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Exploring a New Era in Gaming Economics In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, a groundbreaking development known as the “PM Stock” system is set to redefine how players perceive in-game economies. PM Stock, short for “Player Market Stock,” merges financial market principles with virtual gaming environments, allowing players to invest in game assets as if they were stocks in the real world. How It Works This innovative concept operates on a dynamic in-game market platform where the value of items, characters, and other assets fluctuate based on player demand, successful gameplay, and periodic market events. Players can buy “shares” in rare items or characters, watching their investments grow as those in-game entities gain popularity or become more potent through updates and expansions. Implications for Players The PM Stock system introduces a layer of strategic depth previously unseen in gaming. Players can analyze in-game market trends, predict shifts, and make informed decisions akin to real-world trading. This challenges gamers’ strategic thinking, encouraging a novel form of engagement that bridges traditional gameplay with the excitement and unpredictability of stock market dynamics. A Glimpse Into the Future As developers embrace this forward-thinking concept, the potential for PM Stock could vastly increase player involvement and community interaction. Future games could see collaborations with real-world stock analysts, creating unique events, or even educational tie-ins for economic literacy. As gaming technology continues to advance, the PM Stock system represents a bold step towards interactive entertainment that thrives on realism and player agency. Transforming Gaming Economies: The Innovative Impact of PM Stock As the gaming industry continues to expand globally, groundbreaking innovations like the “PM Stock” system are poised to revolutionize the economics of virtual worlds. This novel concept merges the mechanics of financial markets with the immersive environments of video games, offering players a unique opportunity to engage with in-game assets in ways similar to investing in real-world stocks. The PM Stock system operates on a sophisticated in-game market platform that mirrors the dynamics of a real stock market. Here, players can invest in various game assets—including items, characters, and upgrades—as if they were buying shares. These assets’ values fluctuate based on multiple factors such as player demand, frequency of use in popular strategies, and changes introduced by game updates or expansions. By embedding financial elements into games, developers are enabling more strategic and nuanced gameplay experiences. The introduction of PM Stock into gaming ecosystems can significantly enhance player engagement and strategic depth. It empowers players to make data-driven decisions by analyzing in-game market trends, predicting asset value shifts, and reacting to market events with calculated strategies. This not only enriches the gameplay experience but also educates players on market fundamentals in a fun and interactive way. Despite its promising potential, the PM Stock system also presents certain challenges. Balancing the in-game economy to prevent market manipulation is crucial, as is ensuring that the market remains accessible to all players, not just those with the financial prowess to invest heavily. Moreover, developers must work to create secure trading environments to prevent exploitation and to maintain fairness among players. Looking ahead, the PM Stock system could pave the way for even more interconnected gaming experiences. Developers may collaborate with real-world financial analysts to integrate more sophisticated trading mechanics, potentially offering educational partnerships that highlight economic literacy. This innovation sits at the intersection of gaming, finance, and education, promising a future where virtual economies are as nuanced and vibrant as their real-world counterparts. In light of these developments, gaming companies are exploring integrations with blockchain technology to facilitate secure, transparent transactions. This movement reflects broader industry trends focusing on player empowerment and decentralization within gaming economies. Such innovations signify a shift towards more player-centric game design, where players have significant influence over virtual market outcomes. For more information on gaming and financial innovations, visit Google Play and Steam , two of the leading platforms in the digital gaming industry.

