CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks fired coach Luke Richardson on Thursday, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise's rebuilding project. Chicago has dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL-worst 8-16-2 on the season. It was outscored 41-27 while going 3-9-1 in its last 13 games. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Kolkata, Dec 30 (IANS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be making a trip on Monday to Sandeshkhali, a conglomeration of islands in North 24 Parganas district, after avoiding such initiatives during the entire period of crisis there earlier this year, following allegations of sexual harassment of local women and land grabbing of people by her party member and local leader, Sheikh Shahjahan. On December 26, the Chief Minister announced that she would be going there to attend an official programme on December 30 and hand over documents of public services to 100 beneficiaries there. "On Monday, a total of 20,000 individuals will be handed over such papers from different camps established there on that day," Banerjee said. Doubts were raised from different quarters, including the opposition parties in the state, as to why the Chief Minister was avoiding a visit to Sandeshkhali while it witnessed violence earlier this year, following a protest by local women there against sexual harassment and land grabbing. Political observers feel that the Chief Minister's visit to Sandeshkhali on Monday is significant as she is expected to make important announcements from there on that day. In January this year, Sandeshkhali for the first time hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons as a group of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and their escorting central armed forces personnel (CAPF) personnel attempted a raid and search operations at the residence of Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with the multi-core ration distribution case in West Bengal. Shortly after that, when the entire focus of the media and central agencies was shifted over to Sandeshkhali, the local people whose land was allegedly grabbed by Shahahjan and his associates and the women becoming victims of sexual harassment by them came out on the streets protesting on the issue. Shahjahan is currently in judicial custody.

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President-elect Donald Trump has been very vocal about planning a mass restructuring of the federal government, with plans to downsize several federal agencies. There is one department that he would like to eliminate completely: the Department of Education. Local and state governments typically establish educational policies and curriculums, but the federal Education Department still plays an important role. It is responsible for administering federal grant programs such as Title I, which provides supplemental funding to high-poverty K-12 schools and the program that helps cover the cost of education for students with disabilities. It also oversees the federal student loan program and enforces civil rights laws that bar discrimination at school. While campaigning, Trump promised to "cut federal funding for any school or program pushing critical race theory, gender ideology or other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children," to "keep men out of women's sports," and to "find and remove the radicals who have infiltrated the federal Department of Education." But could he actually eliminate the department? And what happens if he does? What did the commentators say? "Trump cannot eliminate the agency on his own," said The Washington Post. It would require congressional approval and a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate . "Politically, this would be difficult, if not impossible," with potential opposition from both parties. If he successfully shuttered the Education Department, it would "surely have symbolic impact." Without it, a Cabinet member would no longer be "focused solely on education issues and empowered to speak to Americans about the challenges schools face." That would make it harder for the federal government to "elevate education issues or press for change in schools." Beyond that, the impact would largely depend on "how Congress restructured the work of the department." If Trump were genuinely concerned about K-12 education, he would "make a bold move right now to help public schools," Jessica Grose said at The New York Times . While a small portion of public school funding comes from the federal government, the "problems we face are so large that they are crying out for a federal response that includes continued funding for things like high-dosage tutoring to ameliorate Covid learning loss." Unfortunately, his first term offers "scant evidence that he has the desire to do much more than wage painful culture-war battles." What Trump will undoubtedly do is "pick splashy fights that he can win through executive orders," said Grose. For instance, he will most likely "reverse the transgender student protections put in place by an executive order from Biden this year." Though it is "pretty unclear how that would play out in practice," it is "certainly chilling." Eliminating the agency is not the same as "eliminating the myriad programs that it runs, billions that it sends out, and multitudinous regulations that it enforces (mostly pursuant to laws enacted by Congress)," Chester Finn Jr., president