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Rosa Handley Hooper Sells 3,000 Shares of Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW) Stock

Diante Smith, Lance Ware lead UT Arlington to 80-72 victory over Texas StateOne of the hottest tech stocks cruising atop the market these days is Reddit ( RDDT -7.18% ) . The company has seen its share price balloon by over 170% since its March initial public offering (IPO), with much of that rise coming after its late-October earnings release. The stock's momentum has pushed it to a market cap of over $24 billion. Such an advancement is reminiscent of the (admittedly far more long-term) rise of mighty Apple ( AAPL 0.59% ) . Yes, Apple is a nearly $3.5 trillion company these days, but if Reddit continues to rise in popularity, maybe it could match or even exceed the tech powerhouse's market value by the end of this decade. A sharply rising social media star For those who might not be familiar, Reddit operates an online forum in which users post about, and react to, a dizzying number of topics. This neatly fills a niche opened by search engines like Alphabet 's Google, which can provide results that are quick-hit answers to queries, but typically offer little depth or discussion. Reddit has taken that simple concept and built a quickly scaling business from it. The company derives revenue from advertising, which is standard in the social media world, but also earns a buck by licensing the data it harvests from users and offering paid "premium" memberships to the user base, among other activities. Those third-quarter results that got the market so excited revealed that Reddit grew a meaty 68% year over year to more than $348 million. Better, on the bottom line, it flipped to a profit of almost $30 million from a loss of $7 million and change in the year-ago time frame. Investors got excited about these results, not only because of the hearty growth numbers, but also how they were achieved. Reddit very successfully managed to expand its user base, with daily average uniques (DAUs; better known as daily average users in the broader social media sphere) rocketing 47% higher to over 97 million people. More impressively, the growth rates and total DAUs in both the company's native U.S. and abroad were roughly equal. Reddit as a product is scaling admirably well across the planet, it seems. Operational metrics like DAUs matter greatly for advertisers, and all things being equal, a wider, regular user base means more dollars for the site offering the advertising. Additionally, while average revenue per user (ARPU) didn't grow as impressively, it still grew by 14% on a global basis to $3.58. Here's another sweet opportunity for the company, as its third-quarter ARPU on our shores far exceeded that of the international take, by $5.88 to $1.32. As Reddit's popularity continues to rise abroad, its ARPU should experience a commensurate lift. Another rather promising revenue source for Reddit is data licensing. Advertising was responsible for the bulk (89%) of the top line in the third quarter, yet the "other" revenue category -- containing data licensing -- zoomed 547% higher. While we shouldn't continue to expect such fat numbers, Reddit has a trove of data thanks to its users, and the licensing of this to train artificial intelligence (AI) is still a business in its infancy. It surely has vast potential for the future. A sky-high mountain to climb With those considerable headwinds pushing hard at its back, it's no surprise that Reddit is such a hot item for investors now. Yet becoming the next Apple -- the dream of many a tech entrepreneur -- is like scaling the world's largest mountain. That $3.5 trillion price tag comes from decades of Apple building brand recognition , to the point where almost everyone on our globe has not only heard of the company, but is instantly familiar with its products. It also derives from the long-tail success of what was a revolutionary product on its debut -- the iPhone -- and the development of a lucrative ecosystem built around it. Building a business in these ways isn't cheap, easy, or quick; it takes plenty of vision and capital -- not to mention luck. So even if we give Reddit a generous stretch of time to reach Apple's lofty perch, I don't think it'll quite scale those heights. Management has done a fine and clever job of locking into business opportunities and leveraging them, but advertisers are fickle and prone to shifting to the Next Cool Thing in order to capture potential customers. Data licensing is a high-potential business, sure, yet it remains to be seen how well Reddit will exploit the opportunity. Ultimately, Apple will continue to be a monster next to the modest size of Reddit in both the immediate and mid-/long-term future. That doesn't mean that Reddit is a stock to ignore, though. Quite the opposite -- it has attracted the market's notice for all the right reasons. It's a future social media giant in the making if it continues on its current path, and well worth consideration as a buy.

