kk jili register WINDSOR, Conn. , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced an initial agreement with Insignia Financial (Insignia) to deliver superannuation member administration services. Insignia Financial supports around 1.1 million superannuation fund members through its wealth management offerings. Upon signing a final binding agreement, more than 1,000 team members in seven offices across Australia will transfer from Insignia to SS&C. The team will then leverage SS&C’s in-house technology to automate processes and streamline operations while providing top-notch service delivery to Insignia’s customers alongside SS&C’s experts. “As a leading global provider of retirement solutions, SS&C is a trusted partner with extensive expertise in fund administration. We anticipate the collaboration with SS&C will provide our more than 1.1 million members with an improved experience delivered by contemporary technology, our people with the opportunity to be part of a large global enterprise, and greater cost efficiencies,” said Insignia Financial’s CEO Scott Hartley . “We look forward to welcoming Insignia Financial staff to the team and working closely with our new colleagues,” said Bill Stone , Chairman and CEO. “Insignia Financial is one of the largest wealth management businesses in Australia and will be our largest client in Australia . This collaboration will put SS&C one step closer to becoming the leading superannuation administration provider in the region. As more funds look to partner with trusted external providers, we look forward to delivering the best technology and service to optimize superannuation administration for Australia’s investors.” About Insignia Financial Ltd. With origins dating back to 1846, today the Insignia Financial is a leading Australian wealth manager. Insignia Financial provides financial advice, superannuation, wrap platforms and asset management services to members, financial advisers and corporate employers. Further information about Insignia Financial can be found at www.insigniafinancial.com.au About SS&C SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut , and has offices around the world. Some 20,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world’s largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology. Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com . Follow SS&C on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/692536/SSC_Logo.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ssc-signs-agreement-with-insignia-financial-302326732.html SOURCE SS&CSupreme Court NEW DELHI: In what could be a reflection of violence-ridden politics in Bengal, SC Monday ordered deployment of central para-military forces for conduct of Dec 31 elections to Contai Cooperative Bank, which falls in leader of opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari's Nandigram (Purbo Medinipur) constituency. This unusual order was passed by a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Manmohan on a petition filed by one Rabindra Nath Thakur, who had alleged that the electoral roll of the cooperative bank polls included 770 dead persons, an allegation confirmed by Cooperative State Election Commission in its status report. Senior advocates P S Patwalia and Bansuri Swaraj Monday alleged that the state has moved five polling booths to communally-sensitive locations to deter voters from casting vote. For the state, advocate Joydeep Mazumdar informed the bench that shifting of polling stations was necessitated by announcement of national merit-cum-scholarship examinations, dates of which clashed with the voting day. The bench has also directed the state to provide CCTV coverage of all 241 polling booths and free transport facilities to voters from two of the earlier booths. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

Britain, Germany, France, Italy and several other European countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Austria signalled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany -- home to Europe's largest Syrian community -- at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel, of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, reacted with disdain to Sunday's mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad's downfall. "Anyone in Germany who celebrates 'free Syria' evidently no longer has any reason to flee," she wrote on X. "They should return to Syria immediately." World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad's brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that "the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments" in the future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with most arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees "now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland" but cautioned that "the situation in Syria is currently very unclear". The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures "until the situation is clearer". She added that "concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation". Rights group Amnesty International slammed Germany's freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now "the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear". The head of the UN refugee agency also cautioned that "patience and vigilance" were needed on the issue of refugee returns. In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry "to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants". Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had "instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation programme to Syria". "The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days," the ministry said, adding it is "currently monitoring and analysing the new situation". The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold, with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announcing similar moves. Britain's interior ministry said it was taking the same measure "whilst we assess the current situation". The Italian government said late Monday after a cabinet meeting that it too was suspending asylum request "in line with other European partners." The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be "reviewed". "Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power" in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. "I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home." In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad's fall will eventually allow "the safe return of Syrian refugees" to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. Achim Brotel, president of a grouping of German communes, called for border controls to stop fleeing Assad loyalists reaching Germany. The centre-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. "If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country," CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer 1,000 euros ($1,057) to "anyone who wants to return". A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats criticised the debate as "populist and irresponsible". Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said "it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria" and deportation talk was "completely out of place". Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return. "We want to go back to Syria," said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help "rebuild" his country. "But we have to wait a bit now," he told AFP. "We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria." burs-fz/rlp/phz/gv/giv

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By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. Related Articles On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.Methodist Hospital's New OBGYN Center Debuts in Brooklyn