Alarming new forecasts reveal how America's iconic coastal cities could soon be swallowed by the ocean READ MORE: US East Coast cities are SINKING : Millions are living in 'hotspots' By NIKKI MAIN SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:04 EST, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 15:04 EST, 21 November 2024 e-mail 36 View comments Millions of people living in US coastal cities could see their homes sink into the ocean in the coming decades, a study warns. Researchers at the US Geological Survey (USGS) forecast that by 2100, the East Coast will be devastated by rising sea levels, flooding and sinking land. They estimate that if the sea level rises 3.2 feet by 2100, as the United Nations has predicted, more than 14 million Americans would be affected in places like Norfolk, Virginia to Miami, Florida and New York City . They estimated that it would cost over $1 trillion of property damage and cause the region to lose up to 80 percent of it's beaches. Meanwhile, a separate study found that California's immense water demands are causing parts of the state to sink at record-breaking rates. Researchers at Stanford University found that the San Joaquin Valley is sinking at a rate of nearly one inch per year. The phenomenon, called subsidence , is often caused by removing water, natural gas or mineral resources from the ground. When water is continuously extracted from the Earth's surface and isn't replenished, it causes the sediments to compress, damaging aqueducts and permanently altering aquifers. 'There are two astonishing things about the subsidence in the valley,' said the study's co-author Rosemary Knight. 'First, is the magnitude of what occurred prior to 1970. And second, is that it is happening again today.' Rising sea levels, hurricanes and sinking land has caused parts of the east coast to flood. Pictured: Heavy rain hit Alexandria, Virginia in 2021 which caused some of the worst flooding and damages in decades Millions of people along the southeast Atlantic coast will be displaced by 2100 due to rising sea levels, subsidence and flooding USGS reported that 70 percent of the East Coast population will be exposed to shallow or emerging groundwater caused by rising sea levels by the end of the century, while coastal storms and hurricanes will increase flooding. The rising sea levels are primarily caused by global warming that causes the ocean to heat up and melt glaciers while the Gulf Stream current pushes more water toward the shoreline. Since 1920, sea levels have risen by between six and eight inches, but because of global warming and federal government agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and USGS predicts they'll rise by another 3.2 feet between 2020 and 2100. The rising sea levels will vary depending on the coast, with the East Coast seeing 10 to 14 inches between 2020 and 2050 while the West Coast will see an increase of four to eight inches in that timeframe. The government report also said that major flooding is expected to occur five times as often as it did in 2020 within the next 30 years. There are roughly 80 million people living on the southeast coast and experts found half will be impacted by flooding alone, according to the study published in Nature Climate Change . The team warned the rising water levels will lead to major infrastructure damage including roads, buildings and septic systems.. The study's co-author, Manoochehr Shirzaei from Virginia Tech's Department of Geosciences said: 'We need to rethink how we plan and build for the future, especially in highly vulnerable coastal regions. 'By including a wider range of climate hazards in resilience strategies, we can better protect our communities from the compounded effects of sea level rise and extreme weather.' However, the researchers did not state what strategies should be implemented to prevent the East Coast from further sinking. The USGS also reported that subsidence is causing much of the southeast Atlantic coast's land to sink, which will only worsen the rising sea levels. Cities most exposed to notable sinking land include Miami, Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach and Norfolk. This map shows how much the shoreline will be impacted by coastal flooding, sinking land and rising sea levels Groundwater in California has been significantly reduced due to redistributing across the US in the wake of severe droughts. Pictured: A newly dug canal (left) was built next to the Friant-Kern Canal (right) after subsidence diminished it by 60 percent According to the study, 1.3 million people currently live in these areas where subsidence is exceeding two millimeters per year. Likewise, researchers found that this has already begun to occur at drastic levels across the San Joaquin Valley in California, damaging local wells and irrigation systems. San Joaquin Valley's arid climate and a series of droughts has made it necessary to pump out groundwater to support major agricultural land across the US, which have caused permanent changes to the valley's topography. Stanford researchers estimated that about 220 billion gallons of water are needed annually to prevent further subsidence. When water is extracted from natural reservoirs called aquifers it causes the land to lose it's shape and sink. This is because aquifers contain sediments which have pores, much like a sponge, and when the water isn't replenished, those spaces will compress and permanently alter it's ability to carry water. This is seven billion gallons less than the amount of surface water that's left over in the San Joaquin Valley after all other environmental needs have been met each year. However, Knight said she is hopeful that steps can be taken to prevent the land from continuing to sink. 