Lincoln Tech, Johnson Controls Celebrate First Graduating Class from JCI Academy at Denver CampusJustin Trudeau taking the time to reflect after Chrystia Freeland's departure

Mercurity Fintech Announces Unaudited Financial Results for First Half 2024

Anna Gross in London Your guide to what the 2024 US election means for Washington and the world Nigel Farage said on Tuesday that Elon Musk was giving “serious thought” to providing a donation to his Reform UK party, as it seeks to bolster ties with president-elect Donald Trump. Farage had a one-hour meeting with the technology billionaire and Reform UK’s new treasurer Nick Candy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Monday, the party said in a statement. “Money was discussed. We are in negotiations about whether he can help,” Farage said. “He is motivated enough by what’s going on in Britain to give serious thought to giving money.” Musk is set to co-lead a new so-called Department of Government Efficiency and appears to have become deeply involved in Trump’s transition team, holding meetings with world leaders. Former minister Peter Mandelson, who is in the running to become the next ambassador to the US, has previously urged the UK to use Farage to foster closer ties with Musk, in the face of the billionaire’s criticisms of Sir Keir Starmer’s government and concerns the X boss could undermine official diplomatic channels between the two nations. Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, denied a report earlier this month that he was preparing to give a $100mn donation to Farage’s party, though the meeting came after Candy promised to turbo-charge the organisation’s fundraising operations. Farage is trying to transform his political start-up — which won five seats in July’s general election — into a credible vehicle for power by building a ground campaign in areas where the party already has significant support. These include swaths of northern and eastern England, as well as Wales. The party came second in 98 seats at the UK election, of which 89 were won by Labour. The party now has more than 100,000 members, but bringing in more money from donors will be crucial to bolstering its electoral chances. “We learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and will have ongoing discussions on other areas,” Farage and Candy said in a joint statement. “We only have one more chance left to save the west and we can do great things together.” Candy, a former Tory donor, announced he was joining the party as treasurer last week, and vowed to give at least £1mn of his own money to Reform and raise “tens of millions” more. Recommended When Farage posted on X earlier this month that the party was “building a winning team to change British politics forever”, Musk responded: “When is the first electoral opportunity?” Farage is hoping Reform will make significant inroads at local elections in May when he believes it will be able to win several hundred council seats and at least one mayoralty. The party has been buoyed in recent weeks by several high-profile defections from the Conservative party, including former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns who will run to become mayor of Greater Lincolnshire; Tim Montgomerie, founder of the Conservative Home website; and Rael Braverman, the husband of former home secretary and sitting Tory MP Suella Braverman. Farage met Musk for the first time in October when he was introduced by Trump, and told the Financial Times that he was impressed by the Tesla chief’s “incredible knowledge” about the UK, “even on farmers and inheritance tax”. Elon Musk has been approached for comment.Pet Grooming Market Emerging Trend, Industry Demand and Regional Analysis by 2031 12-28-2024 03:10 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Orion Market Research Pet Grooming Market The global pet grooming market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. The increasing trend for the pet as a companion increases the possibility of zoonotic diseases (diseases passing from animals & insects to people), which acts as one of the major factors for the growth of the market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zoonotic diseases are very common in the US and Europe. It is estimated that over 6 out of 10 infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals in the US. Moreover, over 3 out of every 4 unknown or new infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals. CDC and other healthcare organizations are focused to prevent such a large spread of zoonotic diseases by generating awareness for pet hygiene. Such factors will increase the demand for pet grooming during the forecast period. However, a lack of awareness regarding the grooming products for pets especially for people living in rural areas may hamper the smooth growth of the market during the forecast period. Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/pet-grooming-market Segmental Outlook The global pet grooming market is segmented based on the type and distribution channel. Based on the type, the market is segmented into shampoo & conditioner, comb & brush, clippers & scissors, and others. Among these types, the shampoo segment is anticipated to hold the major share as it has the ability to kill germs, prevent pets from diseases, maintain hygiene, and give fragrance to the pet, among others. The comb & brush are used to remove the dirt, dead hair, and loose hair tangles, which helps spread hair oil evenly and stimulates blood flow for healthy skin. Furthermore, it also helps maintain the moisture of fur and reduces shedding. The hairs of pets usually trap allergens, bacteria, and dirt quickly, however, giving them baths prevents bacteria and dirt from causing infections. Based on the distribution channel, the market is sub-segmented into offline and online. Among these distribution channels, the online segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period as the consumers' purchasing preferences rapidly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The above-mentioned segments can also be customized as per the requirements. Full report of Pet Grooming Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/pet-grooming-market Regional Outlooks The global pet grooming market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). The market can also be analyzed for a particular region or country level as per the requirement. Reasons to Buying From us - 1. We cover more than 15 major industries, further segmented into more than 90 sectors. 2. More than 120 countries are for analysis. 3. Over 100+ paid data sources mined for investigation. 4. Our expert research analysts answer all your questions before and after purchasing your report. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization @ https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/pet-grooming-market Media Contact: Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: anurag@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 Company Name: Orion Market Research About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offers Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. This release was published on openPR.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 9:18 p.m. ESTFormer prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has proposed economic reform and suggested Thailand be prepared for geopolitical change. Thaksin was speaking at the Forbes Global CEO Conference on Thursday night at the Ritz Carlton in Bangkok. Now in its 22nd year, the conference convenes world-leading CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss key issues of global concern and build new partnerships. During the finale and Gala Dinner Session, Thaksin was invited to have a one-on-one dialogue with Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media. The former PM proposed several economic reforms to help boost Thailand's economy and suggested that the Thai government prepare for upcoming geopolitical consequences. Thaksin said that Thailand's economy had not developed much in the past decade because the central bank was overly concerned about the country's economic problems. As a result, many commercial banks that were under the central bank's supervision did not give loans to small enterprises and those in need, causing a lack of cash flow in the country, he said. Therefore, the central bank is only duty-bound to supervise the commercial banks, he said. It should not have been overprotective of them, which could have helped boost cash flow into the country, he said. ''The central bank is an independent organisation, but it sometimes needs to listen and engage with business sectors so as to listen to their concerns. "Besides, the central bank requires practical solutions to increase the cash flow in Thailand," he said. Thaksin said Thai businesses, regardless of size, need to rethink their business model. He said they should have new ideas, such as using technology to assist their work, because the economic environment has become more competitive. He then gave the example of the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu and how it became dominant. ''Plus, the government needs to protect local businesses while it is trying to seek further foreign investment in Thailand; for example, recently, the government launched a policy that those foreign investors who make money in Thailand need to pay tax," he said. When asked about Thailand's initiative to dig a canal to link the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Thaksin said that Thailand may not dig a canal but would emphasise building a land bridge instead. ''We need to have involvement from the private sector in the construction [of that land bridge], in which they need to be concerned about the commercial viability while concerned about the country's benefit," he added. In geopolitics, Thaksin was asked his opinion about what would happen if US President-elect Donald Trump imposed 10% tariffs on imported products to the US and up to 60% tariffs on Chinese products. He said if Mr Trump increases such tariffs, the US consumer will have to pay more for imported products. At the same time, if the US-China trade war intensifies, Thaksin suggested that Thailand should expect more manufacturers to come to the country. He pointed out that Thailand needs to have good tax incentives, which will attract more foreign investment from various markets worldwide. Furthermore, with the rise of Brics becoming more prominent, he said this economic bloc would help to rebalance global finances within the next five years. Brics is an intergovernmental organisation comprising nine countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Brics was originally established to identify various investment opportunities. While the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) are regional frameworks that Thailand is a part of, he pointed out that Asean needs to be more unified by having the same consensus as "One Asean". ''Apec should allow small economic members to have the privilege to access larger markets [which will help them to grow faster]," he added.