Serenity Psychotherapy Group Now Offers Telehealth Therapy in Navy Yard 12-10-2024 12:06 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: The SED Society Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733758657.jpg Serenity Psychotherapy Group, a leading mental health provider, is now offering telehealth therapy services to residents of Navy Yard and the surrounding areas. Serenity Psychotherapy Group [ https://serenitypsychotherapygroup.com/service-area/navy-yard/ ], a leading mental health provider, is now offering telehealth therapy services to residents of Navy Yard and the surrounding areas. This expansion of their services aims to make quality mental health care more accessible and convenient for individuals who may face challenges in attending in-person therapy sessions. Remote Mental Health Services With the growing demand for remote mental health services [ https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=38.131944,-79.330838&z=3&t=m&hl=en&gl=NG&mapclient=embed&cid=12943743491501790968 ], Serenity Psychotherapy Group has embraced telehealth technology to provide online counseling and virtual therapy sessions. Their licensed therapists understand that making it to an in-person appointment isn't always possible due to busy schedules or distance. Telehealth therapy bridges this gap, allowing clients to receive the same quality care from the comfort of their own homes. Flexibility and Privacy Telehealth counseling brings the therapeutic conversation to clients through live video sessions. These appointments offer the flexibility to fit into busy lives and the privacy to discuss sensitive topics. Sarah Charmchi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a cornerstone of Serenity Psychotherapy Group's telehealth counseling team states, "We recognize that many individuals face barriers to accessing traditional in-person therapy. Our telehealth services provide a convenient and effective alternative, ensuring that everyone can receive the support they need." Diverse Telehealth Options In addition to video therapy sessions, Serenity Psychotherapy Group offers other forms of telehealth therapy, including phone calls, online apps, and text-based therapy. These diverse options cater to the varying preferences and needs of their clients, making mental health support more accessible than ever before. Telehealth Technology and Regulations Serenity Psychotherapy Group has invested in secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of their clients' information. They strictly adhere to telehealth regulations and best practices to maintain the highest standards of care in the digital health landscape. Dedicated Therapists At the heart of Serenity Psychotherapy Group's online telehealth therapy services is a team of dedicated therapists. Sarah Charmchi, with her rich educational background and holistic approach to treatment, exemplifies the expertise and commitment of their telehealth counseling team. Clients can expect compassionate, personalized care tailored to their unique needs and goals. Teletherapy Platforms and Telepsychology Serenity Psychotherapy Group leverages advanced teletherapy platforms to facilitate seamless, interactive sessions between therapists and clients. Their team of professionals is well-versed in telepsychology best practices, ensuring that the therapeutic alliance and treatment efficacy are maintained in the virtual setting. Telemedicine and Mental Health The integration of telemedicine into mental health care has proven to be a game-changer, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Serenity Psychotherapy Group recognizes the importance of adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape and is committed to providing accessible, high-quality mental health services through telehealth channels. About Serenity Psychotherapy Group Serenity Psychotherapy Group is a leading mental health provider based in Navy Yard, offering a wide range of therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. With a team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists, they are dedicated to promoting mental well-being and helping clients navigate life's challenges. Their commitment to excellence, combined with their embrace of telehealth technology, positions them as a trusted partner in the journey toward healing and personal growth. Location: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d25709401.892755475!2d-79.33083800000001!3d38.131944!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x264eab7aeb83e787%3A0xb3a16a206abd16f8!2sSerenity%20Psychotherapy%20Group%2C%20LLC!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sng!4v1729766223172!5m2!1sen!2sng Location: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1z9eqgB4lS26-ahs5S6Qp19eCYSdoYC4qFH7bKoHrGPA/edit?usp=sharing Media Contact Company Name: Serenity Psychotherapy Group, LLC Contact Person: Sarah Charmchi Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=serenity-psychotherapy-group-now-offers-telehealth-therapy-in-navy-yard ] Phone: 202-990-2707 Address:10604 Drumm Ave. City: Washington State: DC Country: United States Website: https://serenitypsychotherapygroup.com/ This release was published on openPR.Deploy paramilitary forces for WB co-operative bank polls: SC

