RJ Thompson scored 23 points -- including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 56 seconds left -- as Charleston Southern shocked host Miami 83-79 on Saturday afternoon. Miami entered the game as a 23.5-point favorite. Charleston (2-7) won its first game of the season away from home after losing its previous six road or neutral-court contests. The Buccaneers also got 21 points from Thompson Camara and 20 points and 11 rebounds from Taje' Kelly. Camara match his previous career point total. Miami (3-4), playing at home for the first time in two weeks, lost its fourth straight game. Brandon Johnson led Miami with 23 points and freshman Austin Swartz scored a career-high 15. Swartz entered the game averaging just 2.3 points For the first time this season, Miami was without Nijel Pack, who has a lower-body injury. Pack leads the team in scoring (15.2) and assists (4.7). With Pack out, five-star freshman Jalil Bethea made his first start and had six points. The game featured quite a contrast in coaches. Miami's Jim Larranaga, 75, has won 743 games in 41-plus seasons. Charleston Southern's Saah Nimley, 31, is in his full first season as a head coach. He was named interim coach in November 2023. In the first half, Miami raced to a 17-10 lead. However, Charleston Southern posted an 11-0 run to grab a 21-17 advantage. The Hurricanes lost control late in the first half as Miami's Johnson hit a 3-pointer and was hit with a technical foul for taunting. Later in the first half, Larranaga was also hit with a technical. By the end of the half, the Buccaneers led 45-37. Camara led Charleston Southern with 16 first-half points on 6-for-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 on 3-pointers. Johnson scored 12 for Miami in the opening half, all on 3-pointers. In the second half, Charleston Southern stretched its lead to 13. Miami rallied as the clock wound down. With 38 seconds left, Miami called a timeout while trailing 81-79. With 15 seconds left, Swartz missed a 3-pointer and the Buccaneers got the rebound. Daylen Berry made two free throws with 11 seconds left to ice the game. Up next, Miami will host No. 19 Arkansas on Tuesday night as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge. Charleston Southern will return home to face Tennessee-Martin on Tuesday night. --Field Level Media

