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The UK and France vowed to “relentlessly” fight Russia’s aggression after Vladimir Putin hit Ukraine with a new ballistic missile in a dramatic escalation, warning that failing to do so threatens peace beyond just Europe. Writing exclusively for i , Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his French counterpart said Russia’s actions threaten “not only” European security “but the world at large” due to Moscow’s campaign of “Putinisation” . While their article is not aimed at Donald Trump, the ministers’ comments came as some of the president-elect’s allies and supporters argue that the Ukraine war is Europe’s problem and that America should withdraw military aid. Lammy and French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot argued that Putin’s ultimate aim is to “annihilate” the international order that has been the “cornerstone” of Western security, and that Russia’s “brutality” risks “threatening peace everywhere”, including by strengthening North Korea and Iran. The pair vowed to “relentlessly fight this campaign of ‘Putinsation’” and “do everything that is necessary to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve a just and lasting peace”, amid fears that Trump could stop providing arms. The two ministers will meet on Friday for talks just opposite 4 Carlton Gardens, General Charles de Gaulle’s headquarters during the German occupation of Paris in the Second World War, a day after Putin threatened to strike the UK and use a new ballistic missile to target Ukraine. Downing Street condemned Russia for further escalating the conflict by using a ballistic missile with a range of “several thousand kilometres” against the city of Dnipro. Putin said the missile was a “response” to the UK and US green-lighting Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russian territory this week, and claimed that the weapon was a “non-nuclear hypersonic warhead” named Oreshnik that Moscow felt “entitled to use” after the Western allies’ decision. Despite Kyiv claiming the missile used by Russia on Thursday was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which has a range of more than 5,500km, US officials said it was more likely to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which has a shorter range of between 3,000km and 5,500km. The use of an IRBM would still be significant in the Ukraine conflict as its use by Russia would be in violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which prohibits ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500km and 5,500km, the RUSI think-tank said. Its deployment also carries political significance as it will be seen as Moscow trying to warn the West of its potential military, including nuclear, capabilities. Defence Secretary John Healey could not confirm the type of missile used, but said that Russia has been preparing to launch a new type of ballistic missile “for months”. Healey refused to confirm that Ukraine had deployed British-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles inside Russia on Wednesday, which the country’s bloggers said had been used to hit a command bunker, killing 18 people. Sir Keir Starmer also declined to officially confirm the use of Storm Shadows but told MPs that Putin had “indulged yet again in dangerous, irresponsible rhetoric” by threatening a nuclear response to US and UK support for Ukraine. Healey and defence chiefs told MPs on the defence select committee that the UK was “ready” to fight Russia in a war in eastern Europe if required. The Defence Secretary warned that if Putin wins in Ukraine “he’s not going to stop there”. Healey also said after weeks of Russian forces pushing back Kyiv troops the front line in Ukraine was now “less stable” than at any time since the start of the invasion in 2022. Giving evidence to MPs, Healey said that the world was facing a “serious moment”. He added: “The front line is now less stable than at any time since the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 22 and we’ve seen in recent weeks a very clear escalation From Putin and his forces. “They’ve stepped up attacks on the system in Ukraine ahead of winter, they’ve stepped up attacks on sectors killing children. They’ve deployed at least 10,000 North Korean troops to the battle. And there are unconfirmed but media reports today of Russia firing a new ballistic missile into Ukraine, which they, we know, have been preparing for months.” The Defence Secretary said that despite the underfunding of the armed forces over the past decade and a half and £500m of cuts announced on Wednesday, Britain is “ready” to fight a war if one broke out. He added: “We are there now, of course, in Estonia, we are ready.” Read Next David Lammy: UK and France will relentlessly fight 'Putinisation' Lt Gen Sir Rob Macgowan, deputy chief of the defence staff, told the committee: “If the British Army was asked to fight tonight, it would fight tonight. “And I don’t think anybody in this room should be under any illusion that if the Russians invaded Eastern Europe tonight, then we would meet them in that fight.” Healey added: “I think that it’s important that we help people see clearly that if Putin prevails in Ukraine, he’s not going to stop there. “And so for us in the UK, the first line of defence of the UK starts in Ukraine... it’s a good example where, in this day and age, the strength of our allies matter.” Starmer, updating the Commons on this week’s G20 summit in Rio, said: “I am clear that we must double down in our support. We will not be deterred or distracted by reckless threats. “We have consistently said we will do what it takes to support Ukraine and put it in the best possible position going into the winter.” Read David Lammy’s full piece here .