By Maayan Lubell TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand for the first time on Tuesday in his long-running corruption trial to give testimony that will likely force him to juggle for weeks between the courtroom and war room. Netanyahu, 75, is Israel's first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime. He is the country's longest serving leader, having been in power almost consecutively since 2009. “I have been waiting for eight years for this moment to tell the truth,” Netanyahu told the three judges hearing the case. “But I am also a prime minister ... I am leading the country through a seven-front war. And I think the two can be done in parallel.” He smiled confidently when he entered the Tel Aviv District Court around 10 a.m. (0800 GMT). The trial was moved from Jerusalem for undisclosed security reasons and convened in an underground courtroom, a 15-minute walk from the country's defence headquarters. Before Netanyahu took the stand, his lawyer Amit Hadad laid out for the judges what the defence maintains are fundamental flaws in the investigation. Prosecutors, Hadad said,“weren’t investigating a crime, they were going after a person.” A few dozen protesters gathered outside the courthouse, some of them supporters and others demanding he do more to negotiate the release of some 100 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Israel has been waging war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group for more than a year, during which Netanyahu had been granted a delay for the start of his court appearances. But last Thursday, judges ruled that he must start testifying. Charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Netanyahu will testify three times a week, the court said, despite the Gaza war and possible new threats posed by wider turmoil in the Middle East, including in neighbouring Syria. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage. He denies any wrongdoing. In the run-up to his court date, Netanyahu revived familiar pre-war rhetoric against law enforcement, describing investigations against him as a witch hunt. He denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. "The real threat to democracy in Israel is not posed by the public's elected representatives, but by some among the law enforcement authorities who refuse to accept the voters' choice and are trying to carry out a coup with rabid political investigations that are unacceptable in any democracy," he said in a statement on Thursday. At a Monday night press conference Netanyahu expressed outrage at the way witnesses had been treated during investigations. DIVISIONS AMONG THE ISRAELI PUBLIC Before the war, Netanyahu's legal troubles bitterly divided Israelis and shook Israeli politics through five rounds of elections. His government's bid last year to curb the powers of the judiciary further polarised Israelis. The shock Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Gaza war swept Netanyahu's trial off the public agenda as Israelis came together in grief and trauma. But as the war dragged on, political unity crumbled. In recent weeks, while fighting abated on one front after Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas' Lebanese ally Hezbollah, members of Netanyahu's cabinet, including his justice and police ministers, have clashed with the judiciary. His domestic legal woes were compounded last month when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant along with a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Additional reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Howard Goller)CMA calls for investigation into Apple and Google's UK mobile market dominance

Labour leader Chris Hipkins repeats MP’s ‘cooking the books’ claim about Health NZ Commissioner Lester Levy

Canadian freestyle ski star Mikael Kingsbury seeks to extend recordModerate Liberal MP Bridget Archer has crossed the floor to vote against banning children under 16 from social media, joining with the Greens and independents to air concerns about a rushed process. Ms Archer, who has crossed the floor on multiple issues, flagged the move late on Tuesday night before the vote on the legislation was held on Wednesday morning. But she said it was out of concerns about the rushed process to legislate the ban inside of a week. “My very strong preference would be for this bill to be deferred for proper scrutiny and consultation, as we’ve heard from other members here today, that would give an opportunity for that process to be corrected and to take more of our community along with us, but disappointingly, it is clear that there is no appetite for that,” she told Parliament. “Because of that, I won’t be supporting ... this Bill under these circumstances, but I reiterate that this is an important space and it is something that we need to do something about.” Ms Archer pledged to engage constructively on the issue of helping protect children from the harms of social media. Katina Curtis The legislation would force social media companies including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook and X to bar children under 16 years from their platforms. It will take effect a year after passing Parliament. The tech companies have raised concerns about whether the ban can practically be implemented while youth mental health experts and advocates have aired fears it will further isolate vulnerable children. Others are concerned about the privacy implications and an email campaign inundating MPs over the past week has conflated the social media ban with the Government’s Digital ID program. Conservative Coalition Senators Alex Antic and Matt Canavan are expected to also cross the floor when the legislation comes to a vote in the Upper House. Nationals MP Keith Pitt told colleagues on Wednesday he was reserving his position. Ultimately, he abstained from votes on the legislation, having said he found himself torn on taking a position. “For those who know me, that is pretty unusual! I can usually form a view pretty quickly and make a decision,” he told Parliament, before reading out some of the emails he had received airing a wide range of concerns about the bill. Independents also voted against the legislation, which passed the lower house with the support of most Labor and Coalition MPs. Katina Curtis

Biden pledges $1B in aid to Africa as North Carolina residents continue to struggle after HeleneDouble Stallion, the studio behind the stellar League of Legends Metroidvania spinoff Convergence , is making a new co-op action RPG called Surfpunk that, frankly, looks totally rad. Surfpunk was actually first announced a few months ago, but somehow it's managed to slip right past my radar until its latest trailer, showcasing a newly revealed class with a throwable anchor and chain. But I'm putting the cart before the horse here; let me explain what Surfpunk actually is. Double Stallion describes it as an "intense, PvE co-op extraction ARPG" in which you "hop on your Rushboard, explore endless islands, and loot powerful ancient technology." I would echo that description and also add that there's an apparent Diablo inspiration as well as some roguelike elements with procedurally generated islands and randomized runs. Oh, and everyone's really, really hot. The world itself is also pretty easy on the eyes, with a striking, dynamic color palette, anime-influenced character designs, and League of Legends-esque cel-shading. Surfpunk can be played solo, but the main appeal to me is definitely the co-op action, which allows you to team up with up to three friends to form a squad where each player uses their class's unique abilities to take on role-specific responsibilities. As if there wasn't already enough going on in Surfpunk, I'm also interested to see how the actual surfing mechanics shake out. Surfing isn't just a means to get to and from the islands; it's also how you close out each run, with a massive tsunami presenting various obstacles for you to get around on your Rushboard. I also dig the fact that you'll have a homebase to return to after each fun where you can hang out with your crew, upgrade gear, customize your Raider and Rushboard, and indulge in well-earned meals before heading out on your next run. Surpunk doesn't have a release date or window yet, but you can wishlist it now on Steam . You can also pick something from our list of the best RPGs for a guaranteed good time.Israel, Lebanon agree to ceasefire