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to run Health and Human Services. SPRINGFIELD — Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape. Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally over the final months of the 2024 campaign and was selected for the HHS post shortly after the election. The department houses the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kennedy’s views on health and his stated policy initiatives could have far-reaching effects on public health, including on policies in Illinois. Kennedy has often encouraged healthier food consumption for Americans — a goal Illinois Democrats could support. But Kennedy holds other views at odds with science. In a 2023 Fox News interview, he said he believes a debunked theory that vaccines cause autism. He has also proposed discouraging fluoridating public water — a public health measure that supports dental health. Kennedy is not receiving a warm reception from Illinois Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will vote on Kennedy’s nomination if it advances to the Senate floor. “This is one of the most important and sensitive appointments that a president can make,” Durbin said. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may be qualified in some areas; he is totally unqualified for this job. He has engaged in quack science and crazy theories right and left and drawn a lot of attention because of it. "I fear this man is going to bring the same ideas to the administration of this life and death agency and that would be a disaster.” If Kennedy becomes the HHS secretary, his administration’s work could put Illinois health policy at odds with federal directives in some areas. But the state might also find a partner in Kennedy as the General Assembly considers food regulation. If Kennedy gets his way, the CDC would recommend public water systems stop putting fluoride in public drinking water on the very day Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20, according to a social media post Kennedy made days before the election. “Fluoride is an industrial waste,” Kennedy said, claiming it causes bone and neurological issues as well as other problems. Fluoride keeps teeth strong and is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used in toothpaste because of its benefits for dental health, according to the CDC. Putting it in water supplies was named by the agency one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century. As for Kennedy’s claim that it causes health problems, one National Toxicology Program study found a possible link between fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher and lower IQs in children. However, researchers noted more studies are needed to draw specific conclusions. Illinois water systems keep fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million and are required to notify customers when levels exceed 2 milligrams per liter, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Nearly every Illinois resident consumes fluoride in their drinking water, according to a 2023 CDC report. The annual report found 90 percent of state water systems had fluoride. Together, they serve 98 percent of the state’s population. Fluoride is required in Illinois drinking water under a 1967 state law, which was amended in 2016 to lower the amount of fluoride water systems are required to use. However, the 2016 law says the levels “shall be in compliance with the recommendations on optimal fluoridation for community water levels as proposed and adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Additional rules established by the state’s Pollution Control Board also govern the level of fluoride in water. It’s not clear how Illinois’ fluoride use would change if federal recommendations change. “Illinois EPA cannot speculate on what actions may be taken if such decisions are made at the federal level. State regulations can be more stringent than federal regulation but cannot be less stringent,” agency spokesperson Kim Biggs said. Kennedy is known for being skeptical of vaccines and spreading false information about them. What he would do about vaccines as HHS secretary is unclear. He has said in recent weeks he wouldn’t take any vaccines away. However, he has pushed for significant deregulation and changes at HHS and its agencies that could affect approval of future vaccines. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a schedule of 12 vaccines children must receive and stipulates parents present their child’s school with proof of immunization for certain vaccines by certain grade levels. There are also various vaccine requirements for college students and health care workplaces. Illinois’ school vaccine policy is set at the state level based on recommendations of a CDC advisory committee on vaccines, according to IDPH. The state’s history of requiring vaccines in schools goes back more than a century. The Illinois State Board of Health first required children to get vaccines against smallpox to attend school in 1894. The World Health Organization eventually declared smallpox eradicated in 1977 after decades of vaccination against the virus. Broader vaccine requirements that apply today were mandated by the General Assembly beginning in 1967. The State Board of Health, a division of IDPH, is primarily responsible for any changes to Illinois’ vaccine requirements, even if recommendations change at the federal level. Any changes to the requirements would be recommended by the Board of Health following a public hearing, according to IDPH, and are based on recommendations issued by a CDC review panel. Some common vaccines such as Hepatitis A, flu and COVID-19 are not required for children to attend school in Illinois despite appearing on the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule. Illinois law requires school districts to provide parents with information about flu shots, however. State law also allows parents and guardians to skip vaccines for their children for religious or medical reasons. Another of Kennedy’s priorities is establishing healthy diets to combat obesity and chronic diseases. He has called for more regulation of food ingredients in a pledge to crack down on ultra-processed foods and ingredients linked to health problems. “Given the current nominee’s interest, it’s likely something like this could be on the docket on the federal level,” UI-Chicago School of Public Health Professor Jamie Chriqui said. “Usually what we see is it gets tested first at the state and local level before it becomes a federal push, unless there is a champion at the federal level who is interested in making changes.” Despite controversy around Kennedy, the Trump administration could have a partner with Illinois on ingredient restrictions. The state Senate took a bipartisan vote this spring to advance a bill that would ban brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, propylparaben and potassium bromate — which are all used in food manufacturing — in food sold in Illinois beginning in 2028. The bill is currently stalled in the House. “I agree with the science and in this case, it appears RFK does as well,” said bill sponsor Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago. “We’re in alignment. I’m happy to work with him if that’s possible to move this issue forward, certainly here in Illinois, which I have a responsibility to do, but across this country.” Kennedy is “problematic” on other issues, Preston said, but he said he believes on the issue of food additives, Kennedy’s appointment shows the country is moving toward further regulation to make food healthier. The FDA, which Kennedy hopes to reduce in size and scope, has considered revoking authorization for brominated vegetable oil. These ingredients are all linked to health issues from cancer to nervous system issues, Chriqui said. California has already cracked down on several artificial ingredients Illinois lawmakers are targeting, though food and business organizations have opposed such regulations, including in Illinois. Chriqui pointed to the FDA’s ban on artificial trans fats as evidence food manufacturers can make changes when prompted by the government. “There was a similar push back, and ultimately when the FDA came out with federal regulations related to trans fats, manufacturers were able to comply,” Chriqui said. While the FDA plays a key role in shaping federal food regulations, states maintain similar power, Chriqui said. She stressed that doesn’t mean it would be a good idea for Kennedy to abolish parts of the FDA, but that states have historically been the initial drivers of nutrition policy changes, such as regulating trans fats and food in schools. “States like California and Illinois, who have a history of leading important food safety regulations, can continue to demonstrate how science-backed policies can make a positive impact,” Chriqui said. While Kennedy has also suggested reforms he would make to school lunch programs, those are managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An Illinois State Board of Education spokesperson said ISBE receives four grants from HHS, but they are not related to the lunch program.