United, Apple rolling out new way to track lost luggage with AirTagsSerena Williams’ slimmed-down postpartum transformation sparks mixed reaction among fansWith sustainable practices and cutting-edge snowmaking technology, Canada's ski industry ensures the future of winter recreation while supporting communities nationwide. TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winter sports enthusiasts across Canada eagerly anticipate the first snowfall, signaling the start of a season filled with fresh air and fun in a snowy wonderland. However, a changing climate is making those first flakes increasingly unpredictable, challenging an industry that supports communities and promotes healthy lifestyles nationwide. In response, the Canadian Ski Council has launched snowissnow.ca , a resource showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The initiative provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Canada's ski areas are adapting to ensure snowy days remain a hallmark of winter for generations to come. Why is it Important for Canadians to Know that Snow is Snow? "Responsibility and resilience are at the heart of the ski industry's investment in snowmaking,” says Paul Pinchbeck, President and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council. Snowmaking is essential for ski operations across Canada, providing consistent snow coverage that enhances the experience for recreational skiers. "It ensures visitors can enjoy the slopes even during fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather while supporting the communities that rely on winter tourism,” Pinchbeck adds. Snowmaking also plays a vital role in kickstarting the winter season, offering early access to slopes before natural snowfall is dependable. This early-season reliability not only attracts visitors eager to embrace winter activities but also supports competitive athletes by providing critical training opportunities. As a foundation of operations, snowmaking bolsters the resilience of Canada's ski industry and its capacity to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Snowfall Trends and the Need for Adaptation Snowfall data from Environment Canada reveals that winter in Canada is changing. While snow cover has decreased in regions like the Pacific Coast and the Rockies, areas in southern Canada and central British Columbia have seen an increase in days with snow cover. Meanwhile, the Weather Network's 2024/2025 Winter Forecast predicts near- to above-normal precipitation across most of Canada, ensuring an active winter ahead. The Economic and Health Impacts of Snowmaking Ski areas are at the heart of many communities, supporting the economy through job creation and attracting millions of visitors annually. For example, Canada's ski areas welcome 17.9 million skier visits annually, including 2.4 million active skiers and riders, and generate $4.4 billion in spending. Beyond economics, skiing and snowboarding deliver significant health benefits. Outdoor activity improves cardiovascular health, balance, strength, and coordination while supporting mental well-being. Studies show that skiers may be at a lower risk of anxiety disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and benefit from natural boosts to sleep, metabolism, and immune function. Snowmaking: A Modern, Sustainable Solution The stakes are high, and the industry is taking a proactive approach to adapting to the many challenges it faces. Snowmaking technology has evolved dramatically, becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly. The snowissnow.ca resource seeks to provide insights into the snowmaking process while debunking myths about made snow. Key facts about snowmaking: About the Canadian Ski Council The Canadian Ski Council is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding across Canada. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Council works to make winter sports accessible to all Canadians, fostering a love for the outdoors and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles. Visit www.skicanada.org for more information or follow the Canadian Ski Council on social media: X: @CDNSKICOUNCIL | Instagram: goskiinggosnowboarding | Facebook: GoSkiingGoSnowboarding | LinkedIn: canadian-ski-council | YouTube: CanSkiCouncil #SkiCanada #GoSkiingGoSnowboarding #SnowStartKidzPass #CanadianLiftPass #Winter20242025 MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Booth Communications & Media Liaison Canadian Ski Council [email protected] 416.427.1588

Mallikarjun Kharge dissolves entire state Congress unit in UP