'My group and others have been studying this problem for some time, and this study is a key piece in figuring out how to sustainably address it,' she said. The researchers tracked elevation changes in San Joaquin Valley using satellite technology called interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). The system noted the changes by transmitting radar signals from Earth's orbit and analyzing the reflections to measure how much the ground had shifted from 2006 through 2022. Maps show the period of subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley. The left image shows areas where it sunk from 2006 to 2010 and the right shows subsidence from 2015 through 2022 Over the last two decades, researchers have known that the valley was sinking, but this is the first time they used satellite radar systems to confirm it. Although there was a gap in data from 2011 through 2015, the team was able to estimate how much the land sank before and after that timeframe. From 2006 through 2010, they reported that the San Joaquin Valley sank by 4.2 cubic feet and sank another 2.8 cubic feet between 2015 and 2022. 'How much was last year's flooding worsened by? How much are farmers spending to re-level their land? A lot of the costs of subsidence aren't well known,' highlights Matthew Lees, the study's lead author. Their findings mirror a similar event that occurred between 1925 and 1970, when groundwater pumping caused more than 4,000 square miles to dramatically sink by up to 30 feet. Read More One in every 50 residents in nearly 25 coastal cities at risk of excessive flooding, study finds According to the study published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment , the researchers recommend implementing a flood-managed aquifer recharge (flood-MAR). This would strategically divert excess water from rain and snowfall to replenish the groundwater in areas that are sinking. 'We should be targeting the places where subsidence will cause the greatest social and economic costs,' Knight explained. 'So, we look at places where subsidence is going to damage an aqueduct or domestic wells in small communities, for instance. 'By taking this Valley-scale perspective,' added Knight, 'we can start to get our head around viable solutions.' Earth Florida California Share or comment on this article: Alarming new forecasts reveal how America's iconic coastal cities could soon be swallowed by the ocean e-mail Add commentDiscover unparalleled hospitality at Centara Reserve Samui, where every moment is tailored to inspire, indulge, and create lasting memories. Experience a New Era of Luxury Centara Reserve Samui invites you to embark on a journey of personalised luxury at its reimagined resort on the tranquil shores of Chaweng Beach. As the first property in Centara’s curated luxury collection, Centara Reserve Samui blends colonial charm with contemporary elegance, offering an idyllic retreat just 15 minutes from Samui International Airport. With 184 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, this beachfront haven caters to every traveller. 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Boston, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expert Consumers, a trusted authority in product reviews and consumer insights, has recognized Boka as the leading toothpaste for sensitive teeth in 2025. The acknowledgement comes as part of the organization's annual review of top-performing oral care products, emphasizing efficacy, safety, and consumer satisfaction. Top Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Addressing Sensitive Teeth Through Science and Nature Boka's recognition highlights its commitment to developing oral care products rooted in scientific research. The company's flagship ingredient, nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), has garnered attention for its enamel-restoring properties. Unlike fluoride, which traditionally dominates toothpaste formulations, n-HA is a biomimetic mineral that closely resembles the natural composition of tooth enamel. This enables it to effectively remineralize teeth and reduce sensitivity without relying on harsher chemical agents. In addition to its active ingredient, Boka incorporates natural soothing agents such as aloe vera and xylitol to address gum health and inflammation. By delivering both immediate relief and long-term benefits, the brand's toothpaste formulations address not only sensitivity but also overall oral health concerns. The growing preference for biocompatible and fluoride-free