JD Martin Expands Representation of Dialight into North and South CarolinaLOS ANGELES, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LiveOne (Nasdaq: LVO), an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform, announced today that the company received a formal written notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that LiveOne has regained compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and that this matter is now closed. LiveOne's shares of common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "LVO". This confirmation follows the Company’s continued efforts to improve its balance sheet by enhancing shareholder value. About LiveOne Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, LiveOne (Nasdaq: LVO ) is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment, and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. LiveOne's subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, PodcastOne (Nasdaq: PODC ), PPVOne, CPS, LiveXLive, DayOne Music Publishing, Drumify and Splitmind. LiveOne is available in Tesla vehicles and on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Spotify, Samsung, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and through STIRR’s OTT applications. For more information, visit liveone.com and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Twitter at @liveone . For more investor information, please visit ir.liveone.com . Forward-Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements,” which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “might,” “will,” “will likely result,” “would,” “should,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “continue,” “target” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: LiveOne’s reliance on its largest OEM customer for a substantial percentage of its revenue; LiveOne’s ability to consummate any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, special dividend, merger, distribution or transaction, the timing of the consummation of any such proposed event, including the risks that a condition to the consummation of any such event would not be satisfied within the expected timeframe or at all, or that the consummation of any proposed financing, acquisition, spin-out, merger, special dividend, distribution or transaction will not occur or whether any such event will enhance shareholder value; LiveOne’s ability to continue as a going concern; LiveOne’s ability to attract, maintain and increase the number of its users and paid members; LiveOne identifying, acquiring, securing and developing content; LiveOne’s intent to repurchase shares of its and/or PodcastOne’s common stock from time to time under LiveOne’s announced stock repurchase program and the timing, price, and quantity of repurchases, if any, under the program; LiveOne’s ability to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants; LiveOne successfully implementing its growth strategy, including relating to its technology platforms and applications; management’s relationships with industry stakeholders; LiveOne’s ability to extend and/or refinance its indebtedness and/or repay its indebtedness when due; uncertain and unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings and/or LiveOne’s ability to pay any amounts due in connection with any such legal proceedings; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the businesses of LiveOne’s subsidiaries; and other risks, uncertainties and factors including, but not limited to, those described in LiveOne’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 1, 2024, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the November 14, 2024, and in LiveOne’s other filings and submissions with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and LiveOne disclaims any obligation to update these statements, except as may be required by law. LiveOne intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. LiveOne IR Contact: Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc. (415) 389-4670 john@liviakis.com LiveOne Press Contact: LiveOne press@liveone.com Follow LiveOne on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter at @liveone .

The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. US captain Lindsey Horan had the ball in the net after the break but the flag was up, while Hayes’ side had a penalty award for a handball reversed after a VAR check determined substitute Yazmeen Ryan’s shot hit Alex Greenwood’s chest. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. “You’ve got two top teams now, Sarina is an amazing coach, I thought it was a good tactical match-up, and I just enjoy coaching a high-level football match, to be honest with you. I don’t think too much about it.” Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”In recent years, the issue of illegal immigration has become a hot-button topic in the United States, with President Donald Trump taking a hardline stance on the matter. Trump has made it clear that he believes in the necessity of expelling millions of illegal immigrants from the country, citing reasons such as national security, job protection for American citizens, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.As images of their recent meetup circulated online, netizens flooded social media platforms with comments praising the duo for their heartwarming friendship. One user wrote, "Seeing Xue Jianing and Zhao Lusi together always brings a smile to my face. Their bond is a reminder that true friendship is a treasure worth cherishing." Another fan added, "It's rare to see such genuine and supportive friendships in the entertainment industry. Xue and Zhao's friendship is truly a beacon of light in a sometimes chaotic world."

In addition to the positive signs in the stock market, CICC highlights the ongoing structural reforms and technological advancements that are reshaping China's economy. The transition to a more innovation-driven and consumer-oriented economy is creating new investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.In conclusion, the establishment of clear standards for evidence of domestic violence represents a crucial advancement in the fight against this pervasive societal problem. By enhancing the credibility of victim testimonials, improving the consistency and fairness of legal proceedings, and supporting preventive efforts, the new regulations play a vital role in empowering victims, holding abusers accountable, and ensuring greater justice and safety for all. As we continue to prioritize the eradication of domestic violence, these standards serve as a beacon of hope and progress in our collective efforts to build a more compassionate and just society for everyone.