New gene drive reverses insecticide resistance in pests... then disappears November 22, 2024 University of California - San Diego Geneticists have developed a gene drive-based solution to the widespread problem of insecticide resistance. In an effort to protect valuable crops, the researchers created an 'e-Drive' that reverses insecticide resistance and then disappears from the insect population. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Insecticides have been used for centuries to counteract widespread pest damage to valuable food crops. Eventually, over time, beetles, moths, flies and other insects develop genetic mutations that render the insecticide chemicals ineffective. Escalating resistance by these mutants forces farmers and vector control specialists to ramp up use of poisonous compounds at increasing frequencies and concentrations, posing risks to human health and damage to the environment since most insecticides kill both ecologically important insects as well as pests. To help counter these problems, researchers recently developed powerful technologies that genetically remove insecticide-resistant variant genes and replace them with genes that are susceptible to pesticides. These gene-drive technologies, based on CRISPR gene editing, have the potential to protect valuable crops and vastly reduce the amount of chemical pesticides required to eliminate pests. Still, gene-drive systems have come under scrutiny with concerns that once they are released into a population they could continuously spread unchecked. University of California San Diego geneticists have now developed a solution to this concern. Publishing in the journal Nature Communications , School of Biological Sciences Postdoctoral Scholar Ankush Auradkar and Professor Ethan Bier led the creation of a new genetic system that converts insecticide-resistant forms of mutated insect genes back to their natural, native form. The novel system is designed to spread the original "wild type" version of the gene using the biased inheritance of specific genetic variants known as alleles and then disappear, leaving only a population of insects with the corrected version of the gene. "We have developed an efficient biological approach to reverse insecticide resistance without creating any other perturbation to the environment," said Bier, a professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, of the self-eliminating allelic drive, or "e-Drive." "The e-Drive is programmed to act transiently and then disappear from the population." As described in the paper, the researchers created a novel genetic "cassette," a small group of DNA elements, and inserted it inside fruit flies as a proof-of-concept technology that could be applied to other insects. They developed the e-Drive to target a gene known as the voltage gated sodium ion channe l, or vgsc , which is required for proper nervous system functioning. The e-Drive cassette is designed to spread through CRISPR gene editing and features a guide RNA that binds to a Cas9 DNA protein and makes a cut at the targeted vgsc insecticide resistant gene site. The gene is then switched out for a native copy of the gene that is susceptible to insecticides. Per the study, when insects carrying the cassette are introduced into a target population, they mate randomly and transmit the e-Drive cassette to their offspring. To maintain control of the e-Drive's spread, the researchers imposed a fitness check on those carrying the cassette, either through limited viability or fertility. The cassette was inserted on the X-chromosome and reduced the mating success of males, resulting in reduced offspring. The frequency of the cassette in the population eventually declines through each generation until it fully vanishes from the population. In laboratory experiments all of the offspring were converted to native genes in eight-to-10 generations, which took about six months in flies. "Because insects carrying the gene cassette are penalized with a severe fitness cost, the element is rapidly eliminated from the population, lasting only as long as it takes to convert 100 percent of the insecticide-resistant forms of the target gene back to wild-type," said Auradkar. The researchers note that the self-eliminating nature of the e-Drive means it can be introduced and re-introduced as needed, and as different types of pesticides are used. The researchers are now developing a similar e-Drive system in mosquitoes to help prevent the spread of malaria. In addition to Auradkar and Bier, the coauthors of the Nature Communications paper included their close collaborators Rodrigo Corder of the Institute of Biomedical Science, University of SãoPaulo; and John Marshall of the Innovative Genomics Institute, who performed sophisticated mathematical modeling that revealed important hidden features of the e-Drive system, including its ability to efficiently cull a class of individuals in which the drive process did not occur. Story Source: Materials provided by University of California - San Diego . Original written by Mario Aguilera. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :None