products has further cemented Boka's relevance in the oral care landscape. Broader Trends in Oral Care Products The oral care market has seen significant shifts as consumers increasingly prioritize wellness and sustainability in their purchasing decisions. According to industry reports, demand for natural and fluoride-free toothpaste options has grown by over 20% annually. Ingredients such as nano-hydroxyapatite have risen in prominence as consumers seek gentler, scientifically backed alternatives to traditional formulations. These trends underscore the importance of brands like Boka, which blend natural ingredients with advanced dental technologies. By aligning with consumer preferences for transparency and sustainability, Boka's products resonate with a health-conscious audience while addressing specific dental issues like sensitivity. Boka's Top Toothpaste Options Among Boka's offerings, several products have been particularly praised for their performance and user experience: Consumer Feedback and Market Impact Expert Consumers' selection of Boka as the top choice for sensitive teeth reflects overwhelmingly positive feedback from both dental professionals and consumers. Users have highlighted improvements in sensitivity relief, enamel strength, and overall comfort after incorporating Boka toothpaste into their daily routines. Boka's success also illustrates the broader potential for biomimetic dental products in reshaping the oral care industry. As consumers continue to move away from fluoride-based formulations, products that integrate n-HA and similar advancements are likely to gain market share. This shift may also spur further research and innovation within the dental care sector, benefitting consumers in the long term. Industry Recognition and Implications Expert Consumers' decision to spotlight Boka aligns with a growing emphasis on health-focused, environmentally conscious products across industries. As oral health continues to intersect with broader wellness trends, brands that integrate clean, biocompatible ingredients are likely to lead the market. Boka's focus on non-invasive, scientifically validated solutions positions it as a model for innovation in oral care. Dental professionals have also noted the benefits of incorporating n-HA into oral care routines. Research supports its ability to rebuild enamel, reduce sensitivity, and prevent cavities without the potential side effects associated with traditional fluoride use. By making such advanced formulations accessible to everyday consumers, Boka contributes to improved dental outcomes on a larger scale. Looking Ahead The recognition of Boka as the leading toothpaste for sensitive teeth in 2025 underscores the brand's ability to meet evolving consumer needs. As more individuals seek effective, natural solutions for dental sensitivity, products like Boka's toothpaste range are likely to gain further traction. The full review of Boka and its products for sensitive teeth can be accessed on the Expert Consumers website , providing additional insights into the brand's offerings and benefits. About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] )Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in West Bengal on Friday announced its intention to hire political analysts , content writers, digital marketing executives, designers, and interns in a social media post. The party’s West Bengal State secretary Mohammad Salim said it was an initiative to build a stronger network by focusing on creative methods, new age technology, and data-driven social media outreach for targeted campaigns to reach young voters “This is not a sudden decision. We already have a social media presence. These new hires will strengthen the existing workforce,” Mr. Salim told The Hindu . He also said the CPI(M) did not believe in outsourcing its work, unlike other political parties. Asked if the decision aligned with the CPI(M)‘s ideology, Mr. Salim, said: “We are the only party which has an ideology to begin with.” “We are not outsourcing our ideologies. Anybody who has strong ideologies — that cannot change,” he added. “Apply with the goal to transform & reform our public policies, for the people, by the people,” the party’s post said. Mr. Salim said content was already being improved in the party’s social media pages, and on YouTube. The CPI(M), a cadre-driven and ideology-based party, has for many decades largely relied on its own cadre to run the show, and has criticised other parties for hiring professionals for “policy development”. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has worked with political analysts, including I-PAC, for electoral successes. The CPI(M) ruled West Bengal for 34 years, from 1977 to 2011, and had a significant presence in the Lok Sabha. However, the party has failed to secure a single seat in the Lok Sabha since 2019, and its presence is dwindling. In the 2021 Assembly election, it failed to win a single seat. Published - November 23, 2024 08:08 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit West Bengal / Communist Party of India -Marxist

Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and ...

Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020The ongoing fight between some faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur and the administration at the premier engineering school, mainly the director Virendra Kumar Tewari, may end up before the courts, with the faculty threatening to approach the Calcutta High Court. Some of the professors have also threatened to launch a hunger strike. “We have already sent a letter to the chairman of the board of governors for his intervention. Sit-in demonstration has started since Wednesday. If our demands our not met we would go for a hunger strike. We are also planning to move court early next week,” said one of the professors who received a show-cause notice, asking not to be identified. While the immediate provocation for both the hunger-strike and the plan to move the high court, is a show-cause notice issued by the institution’s registrar last week to 86 faculty members, the controversy has been brewing since September. That was when the Indian Institute of Technology Teachers’ Association (IITTA) sent a letter to the Union human resource development minister accusing the institute’s director of nepotism, arbitrary recruitment of faculty, failure to start a multi super-speciality hospital, unlawful recovery of excess payment from faculties and vitiating the harmony between the IIT campus and the neighbouring community. Tewari, the director of the institute took charge in December 2019 for a period of five years. His tenure ends in January 2025. “The letter sent to the Union minister on September 20 stated that several letters sent to the director, board of governors and the chairman over the issues in the past went unanswered. The ministry was requested to appoint a new director of high academic repute and experienced in practising inclusive governance,” said a second professor and a member of the IITTA, who too didn’t wish to be named. In response, the IIT administration issued show-cause notices to the office bearers of the IITTA, including the body’s president, general secretary, vice president and treasurer on November 12. A separate show-cause notice was issued to Amal Kumar Das, a professor and general secretary of IITTA. “The institute is deeply concerned by the contents of your letter and accordingly you are required to provide a detailed written explanation with evidence,” the letter stated, giving the respondents a week’s time to provide satisfactory explanation. On November 28, 86 faculty members, under the umbrella of IITTA petitioned the institute, threatening to go on a hunger strike if the show cause notices to the four IITTA office-bearers were not rolled recalled. But the institute doubled down and issued show cause notices to these 86 too. “We, the faculty members of IIT Kharagpur demand that the two show cause notices, against the office bearers and Das, be withdrawn immediately and disciplinary proceedings are also stopped,” the petition said. In response, on November 29, the administration issued show-cause notices to all the 86 faculty members. The show-cause letter cited the Conduct Rules of the Institute, statute 15 (17) Schedule B, point 16 (b) which states: “No employee shall be signatory to any joint representation addressed to the authorities for redress of any grievances or of any further matter.” The director also replaced three heads of departments – Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics and Bioscience and Biotechnology, earlier this week. They had all signed the petition. HT got in touch with the IIT Kharagpur director’s office and sent an email seeking his response on the developments. There was no response till the time of going to print. On Wednesday, at least 100 professors staged a sit-in before the institution’s administrative building, holding placards and wearing black badges.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s defense set a dominating tone early in its College Football Playoff opener against Indiana . The Fighting Irish stuffed the highest-scoring team in the CFP field for a 14-3 halftime lead, but then Notre Dame suffered a gut punch. Defensive lineman Rylie Mills sacked Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke on the first play of the second half, and had to be helped off the field with a knee injury. Heading into its CFP quarterfinal game against second-seeded Georgia, the Fighting Irish are determined to make sure the setback doesn’t turn into a letdown. The Fighting Irish (12-1) finished with a 27-17 victory against Indiana, giving up two touchdowns in the final two minutes after building a 27-3 lead. Now Notre Dame has to replace Mills, its sack leader this season, for the game against Georgia (11-2). Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl is scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome in New Orleans. “So we feel badly for (Mills), but at the same time ... we just don’t flinch,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said. “We move forward. It’s time for somebody else to have an opportunity, and I know they’ll be ready.” After a shocking 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois in the second game of the season, Notre Dame’s defense led the charge for an 11-game winning streak that lifted the Fighting Irish when the offense struggled to find its footing. And the defense has done it while being forced to replace a series of key players. Mills was a force on Notre Dame’s defense, which is ranked first in the nation in team passing efficiency defense (96.94), first in turnovers gained (29), first in defensive touchdowns (6) and third in scoring defense (13.8). Notre Dame’s defense punished opponents this season despite losing four starters to season-ending injuries — linemen Mills, Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore (all knee injuries), and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hip). Freshman linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (knee injury) hasn't played since he was hurt in the Army game. Jason Onye, a defensive tackle, hasn’t played since the fifth game because of a personal issue. Seventh-seeded Notre Dame needs the defense to come up big once more against powerful Georgia and a quarterback it knows little about. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is counting on Gabe Rubio and Donovan Hinish to step up and take turns filling in for Mills. “You don’t prepare them in a week,” Freeman said of players stepping up to replace starters. “They’ve been preparing every single day all season long. “That’s why every rep you do in a practice matters and is evaluated,” Freeman said. “You don’t know when that rep is going to be thrust against Georgia. You have to prepare in a way in practice that you’re improving, but you’re ready if your number is called.” Howard Cross III, a defensive lineman who has teamed up with Mills to be the leaders of an imposing defensive front, had just returned to the Fighting Irish lineup for the playoffs after missing three games with an ankle injury. “It was heartbreaking,” Cross said of seeing Mills go down. Cross said it’s been an unusual season with the injuries, but facing a 14th game, everybody is dealing with pain. “The whole thing is no one’s healthy, no matter what position you are, no matter what you’re doing,” Cross said. “Your hamstring could be sore, like somebody’s hurt in some way, shape or form. Some worse than others. “It is kind of a testament to the mental toughness of this team,” Cross said of the defense always being ready. “The whole thing for us is like, God forbid you go down, the next guy up has to know exactly what they’re doing. We are expecting the next guy up to have the same or better production than the guy that’s starting right now.” Notre Dame’s defense faces the challenge of replacing Mills and getting ready for a Georgia offense led by Gunner Stockton, who replaces injured starter Carson Beck. “You evaluate, obviously, schematically, what they’ve done all season,” Freeman said of preparing a different look from the Bulldogs. “Then you have a separate tape of what Stockton, the new quarterback, has done. I think we have 80-something plays of him playing quarterback. He can run their offense. He does some things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his legs. He’s a good athlete. “The thing I probably notice more than anything, in watching those 80 plays, is he’s an ultra-competitive individual,” Freeman said of Stockton. “You can just tell by the way he celebrates, by the way he goes and finishes plays. He’s a competitor. I don’t see it being tremendously different than what they’ve done all season, but we’ll prepare for anything.” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart doesn’t anticipate a diminished Notre Dame defense despite the personnel issues. “They play great defense and great pass rush,” Smart said. “They’re physical up front. They affect the pass rush with how hard they play, and they got really good defensive backs. They play man-to-man. They get up on you, put their hands on you.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

ChatGPT in Your Pocket: OpenAI Launches Phone Calls and Text Messaging with its Viral ChatbotNEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and ’21. “I was telling him, `Man, I’m going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,’” Judge recalled. “He’d say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he’ll do.” Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels and finished second to Judge in 2022 voting . He didn’t pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery and signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. He was the first player to twice become an unanimous MVP. He combined with Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for the first year both MVPs were unanimous. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs exclusively as a designated hitter, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title , playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder . Ohtani became the first primary DH to win an MVP. He joined Frank Robinson for Cincinnati in 1961 and Baltimore in 1966 as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. Ohtani is the 12th player with three or more MVPs, joining Barry Bonds (seven) and Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout (three each). Balloting was conducted before the postseason. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees' 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. “March and April were not my friend this year.” Judge said. “Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can’t mope. You can’t feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody’s going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?” Balloting was conducted before the postseason. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB Ronald Blum, The Associated Press