In the vibrant and dynamic real estate market of Jiangsu Province in 2024, a number of formidable enterprises have demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of sales. From January to November, the province witnessed a competitive landscape where various real estate developers and local state-owned enterprises showcased their strength and prowess.Title: "Need for Speed 9 May Receive a Remake! EA is Considering It"

In conclusion, the arrival of Jack Ma and the change of CEO usher in a new chapter for Ant Group. The company must seize this opportunity to reinvigorate its sense of confidence and combat power. By leveraging the visionary leadership of Jack Ma, the strategic guidance of the new CEO, and the collective efforts of its employees, Ant Group can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger than ever. With a renewed focus on innovation, resilience, and integrity, Ant Group is poised to reclaim its position as a global fintech powerhouse.Patriots starting left tackle Vederian Lowe really struggled in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. He was penalized four times throughout the game, and then received some news to make things even worse on Saturday prior to the team's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL fined Lowe $5,472 for an unnecessary roughness (blindside block) penalty in the fourth quarter. The officials did not throw a flag during the game, but it seems that they reviewed it and decided to take action. The play during the game resulted in a successful two-point conversion for the Patriots. Here is the play: No penalty was called during the game and the result was a successful two point conversion attempt for the Patriots https://t.co/MSUpsZWh4R pic.twitter.com/CGqsN7xvo3 It was a rough showing for both tackles, and Lowe spoke about his struggles. “The pre-snap penalties hurt the most because that’s nothing that nobody else is doing,” Lowe said. “By correcting that, just being more mentally focused, being more locked in, I think that that will go a long way. And just correcting those pre-snap penalties. So that way we give ourselves a chance.” He called these mistakes an "easy fix" going forward. Lowe remained in for the entire game, while starting right tackle Demontrey Jacobs was benched and replaced by Sidy Sow. Lowe is questionable for the Patriots Week 13 game due to a shoulder injury. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Race was model for civil discourse in politics

Call scheduled for 9 AM ET on Thursday, December 12, 2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graphjet Technology ("Graphjet” or "the Company”) (Nasdaq:GTI), a leading developer of patented technologies to produce graphite and graphene directly from agricultural waste, today announced that management will host a webcast and conference call to provide a business update at 9 AM ET on Thursday, December 12, 2024. A live webcast of the call will be available by clicking here . Please log in approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Participants may also access the call by dialing (877) 407-9208 for domestic callers or (201) 493-6784 for international callers. A replay of the call will be available for two weeks by dialing (844) 512-2921 for domestic callers or (412) 317-6671 for international callers and using Conference ID: 13750405. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. About Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world's first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet's sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/ . Graphjet Technology Contacts Investors [email protected] Media [email protected]The conflict in Syria has been ongoing for years, with no end in sight. The toll it has taken on the country's economy is immeasurable, with widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. The "Outreach Research Bureau" report paints a grim picture of the economic situation in Syria, highlighting the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead.

A provincial mining industry leader says B.C. could end up profiting from trade tensions between China and the United States over critical minerals. Michael Goehring, president and chief executive officer of the Mining Association of British Columbia, said Wednesday, (Dec. 4), that China's decision to ban exports of certain critical minerals and rare earths to the United States demonstrates why it is "vital" for Canada and the U.S. to reduce their dependence on authoritarian regimes for critical mineral supplies and mineral processing. "British Columbians can play a key role in providing the critical minerals the U.S. and our other allies need in the years to come," Goehring said. "B.C. has, or produces, 16 of the 50 minerals the United States has identified as being critical to the nation’s economic and national security. In fact, seven per cent of B.C.’s exports to the US in 2022 were critical minerals and metals, including aluminum, germanium, gallium, indium, lead and zinc." China announced Tuesday, (Dec. 3), that it would immediately ban sales of gallium and germanium among other minerals to the United States following the U.S.'s decision to limit Chinese access to American-made digital technology. China is world's leading supplier of many minerals used in technologies deemed critical in fields like transportation, communication and alternative energy, all of which have a military and security dimension. Chinese efforts to use its dominance in these materials as leverage have not gone unnoticed, as several western jurisdictions have sought out alternative suppliers, including Canada. "In fact, Canada and the U.S. initiated the Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration in 2020 under President Trump to reduce our vulnerability," Goehring said." China’s export ban highlights the need to accelerate our efforts through the Joint Action Plan to grow a resilient North American critical mineral supply chain and advance our mutual economic, defense and security objectives." Whether Goehring's appeal will resonate among decision-makers on either side of the U.S-Canada border is a different question given the prospect of trade tensions with Trump returning to the White House next month. With 17 new critical mineral projects under development, Britisch Columbia can make what Goehring called "a meaningful contribution to North America’s future" while creating jobs for workers, stability for resource communities and shared prosperity throughout B.C. "But these benefits can only be realized if we modernize and expedite the mine permitting and approval process," he said. "(We) are in a race and we need to act quickly. Ongoing permitting delays and uncertainty needlessly drive away investment and lead to deferred or unrealized economic benefits. We need mine permitting to be a competitive advantage for our province."

Forecasting The Future: 5 Analyst Projections For Carlisle Companies