Artificial intelligence has transformed many aspects of life, including communication and creativity. Perhaps the most famous AI tool made by OpenAI is the so-called ChatGPT. This type of language model could churn out text like a human would or even answer questions and even help in writing. Growing with technology also creates controversy over impact. Is ChatGPT a disruptor that enhances creativity, or does it act as a thief that appropriates the work of others? It has changed how people interact with technology, allowing users to acquire access to information and assistance instantly; things like writing, brainstorming, and research become more effective this way. Businesses will now be able to manage all their operations and provide better on-time responses to a query from a customer. It works like a brainstorming buddy for people in creative fields, with the writer using it either as an idea generator or for just unblocking. Marketers find it useful to develop great content and social media posts. With the possibility of churning out great-quality text in seconds, professionals could work more strategically in their professional lives. It also democratizes access to information and writing help. This technology will empower those challenged with writing to communicate effectively and clearly. That is to say, it leads to more freedom in creativity and more voices in conversations that matter. Although the benefits exist, there still needs to be a solution with the impact on creativity: chatted worries about ChatGPT. The model learns via the internet's wide text reserve, which causes issues of originality and possession. When such content derives from existing works, inspirations may appear as imitations. Some creators fear relying on AI for writing may reduce genuine human expression. Someone who overutilizes such tools as ChatGPT needs to be unique with their content, using repetitive, unoriginal words that might say nothing in a voice and perspective. More to that point is the question of plagiarism. Now, even though ChatGPT does not copy anything directly from a source, there is always a risk it might replicate similar phrases or ideas since it works through training data. This would be a very unfair situation where writers and artists would suffer as their intellectual property would become a high-risk activity since unintentional appropriation would become the norm with AI-generated content. The debate over ChatGPT underlines the need for a balanced approach toward innovation and ethics in AI development. As technology advances, guidelines for responsible use become important. Developers should ensure that AI tools respect the rights of creators while promoting innovation. This is an area where education comes into the picture. Educating individuals about the ethical considerations that involve AI may encourage responsible use. Promote critical thinking on incorporating AI into creative processes without sacrificing originality. This will also lead to better outputs since AI developers can collaborate with creative communities. Through the artists and writers, they will better understand how to satisfy their target people. As we embrace the transformative power of AI tools like ChatGPT, it's crucial to initiate a nuanced conversation about ethics and responsible practices. By fostering collaboration between tech creators and creative professionals, we can harness the benefits of AI while respecting human ingenuity. The future of creativity hangs in the balance, with AI poised to augment or undermine human expression. Ultimately, embracing this challenge can lead to a more vibrant, inclusive creative landscape where technology inspires innovation and artistic growth.

PITTSBURGH , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - RoadBlock Solutions, a division of RSG International, a leading Canadian company in road safety infrastructure, is officially expanding. Effective immediately, the merger of Corbin Highway Products, Laura-Metaal, Dimensional Products Inc., Summit Rentals US, and Pivot Safety US will unite their collective expertise, cutting-edge technology, and extensive resources. This strategic merger positions RoadBlock Solutions as a major player in the road safety sector, ready to offer innovative and comprehensive solutions. Ryan Samek , Senior Vice-President of RoadBlock Solutions, brings over two decades of road safety experience to the role. He is supported by a team of industry veterans, including Gary Lallo , Roger Spencer , Tony Cappella, Shannon Carroll , and Alex Wolfinger , ensuring a wealth of expertise drives the company's success. "The merger of these five companies represents a major milestone in our organization," said Ryan Samek . Solutions. "By combining our talented and experienced team, we aim to set new standards in the road safety space and offer unmatched service and solutions to our clients. I am thrilled to stand beside this experienced group of industry professionals and am looking forward to what we can accomplish RoadBlock Solutions specializes in the sale and rental of road safety products essential for roadway safety. It's extensive range includes crash cushions, steel and concrete barrier, and other essential devices designed to protect road users and workers. "The merger has created a resourceful, solutions-based network dedicated to delivering top-tier safety, sales, rentals, and installation services," says Roger Spencer , Business Development Manager for RoadBlock Solutions and former Business Development Manager at Corbin Highway Products, with over two decades of industry experience. "This collaboration fuels innovation and value, ensuring safer roads for everyone." Together, this team brings decades of experience and is dedicated to enhancing services, expanding product offerings, and delivering advanced solutions for road safety infrastructure. "We're combining our strengths to innovate, protect, and pave the way for a safer and brighter future on every road," adds Tony Cappella, Business Development Manager at RoadBlock Solutions and former National Sales Manager for Hill and Smith. These words were echoed by the former General Manager of Dimensional Products Inc (DPI). "The merger of DPI will provide us with resources and knowledge from some of the best in the industry. Being part of the Roadblock team will allow us to grow and expand our business to new levels," added Luke Myers , Chesapeake branch manager Roadblock Solutions. RoadBlock Solutions is a customer-focused, solutions-driven company that not only connects clients with the products they need but also introduces them to cutting-edge innovations they never knew existed. About RoadBlock Solutions RoadBlock Solutions is a leading provider and distributor of road safety devices, offering both sales and rentals. As a division of RSG International, RoadBlock Solutions is committed to enhancing road safety through innovative and reliable solutions. About RSG International RSG International is a global leader in the road safety sector, creating advanced solutions for critical safety challenges. Its portfolio includes comprehensive services across road safety infrastructure, including construction, installation, product distribution, new product development, and auxiliary services. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-roadblock-solutions-a-merger-of-five-road-safety-industry-leaders-302324362.html SOURCE RSG International

NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs tried for a third time Friday to persuade a judge to let him leave jail while he awaits his sex trafficking trial, but a decision won’t come until next week. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a hearing that he will release his decision on Combs’ latest request for bail after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters addressing outstanding issues. Those letters are due at noon on Monday, Subramanian said. Combs’ lawyers pitched having him await trial under around-the-clock surveillance either his mansion on an island near Miami Beach or — after the judge scoffed at that location — an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Their plan essentially amounts to putting Combs on house arrest, with strict limits on who he has contact with. But prosecutors argue that Combs has routinely flouted jail rules and can’t be trusted not to interfere with witnesses or the judicial process. “The argument that he’s a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions isn’t factually accurate,” Combs lawyer Anthony Ricco argued. “The idea that he’s an out-of-control individual who has to be detained isn’t factually accurate.” Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. His trial is slated to begin May 5. The Bad Boy Records founder remains locked up at a Brooklyn federal jail, where he spent his Nov. 4 birthday. Two other judges previously concluded that Combs would be a danger to the community if he is released and an appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighs his bail request. Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs was in court this week. On Tuesday, a judge blocked prosecutors from using as evidence papers that were seized from his cell during jail-wide sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. As he entered through a side door, Combs waved to relatives including his mother and several of his children in the courtroom gallery, tapping his hand to his heart and blowing kisses at them. He then hugged his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, before taking a seat at the defense table. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He was not handcuffed or shackled and wore a beige jail uniform, occasionally pulling a pair of reading glasses from his pocket as he peered at papers in front of him. Prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions will mitigate the “risk of obstruction and dangerousness to others” of releasing Combs from jail. Prosecutors contend that while locked up the “I’ll Be Missing You” artist has orchestrated social media campaigns aimed at tainting the jury pool. They allege that he has also attempted to publicly leak materials he thinks would be helpful to his case and is contacting potential witnesses via third parties. “Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued. Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos countered that, given the strict release conditions proposed, “it would be impossible for him not to follow rules.” Advertisement AdvertisementHow Golgi stress affects T-cells' tumor-fighting abilityOpenAI says it has no plans to release an API for Sora , its AI model that can generate reasonably realistic videos when provided with a text description or reference image. During an AMA with members of OpenAI’s dev team, Romain Huet, head of developer experience at OpenAI, said that a Sora API isn’t in the cards at the moment. “We don’t have plans for a Sora API yet,” he wrote . The reason could be capacity issues. OpenAI was forced to close applications for its Sora-powered video creation and editing suite shortly after its launch due to heavier-than-anticipated traffic. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologized on X. Sora, one prompt, cinematic AF pic.twitter.com/X8gzdes20M — Alex Patrascu (@maxescu) December 14, 2024 “We significantly underestimated demand for Sora,” he wrote . “It’s going to take a while to get everyone access. Trying to figure out how to do it as fast as possible!” OpenAI resumed sign-ups for Sora several days ago. Choosing not to prioritize an API for Sora threatens to put OpenAI at a disadvantage compared to one of its chief rivals, Google, which launched an API in limited access for its video-generation model, Veo , in early December. Google said this week that Veo’s successor, Veo 2 , which went viral for its impressively high-quality outputs, will get an API sometime in 2025. AWS has an API for its recently launched Nova Reel video model. And a number of startups focused on generative video offer APIs for their models. One firm, Runway, claims that its API has been used by “the world’s largest consumer technology companies to reliably generate millions of videos for their users.”