Chelsea, Cooper voiced frustration with the officiating, criticizing referee Andrew Madley for decisions he felt went against Leicester. Speaking to BBC Sport, Cooper acknowledged the challenges of returning to the Premier League: “I knew how tough the challenge of the season was going to be both on and off the pitch, and it’s proving to be that, but that’s just how it is coming back into the league. I believe we can do better, so that’s got to come in the performances to get the results.” His dismissal makes him the second managerial casualty in the Premier League this season, following Manchester United’s sacking of Erik ten Hag in October. Before his Leicester appointment, Cooper had a notable track record with Nottingham Forest, guiding them to Premier League promotion in 2022 and keeping them in the division the following season. However, he was dismissed midway through the 2023/24 season with Forest hovering just above the relegation zone. Cooper is also known for leading England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and taking Swansea to the Championship play-off final in 2021, where they narrowly lost to Brentford.None