Bayan al-Hinnawi, who spent years behind bars in Bashar al-Assad's Syria, joined crowds in the heartland of the Druze minority on Friday to celebrate the president's fall, "a dream" come true for the former prisoner. Hundreds of people descended on Sweida's main square, singing and clapping in jubilation, just days after Islamist-led rebels took the capital Damascus, sending Assad fleeing. The Druze-majority city in Syria's south has been a focal point of renewed anti-government demonstrations over the past year and a half. On Friday, residents waved Syria's pre-Assad flag of white, green and black with three stars, and raised olive branches in a sign of peace. Some of them have lost family members during the anti-government uprising that began in 2011 and spiralled into civil war. Others, like Hinnawi, had languished in prison under the Assad family's five-decade rule. "It was a dream," said 77-year-old Hinnawi of Assad's ouster. Decades ago, a few years after Hafez al-Assad seized power -- which he later handed over to his son Bashar -- a 23-year-old Hinnawi was jailed. He was released 17 years later. The grey-haired man said he had "dreamed that one day the regime would fall", but did not believe that he would live to see the day. "It's a wonderful sight. Nobody could have imagined that this could happen", he said. But his joy was incomplete, remembering the many who have died in jail. "I wish that those who died when I was imprisoned in Mazzeh or Saydnaya could see this scene," said Hinnawi. Since Assad's fall, rebel forces and residents have broken into both detention centres, freeing political prisoners and searching for long-missing loved ones. Activists and rights groups say the Assad government tortured and abused inmates at both facilities. "I got out when I was 40, I missed out of my whole life," said Hinnawi, who served in the Syrian army before being jailed. Recalling torture behind bars, he said that "no oppressor in history has done what they did to us." Since Sunday, the ousted government's security forces were nowhere to be seen in Sweida, and the office of Assad's Baath party has been abandoned, as have army checkpoints on the road to Damascus. Local armed men are present, but not the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which spearheaded the rebel offensive against Assad. Siham Zein al-Din, who lost her son in 2014 after he defected from the national army to join rebel fighters, said he had "sacrificed his life... for freedom, for dignity". The family was still searching for Khaldun's remains, said his 60-year-old mother. Like her son, some members of the Druze community took up arms against Assad's forces during the war. The Druze, who also live in Lebanon, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, make up about three percent of Syria's population, around 700,000 people. Beyond defending themselves from attacks in the areas where they live, Syria's Druze largely stayed on the sidelines of the civil war. Many managed to avoid compulsory conscription since 2011. Residents of Sweida have long complained of discrimination and the lack of basic services. Many buildings in the city are constructed from black volcanic stone that can be found in the area, and its roads have fallen into disrepair. Sheikh Marwan Hussein Rizk, a religious leader, said that "Sweida province has been marginalised" for decades, with most of its residents living in poverty. But, surrounded by the joyful protesters, Rizk said better days may be coming. "Today, we look to the future and ask for a helping hand... Our hand is extended to all Syrians." Next to him, resident Hussein Bondok held up a poster of his brother Nasser, a journalist and opposition activist who was last heard from in 2014 when he was arrested. Bondok, 54, said he believes his brother was likely killed under torture in one of Damascus's prisons. Nasser struggled for freedom, Bondok said. "I want to congratulate him now, because the seeds he had planted with his brothers-in-arms has become a tree." lk/ami/it

New Orleans (4-8) at New York Giants (2-10) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox

Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick will head coach North Carolina's Tar HeelsKP govt launches 4 initiatives to empower youthORCHARD PARK — Kyle Juszczyk was inches from the goal line. Matt Milano’s arms were wrapped around his waist, but his legs were still pumping. And then Taylor Rapp made a quick right jab at the ball, jarring it from Juszczyk’s grasp as it rolled to Christian Benford’s waiting hands. Juszczyk’s fumble came on the first drive of the second half with the San Francisco 49ers trailing 21-3. But the 49ers moved the ball during the first half, started the second with a 60-yard kickoff return and could sniff the end zone. Instead they came away with nothing and lost 35-10. It wasn’t a turnover, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich insists. It was a takeaway and the Bills have created one in every game this season, seemingly always at the right moment. The Bills are second in takeaways (one behind the Pittsburgh Steelers) and 11 of their 24 forced turnovers have come on their side of the field. It might seem like fool’s gold, luck or a dangerous way to play. But in a flukey statistic, the Bills are consistently among the NFL leaders under coach Sean McDermott. In fact, the Bills have 212 takeaways since 2017 and no other team in the league has 200. The Bills have finished in the top-10 in takeaways each year since 2018, finishing in the top-four since 2021. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s 130 interceptions since 2017 are one behind the New England Patriots, while finishing no worse than eighth since McDermott took over. “You get what you emphasize,” Babich said. “... I think what happens is kind of when you walk in this door, that standard is kind of like a cloud just sitting over the top of us of, they know, even in practice, as simple as it is, if we don't take the ball away, we make sure we understand that that's not good enough.” The #Bills won their fifth AFC East championship in a row, while the #Sabres followed three wins with four losses to remain predictably unpredictable. @billhoppe.bsky.social dig into it all. fireside.fm/episode/sMvb... Emphasis or not, it’s up to the players to force turnovers and a large piece of that comes down to the type of players the Bills place in their defense. Both McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane have spoken at length about finding football players with instincts rather than eye-popping workout results. When the Bills can’t draft those players, they find them in free agency or in the draft. Rapp had 10 takeaways in four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, while cornerback Rasul Douglas had 11 in the 2 1⁄2 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Bills last season. There are some instincts that cannot be taught, but the Bills have been able to develop and strengthen instincts for players who are in the system for a longer period of time. The Bills teach players to be aware of the ball, to not just make a tackle, but swipe at the ball while doing so. In a scenario like Rapp’s forced fumble, the Bills teach players that the first man’s responsibility is to make a tackle and the second man goes for the ball. “I'd say for me, like, as far as, like, my mind being on the ball more often than it was when I was a younger player,” said Bills cornerback Taron Johnson, who has four forced fumbles in the last two seasons after recording four in his first five years combined. “So I'm looking for opportunities, more opportunities to take the ball away than I was when I was younger.” Turnover consistency has been steady despite the Bills slightly tweaking their defensive philosophy in recent years. During McDermott’s first five seasons, the Bills blitzed on more than 30% of passing plays and that number has dropped to 21.5% over the last three seasons, including 17.5% this year under Babich, the third-lowest rate in the league. Early in McDermott’s tenure, the Bills were one of the best teams in the league at disguising coverages, changing what the quarterback was seeing pre-snap compared to when he actually had the ball. They still do their share of disguising, but now the Bills try to attack the quarterback with four rushers and play a soft zone in the secondary until opponents cross midfield. “We always talk about rush and coverage working together,” Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard told GNN Sports. “So we do our part on the back end of disguising the picture or studying routes and understanding concepts that makes them hold it a little bit, which in turn gives the D-line a better chance to get back there and affect them. When that happens, then the ball comes to us.” If the Bills can affect the quarterback with four rushers, not only can they prevent more big plays, but more areas in the secondary are covered. But it’s not a simplistic defense, . Being comfortable with the different communications and disguises takes time. The Bills had the same safety pairing for most of McDermott’s first seven seasons and the system has largely been the same for his entire run. Even without Jordan Poyer and ) the Bills still had plenty of experience on defense. Fifteen players have been with the Bills at least three seasons, with eight having at least four. “The more comfortable you are in the system, the better you can disguise because you know your issues in certain defenses and certain coverages,” said Bills practice squad quarterback Mike White, who played against the Bills for three seasons with the Dolphins and Jets. “But it's interesting. You know what they're going to play, they know you know what they're going to play, but they still do a good job of disguising and get you to just second-guess for a minute.” It’s a brand of defense many teams have adopted in the NFL, which is why rushing yards are up and passing yards are down. The Bills have given up the fewest 30-yard passes (79) and the fewest passes of 50 yards or more (14) since McDermott became coach. “That’s part of our philosophy and who we are,” said Bernard, who has nine takeaways in 26 games as a starter. “I think that standard has just been set since before I got here. So buying into that and believing that and I think everybody on this defense believes in that.” WR Keon Coleman (wrist) and S Taylor Rapp (neck/shoulder) wore red non-contact jerseys and were limited in practice Thursday. ... TE Dalton Kincaid (knee), TE Quintin Morris (shoulder/groin) and WR Curtis Samuel (foot) were also limited.