emeritus of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, said to the Washington Examiner . "Undoing those functions, programs, activities means dealing separately with the laws that created them — dozens and dozens." If the department is disbanded but its functions are not, it would be a "mostly symbolic act" akin to simply "taking the name off the door." What next? Trump has been swiftly tapping people for his Cabinet picks since his election, and with Trump's plans for eliminating the DOE looming, the "next Education secretary could also be the last," said The Hill . Several names were floated as potential candidates, including Ryan Walters and Cade Brumley, the state superintendents of Oklahoma and Louisiana , respectively, and Tiffany Justice, the co-founder of Moms for Liberty . Ultimately, Trump selected Linda McMahon to head the Department of Education. She is best known for building the professional wrestling company WWE alongside her husband. During Trump's first term, he tapped her to run the Small Business Administration. Like many of his choices, McMahon's nomination was not well received by critics. Selecting her shows that Trump "could not care less about our students' futures," Becky Pringle, the president of the National Education Association , said in a statement. "Our students and our nation deserve so much better than Betsy DeVos 2.0."Palghar MIDC Fire: Blaze Erupts at 2 Chemical Factories in Boisar-Tarapur Area in Maharashtra, Fire Under Control; No Injuries Reported (Watch Video)None

No. 22 Xavier aims to keep its perfect record intact Monday night in Fort Myers, Fla., when it takes on South Carolina in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. The Musketeers (5-0) are coming off an 80-55 victory on Wednesday over Siena, while the Gamecocks (3-2) beat Mercer on Thursday 84-72. Against Mercer, South Carolina sank a season-best 12 3-pointers -- tied for the fourth-most in a single game under third-year coach Lamont Paris. Jamarii Thomas, a senior transfer from Norfolk State, had 19 points and swished 4 of 5 shots from behind the arc. "Thomas got some good, clean looks," Paris said. "It was good to see those guys make their shots. Hopefully it gets those guys going in the right direction." On the season, the Gamecocks are making 7.8 3-pointers per game and shooting 32.5 percent from deep. Senior guard Jacobi Wright makes a team-best 1.8 3-pointers per game and shoots 37.5 percent from behind the arc. At 13.0 ppg, he is second on the team behind Collin Murray-Boyles (15.8). Xavier is allowing eight makes from deep per game and is letting opponents shoot 38.5 percent from behind the arc, which ranks 337th in the country. And despite an undefeated record so far for the Musketeers, third-year coach Sean Miller is worried about his players developing bad habits. "We have a virus that everybody is looking at the stat sheet, trying to get as many points as they possibly can," Miller said after the win over Siena. "They want to win, but they really want to win and score. We need a couple of guys that are willing to rebound, defend, make the extra pass, play at a high level defensively and understand what makes a team great." Marcus Foster did a decent job of doing a little bit of everything for Xavier against Siena, piling up 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal. It was the first double-digit scoring outing for Foster -- a grad transfer from Furman -- in a Xavier uniform. Since 2008, Xavier is 25-11 against teams from the Southeastern Conference, but it hasn't played South Carolina in that stretch. --Field Level Media

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray became rivals as they played against each other on some of tennis’s biggest stages . Now, Djokovic and Murray will be working together. The pair announced on social media that Murray will be Djokovic’s coach during the offseason and at least through the Australian Open . "We played each other since we were boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history-makers," Djokovic said on a video he posted to social media. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, and Britain's Andy Murray pose for a picture at the net prior to their match in the final of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, Sunday, June 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File) "I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, Coach — Andy Murray." In March, after winning 12 Grand Slam titles in six years with coach Goran Ivaniseiv, Djokovic split from his longtime coach and has not hired anyone permanently since. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had a down season in 2024, not winning a Grand Slam or any tour-level tournament. Djokovic’s crowning achievement was winning a gold medal for Serbia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games . TENNIS CHANNEL ANALYST SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY AFTER HOT-MIC COMMENTS MADE ABOUT 2024 WIMBLEDON CHAMP Serbias Novak Djokovic, left, and Britains Andy Murray hold their trophies after their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Paris. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) Murray, 37, retired from competitive play after the Olympics in July and is looking forward to beginning his next chapter in tennis. "I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open," Murray said in a statement released by his management team. "I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals." Djokovic, also 37, and Murray were born a week apart in May 1987 and faced off 36 times in their professional career. Djokovic holds a 25-11 record over Murray, including Djokovic holding an 11-8 in finals, and 8-2 in Grand Slam tournaments. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Britain's Andy Murray, left, and Serbia's Novak Djokovic attend a press conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) Djokovic beat Murray in the Australian Open four times; in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016. Murray won two of three of his Grand Slams with Djokovic as his opponent, the 2012 U.S. Open and the 2013 Wimbledon final, when Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win the singles championship at the All England Club. Next year’s Australian Open starts on Jan. 12. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe By Charumini de Silva Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe yesterday said the Government’s decision to reduce the export service tax from 30% to 15% marks a major boost for the service export sector, paving the way for growth. Commenting on the policy change announced on 18 December, he said it was something that the industry along with the EDB lobbied for from the new administration. “The move will have a transformative impact on industries such as ICT/BPM, financial services, construction, transport and logistics,” he told the Daily FT. He stressed that the tax cut alleviates significant cost pressures faced by exporters under the previous rate, adding that it sends a strong signal of the Government’s commitment to boosting growth and competitiveness. “By halving the tax burden, the Government has provided much-needed relief whilst reinforcing a business-friendly climate to attract both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors,” he said. Wijesinghe expressed confidence that this move would allow service exporters to offer more competitive pricing to international clients, assisting them retain existing business and secure new opportunities. “The service export sector plays a key role in our economy and this tax reduction will enable companies to reinvest in critical areas like technology, talent up-skilling and innovation. Such reinvestments will not only boost the quality of our exports, but also driver broader economic growth,” he explained. Recalling on the challenges posed by the earlier 30% tax rate, the EDB Chief acknowledged that it had acted as a deterrent, discouraging investment and stifling growth in the sector. He described the revised 15% rate as a balanced and pragmatic approach that supports industry expansion whilst meeting necessary Government revenue targets amid economic recovery process. Sri Lanka’s service exports, which generated an estimated $ 3.17 billion during the first 11 months, are projected to reach $ 3.6 billion by year end. The Chairman noted that this policy aligns with the EDB’s ambitious goal of achieving $ 11 billion in service export income by 2030. “The policy revision is critical enabler for our long-term aspirations. It will attract inward investments, retain talent and encourage innovation across the board,” he added. He expressed optimism that businesses previously constrained by the higher tax rates would now re-engage, scale operations and contribute to the sector’s growth.A new wave of humanoid robots is on the horizon as Google DeepMind partners with robotics pioneer Apptronik to tackle complex tasks in dynamic real-world settings. This collaboration blends Google’s advanced AI capabilities with Apptronik’s innovative robotics technology, paving the way for significant advancements in the field of embodied intelligence. Apptronik’s humanoid robot Apollo , standing at an impressive 5’8′′ and weighing 160 pounds, serves as the centerpiece of this partnership. Already tested in industry settings with leaders like GXO and Mercedes-Benz, Apollo shows promise for real-world applications. It is designed for environments where humans and robots collaborate, such as warehouses and production lines, focusing on reliability and usability. The alliance with Google DeepMind is set to significantly upgrade Apollo’s capabilities. Google’s Gemini AI models, known for integrating reasoning with action, enable Apollo to adapt and perform complex tasks. Showcasing its potential, Apollo has demonstrated playing games like Jenga using spatial reasoning, a testament to its advanced capabilities. Mercedes-Benz’s use of Apollo in its manufacturing facilities highlights the practical application of humanoid robots. Apollo efficiently handles repetitive tasks such as delivering parts and inspecting components, indicating a future where humanoid robots seamlessly integrate alongside human workers without major facility redesigns. This partnership aims to address labor gaps and enhance industrial efficiency. As the robotics sector matures, the combination of Google’s AI and Apptronik’s robotics expertise could accelerate the commercial deployment of intelligent robots, making them invaluable tools in various industries worldwide. The Future of Robotics: Revolutionizing Industries with Humanoid Intelligence As technological advancements continue to reshape industries, the partnership between Google DeepMind and Apptronik marks a pivotal moment in robotics. This collaboration seeks to enhance humanoid robots’ capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence to tackle real-world challenges. With a focus on redefining the boundaries of what robots can achieve in dynamic environments, this partnership promises to set new standards in the robotics sector. Features and Innovations of Apollo Apollo, Apptronik’s flagship humanoid robot, is designed for seamless collaboration with humans. Standing 5’8′′ tall and weighing 160 pounds, Apollo is built for environments like warehouses and production lines, where reliability and ease of use are paramount. The incorporation of Google’s Gemini AI models into Apollo empowers it with spatial reasoning and adaptability, enabling it to perform complex tasks such as playing strategic games like Jenga. The robot’s ability to handle both cognitive and physical demands reflects a significant leap in embodied intelligence. Use Cases and Practical Applications Mercedes-Benz’s integration of Apollo into their manufacturing process exemplifies its application potential. The robot’s role in handling repetitive tasks, such as delivering parts and inspecting components, not only highlights its effectiveness but also its ability to alleviate human labor in demanding environments. This partnership underscores a vision where humanoid robots streamline operations, boost efficiency, and fill labor shortages without necessitating substantial changes to existing facilities. Market Trends and Insights The partnership between Google DeepMind and Apptronik is indicative of broader trends in the robotics industry. As AI technology evolves, the commercial deployment of intelligent robots like Apollo is expected to accelerate. These advancements could lead to significant productivity enhancements across various sectors, from manufacturing to logistics, offering solutions to labor shortages and operational inefficiencies. The market is steadily moving toward the integration of smart robotics to complement human capabilities, leading to a more automated and efficient future. Addressing Controversies and Challenges Despite the promising potential, the rise of humanoid robots brings about debates concerning job displacement and ethical considerations. As robots become more capable of performing tasks traditionally done by humans, industries must navigate the socio-economic implications. Ensuring a balance between technological advancement and societal impact is crucial as humanoid robots become more prevalent. Predictions for the Robotics Sector The future of robotics lies in the seamless integration of AI and machine learning, allowing robots to not just perform tasks but to understand and adapt in real-time. Predictions for the industry point to a surge in the deployment of humanoid robots, as AI continues to enhance their capabilities. This evolution could lead to a new era of intelligent automation, revolutionizing how businesses operate and how society functions. For further information on cutting-edge AI advancements and robotics, visit Google DeepMind and Apptronik . These collaborations pave the way for innovative solutions to modern industrial challenges, making intelligent robotics an integral component of the future landscape.'My autistic sons have taught me so much'What We Know About Luigi Mangione: Suspected CEO Shooter Makes First Federal Court Appearance

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Zoom Video Communications ZM-Q raised its forecast for fiscal 2025 revenue and adjusted profit on Monday, anticipating robust demand for its online video conferencing software as it expands its product portfolio, and clients embrace hybrid working models. Zoom also said it would expand its share repurchase plan by $1.2-billion. Shares of the company were down around 3 per cent in extended trading after closing up over 3.5 per cent. Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital, attributes the stock reaction to a rally in the shares leading up to the earnings report. “Traders are probably taking profits going into this shortened and light Thanksgiving holiday week,” he said. The company expects revenue in the range of $4.65-billion to $4.66-billion, from its earlier forecast of between $4.63-billion and $4.64-billion. Zoom’s online meeting services continue to see strong spending from its large enterprise client base as hybrid working models become the norm in many firms and its push to integrate artificial intelligence makes it a staple for many companies’ operations. It raised its forecast for full-year adjusted earnings per share to a range of $5.41 and $5.43 per share, compared with the $5.29 to $5.32 previous range. However, the company faces stiff competition from rival video conferencing services such as Microsoft’s Teams and Cisco’s Webex as they battle for client dollars in a crowded market. Enterprise revenue for the third quarter grew 6 per cent and now makes up 59 per cent of the company’s total revenue, reflecting Zoom’s shift to an enterprise-centric customer base, newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Michelle Chang said on a post-earnings call. The company reported revenue of $1.18-billion for the third quarter, beating estimates of $1.16-billion, as per data compiled by LSEG. It reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.38 in the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with estimates of $1.31.Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel gets 5-year contract extension

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