SHELTON, Conn. , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- William Raveis , the Inman -awarded Top Brokerage in the U.S. (2023), and the number one privately held real estate company in the Northeast, Florida , and South Carolina is proud to announce the strategic partnership with Town & Country Real Estate (T&C), a luxury brokerage serving the East End of Long Island , New York since 2005. Growing throughout the luxury Triangle—New York City, The Hamptons, The North Fork, Palm Beach , and Westchester marketplace. The T&C offices will be joining forces with William Raveis' growing network of over 140 offices, and 4,500 agents from Maine to Florida . Likewise, the award-winning brokerage, William Raveis , gains a foothold within the Hamptons and The North Fork luxury real estate. T&C's founder, Judi Desiderio (CEO) and Janet Hummel (Managing Partner) will stay on as partners along with more than 150 T&C sales agents. "We're delighted to welcome Town & Country to our family company," said William, "Bill" Raveis, Jr. adding, "I've gotten to know Judi and Janet over these many months and found our business model, family culture, and entrepreneurial approach to helping the agents aligns beautifully." This year, William Raveis celebrates 50 years in business, with Bill Raveis at the helm, sons Chris and Ryan Raveis as co-presidents, and strong management support, they are on a trajectory for growth, making company acquisitions in top luxury markets along the East Coast. Chris Raveis comments, "T&C's stellar reputation for luxury service resonates with clients in the Hamptons and will elsewhere in our footprint." Judi Desiderio agrees, "Our trademark has always been our ability to pivot to the needs of buyers, sellers, and renters. This expansion through the Raveis footprint gives our associates the single best opportunity to grow their businesses and service their clients in a unique way bolstered by superior technology and support. Which is why we're excited to grow our business throughout the luxury Triangle—New York City, The Hamptons, Palm Beach , and Westchester County. Stronger together, the possibilities are endless with William Raveis ." Bill Raveis is confident in their mission. "Our expertise in luxury marketing and providing full-service offerings through William Raveis Mortgage and Insurance helps navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and renting properties. In addition, every agent and client benefits from our robust referral network spanning the East Coast". The company is aggressively pursuing growth opportunities with future acquisitions in the pipeline across the Florida and Southern regions as well as in the Northeast marketplace over the coming months. Learn more at raveis.com or visit the team at their new William Raveis Long Island offices in Bridgehampton, Greenport, East Hampton , Mattituck, Montauk, Southampton, and Westhampton Beach. About William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage, and Insurance ... William Raveis is the number one privately held real estate brokerage in the Northeast, Florida , and South Carolina providing integrated real estate services to customers and clients for over 50 years. Selected as the Top Brokerage 2023 by Inman, the voice of REALTORS® and industry news, the company ranks among the nation's top independent and publicly traded brokerages for sales volume and units sold. In addition to its specialized Residential, Relocation, and Luxury Properties divisions, William Raveis has full-service, top-tier Mortgage and Insurance Companies. About Town & Country Real Estate ... Hamptons and North Fork real estate markets are the main topics of conversation across the East End of Long Island with global interest. With decades of experience, Town & Country Real Estate is renowned for its local expertise and market insights delivered by a professional team of over 150 sales agents. Under the leadership of its founder & CEO, Judi Desiderio and T&C Managing Partner Janet Hummel, the firm is prominently featured in New York and national media outlets showcasing their magnificent portfolio of properties throughout the Eastern End of Long Island and expansive regional knowledge and insight. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/william-raveis-expands-to-the-hamptons-and-north-fork-long-island-in-strategic-partnership-with-town--country-real-estate-302335444.html SOURCE William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 402 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The major indexes are still on track to close the week with gains, and the S&P 500 remains headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Climate-friendly electricity sees big battery projects soar again for 2024 2024 was another banner year for a source of electricity that is better for people’s lungs, better for climate change and may be reaching your home now when you turn on the lights or turn up the thermostat — large banks of batteries. Storing extra power in batteries effectively extends the hours of solar and wind power in a day. Storage is also important as global electricity demand rises. Last, it is important for increasingly frequent extreme weather events, worsened by climate change. Texas and California are embracing the benefits of batteries, but some other regions are dragging their feet.The public can give feedback on two concepts for development near the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Saturday. The city commissioned a study earlier this year with the goal of providing recommendations for potential development. 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