Mind the Gap: Six Tips to Assess Your Healthcare Coverage Before the New YearWith sustainable practices and cutting-edge snowmaking technology, Canada's ski industry ensures the future of winter recreation while supporting communities nationwide. TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winter sports enthusiasts across Canada eagerly anticipate the first snowfall, signaling the start of a season filled with fresh air and fun in a snowy wonderland. However, a changing climate is making those first flakes increasingly unpredictable, challenging an industry that supports communities and promotes healthy lifestyles nationwide. In response, the Canadian Ski Council has launched snowissnow.ca , a resource showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The initiative provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Canada's ski areas are adapting to ensure snowy days remain a hallmark of winter for generations to come. Why is it Important for Canadians to Know that Snow is Snow? "Responsibility and resilience are at the heart of the ski industry's investment in snowmaking,” says Paul Pinchbeck, President and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council. Snowmaking is essential for ski operations across Canada, providing consistent snow coverage that enhances the experience for recreational skiers. "It ensures visitors can enjoy the slopes even during fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather while supporting the communities that rely on winter tourism,” Pinchbeck adds. Snowmaking also plays a vital role in kickstarting the winter season, offering early access to slopes before natural snowfall is dependable. This early-season reliability not only attracts visitors eager to embrace winter activities but also supports competitive athletes by providing critical training opportunities. As a foundation of operations, snowmaking bolsters the resilience of Canada's ski industry and its capacity to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Snowfall Trends and the Need for Adaptation Snowfall data from Environment Canada reveals that winter in Canada is changing. While snow cover has decreased in regions like the Pacific Coast and the Rockies, areas in southern Canada and central British Columbia have seen an increase in days with snow cover. Meanwhile, the Weather Network's 2024/2025 Winter Forecast predicts near- to above-normal precipitation across most of Canada, ensuring an active winter ahead. The Economic and Health Impacts of Snowmaking Ski areas are at the heart of many communities, supporting the economy through job creation and attracting millions of visitors annually. For example, Canada's ski areas welcome 17.9 million skier visits annually, including 2.4 million active skiers and riders, and generate $4.4 billion in spending. Beyond economics, skiing and snowboarding deliver significant health benefits. Outdoor activity improves cardiovascular health, balance, strength, and coordination while supporting mental well-being. Studies show that skiers may be at a lower risk of anxiety disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and benefit from natural boosts to sleep, metabolism, and immune function. Snowmaking: A Modern, Sustainable Solution The stakes are high, and the industry is taking a proactive approach to adapting to the many challenges it faces. Snowmaking technology has evolved dramatically, becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly. The snowissnow.ca resource seeks to provide insights into the snowmaking process while debunking myths about made snow. Key facts about snowmaking: About the Canadian Ski Council The Canadian Ski Council is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding across Canada. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Council works to make winter sports accessible to all Canadians, fostering a love for the outdoors and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles. Visit www.skicanada.org for more information or follow the Canadian Ski Council on social media: X: @CDNSKICOUNCIL | Instagram: goskiinggosnowboarding | Facebook: GoSkiingGoSnowboarding | LinkedIn: canadian-ski-council | YouTube: CanSkiCouncil #SkiCanada #GoSkiingGoSnowboarding #SnowStartKidzPass #CanadianLiftPass #Winter20242025 MEDIA CONTACT: Leslie Booth Communications & Media Liaison Canadian Ski Council [email protected] 416.427.1588

Thousands of Afghans on Thursday attended the funeral of the refugees minister, AFP journalists saw, after he was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul the day before in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in a suicide bombing at the ministry's offices in the Afghan capital. Thousands of men, many of them armed, gathered for Haqqani's funeral in his home village of Sarana, in a mountainous area of Paktia province, south of Kabul. The funeral included heavy security, with armoured vehicles, snipers and personnel manning the area and the road from Kabul, which was jammed with hundreds of cars as mourners travelled from surrounding provinces. Senior Taliban officials, including the Chief of Army Staff Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat, and Maulawi Abdul Kabir, political deputy of the prime minister's office, attended the funeral, according to an AFP team on site. The deceased's nephew, the powerful interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, also attended, along with foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. In a speech there, Muttaqi said the latest IS attacks had been planned "abroad", denouncing, without naming them, "countries harbouring" the organisation. "We call on all nations to work together to stop the common enemy, which does not recognise any kind of morality." In September, the Taliban authorities said IS had training camps in Balochistan province of Pakistan, which also regularly faces jihadist attacks. Haqqani, the highest ranked member of the Taliban government to be killed in an attack since their return to power, "was a big loss for us, the system and the nation", said Paktia resident Hedayatullah, 22. "May God protect our other leaders and keep them victorious." "Our leader... who had his life brutally taken away, achieved martyrdom," said Bostan, 53, haranguing the "cowardly attack" that killed Haqqani. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack on Thursday, offering condolences to the victims' families. "There can be no place for terrorism in the quest for stability," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on X. The European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attack, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran. Haqqani -- who is on US and UN sanctions lists and never appeared without an automatic weapon in his hand -- was the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the feared Haqqani network responsible for some of the most violent attacks during the Taliban's two-decade insurgency. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the ministry, according to a statement on its Amaq news agency, as translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. Taliban authorities had already blamed IS for the "cowardly attack" -- the first targeting a minister since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Violence has waned in Afghanistan since the Taliban forces took over the country that year, ending their war against US-led NATO coalition forces. However, the regional chapter of IS, known as Islamic State Khorasan, is active in Afghanistan and has regularly targeted civilians, foreigners and Taliban officials with gun and bomb attacks. bur-qb-sw/nroArizona WR Tetairoa McMillan to enter 2025 NFL Draft

KISS PR Brand Story Leads Innovation: Now Accepting Bitcoin Payments for Press Release ServicesFor Makenzie Gilkison, spelling is such a struggle that a word like rhinoceros might come out as "rineanswsaurs" or sarcastic as "srkastik". or signup to continue reading The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis can sound out words, but her dyslexia makes the process so draining that she often struggles with comprehension. "I just assumed I was stupid," she recalled of her early primary school education. However assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has helped her keep up with classmates. Last year, Makenzie was named to the National Junior Honour Society. She credits a customised AI-powered chatbot, a word prediction program and other tools that can read for her. "I would have just probably given up if I didn't have them," she said. Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others. Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI, but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities. Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the US Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New rules from the Department of Justice also will require schools and other government entities to make apps and online content accessible to those with disabilities. There is concern about how to ensure students using it — including those with disabilities — are still learning. Students can use artificial intelligence to summarise jumbled thoughts into an outline, summarise complicated passages, or even translate Shakespeare into common English. And computer-generated voices that can read passages for visually impaired and dyslexic students are becoming less robotic and more natural. "I'm seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they've found a cheat code in a video game," said Alexis Reid, an educational therapist in the Boston area who works with students with learning disabilities. But in her view, it is far from cheating: "we're meeting students where they are". Ben Snyder, a 14-year-old from Larchmont, New York, who was recently diagnosed with a learning disability, has been increasingly using AI to help with homework. "Sometimes in maths, my teachers will explain a problem to me, but it just makes absolutely no sense," he said. "So if I plug that problem into AI, it'll give me multiple different ways of explaining how to do that." He likes a program called Question AI. Earlier in the day, he asked the program to help him write an outline for a book report — a task he completed in 15 minutes that otherwise would have taken him an hour and a half because of his struggles with writing and organisation. But he does think using AI to write the whole report crosses a line. "That's just cheating," Ben said. Schools have been trying to balance the technology's benefits against the risk that it will do too much. If a special education plan sets reading growth as a goal, the student needs to improve that skill. AI can't do it for them, said Mary Lawson, general counsel at the Council of the Great City Schools. But the technology can help level the playing field for students with disabilities, said Paul Sanft, director of a Minnesota-based centre where families can try out different assistive technology tools and borrow devices. "There are definitely going to be people who use some of these tools in nefarious ways. That's always going to happen," Sanft said. "But I don't think that's the biggest concern with people with disabilities, who are just trying to do something that they couldn't do before." Another risk is that AI will track students into less rigourous courses of study. And, because it is so good at identifying patterns, AI might be able to figure out a student has a disability. Having that disclosed by AI and not the student or their family could create ethical dilemmas, said Luis Pérez, the disability and digital inclusion lead at CAST, formerly the Centre for Applied Specialised Technology. Schools are using the technology to help students who struggle academically, even if they do not qualify for special education services. In Iowa, a new law requires students deemed not proficient — about a quarter of them — to get an individualised reading plan. As part of that effort, the state's education department spent $US3 million ($A4.8 million) on an AI-driven personalised tutoring program. When students struggle, a digital avatar intervenes. In September, Makenzie's district rolled out chatbots to help special education students in high school. She said teachers, who sometimes struggled to provide students the help they needed, became emotional when they heard about the program. Until now, students were reliant on someone to help them, unable to move ahead on their own. "Now we don't need to wait anymore," she said. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

Pittsburgh 74, LSU 63

KYTX Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KYTX) Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Thousands attend funeral of Afghan minister

WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. The rare public dispute drew accusations from prominent aid and human-rights figures that the work of the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning System Network , meant to reflect the data-driven analysis of unbiased international experts, has been tainted by politics. A declaration of famine would be a great embarrassment for Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Ahead of next week's Bank of Japan (BoJ) meeting, investor sentiment is shifting back toward the ‘BoJ trade’ — a strategy that plays on long Japanese equities and banks, while shorting the yen and Japanese government bonds (JGBs). Despite recent reports suggesting the BoJ is unlikely to hike rates before 2024, this revived trade has gained momentum, particularly after Donald Trump 's election win, according to JPMorgan analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou. The yen has weakened, moving from 150 to 153 against the dollar, and the probability of a December rate hike has dropped sharply from 50% to just over 10%. Read Also: Stocks Fall, Yen Eyes Best Day In 2 Months, Bitcoin Rebounds Above $96,000: What’s Driving Markets Wednesday? Trump's Influence Panigirtzoglou highlights that investors have been increasing their long positions in Japanese equities, shorting the yen, and shorting JGB futures, expecting that Japan's inflationary pressure from a weaker yen will lead to a boost in economic activity. The "BoJ trade" emerged at the end of 2022, with the expectation that Japan's persistent negative real rates and a weaker yen would spark inflation and allow the BoJ to lift nominal policy rates. The inflationary aspect of Trump's policies, which reduce the chance of aggressive Fed rate cuts, has reignited investor interest in the trade. The BoJ's Indecision: A Mixed Market Reaction Since September, Japanese equities have traded in a range, although Japanese banks have outperformed, benefiting from the weaker yen. Positioning in the futures space, particularly for Nikkei and JGBs, has been volatile. While the unwinding of the "BoJ trade" had been significant earlier this year, post-election positioning has surged. However, this build-up in JGB futures didn't last long, as investor sentiment quickly adjusted, reflecting uncertainty over the BoJ's next move. As Panigirtzoglou notes, the positioning shift was particularly notable, with one-third of the short positions in yen futures and significant unwinding of short positions in JGB futures by the end of September. Is Japan Still The Inflation Play? With Japan’s inflationary prospects, driven by negative real rates and a weaker yen, the "BoJ trade" remains a potential winner for investors willing to bet on Japan's evolving economic landscape. But with market fluctuations and global risks, the outlook remains mixed. As Panigirtzoglou states, the trajectory of the trade hinges largely on the BoJ's decisions in the coming months—investors are closely watching to see if the central bank will wait or take action. The iShares MSCI Japan ETF EWJ , the JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF BBJP and the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund DXJ are popular ways to get exposure to Japanese equity. The Invesco Currencyshares Japanese Yen Trust FXY provides exposure to the Japanese yen. Read Next: Dollar Snaps 8-Week Winning Streak, Falls To 1-Month Low Versus Yen As Traders Brace For Bank Of Japan Interest Rate Hike Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.