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Thousands enjoy arrival of Santa during West Chester Christmas Parade

People engage in gaming through a variety of formats , from consoles to mobile devices, driven by factors like convenience, cost, and immersive experiences. This graphic, via Visual Capitalist's Kayla Zhu, visualizes the share of U.S. consumers that reported gaming on a specific device within the past month, using data from a Circana online survey of 5,100 active U.S. gamers conducted in May through June 2024. The categories of gaming devices are as follows: Mobile: iPhone, Android smartphone, iPad, and other smartphone or tablet devices Computer: Desktop, laptop, Steam Deck, or other portable PC devices Console: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii Other: Virtual reality (VR) headsets, plug-and-play devices, child-oriented devices Below, we show the share of U.S. consumers ages two and up that played on a qualifying device within the previous month of Circana’s survey. About 71% of U.S. consumers played some form of video game in the month prior to Circana’s survey, with mobile gaming being the largest platform with 65% of U.S. consumers gaming on a mobile device in 2024. Over half of gamers’ weekly playtime takes place on their phones, according to Circana. The main draw is convenience, as players already have their devices with them, along with the low cost and easy accessibility of mobile games. PC and console gaming are almost evenly tied, with 36% and 35% of respondents gaming on these platforms respectively. When looking these formats’ market shares , console gaming held a slight lead over PC gaming with 57% of the 2023 market share, or $53.1 billion revenue compared to PC’s $40.4 billion. The “Other” gaming category grew by 2% since 2022 due to increased adoption of virtual reality (VR) gaming. VR usage and ownership among U.S. teens is on the rise, with weekly VR use increasing from 10% to 13% and headset ownership growing from 31% to 33% over the past six months, according to a survey by Piper . Gaming preferences are also dependent on generation. Younger generations like Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials tend to play on PCs or console more often than older generations, according to Newzoo . In terms of gaming genres, older generations like Gen X and Boomers tend to gravitate towards puzzle games , usually played on mobile devices. To learn more about the video game industry, check out this graphic that visualizes console launch prices, adjusted for inflation.

DTE Energy Board of Directors declares quarterly dividendItron SVP Donald Reeves sells $27,182 in common stockSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After three straight losses, including back-to-back blowouts , the San Francisco 49ers needed a get-right game. The Chicago Bears helped provide just that. Brock Purdy carved up Chicago's defense to lead San Francisco to its best offensive output of the season and the defense dominated the Bears in a 38-13 win Sunday that looked a lot more like the team that went to the Super Bowl last season than the one that has struggled in 2024. “I think just the biggest thing was just getting some energy and momentum,” Purdy said. “This league is hard. It’s tough. If you don’t have momentum or energy and belief within a building, it can be really tough.” The problem for San Francisco (6-7) is it might be too late to salvage its playoff hopes. Three blown fourth-quarter leads to division rivals and the lopsided losses at Green Bay and Buffalo the previous two weeks leave the Niners two games out of the playoffs with only four games to go. They might need to win out to get back to the postseason for a fourth straight season, and even then they could need some help because their three division losses will make it tough to win any tiebreakers in the tightly packed NFC West. “If we win every single game, I think we’ve put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention,” tight end George Kittle said. “I thought everyone’s focused on this one week. ... Forget the whole season whether you’ve played like crap the entire season, whether you’ve had missed opportunities, or whether you have a bunch of touchdowns. Whatever it is, flush all that and just focus on this one game.” Big plays. The Niners repeatedly gashed the Bears for big plays as the passing game looked as good as it has all season. Purdy had eight completions go for at least 20 yards — tied for the most in any game for the 49ers since at least 1991 — with Kittle catching four of them, Isaac Guerendo two and one each for Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Kickoffs. Jake Moody attempted two line-drive kicks as San Francisco tried to pin Chicago deep instead of allowing a touchback. But both kicks landed shy of the landing zone at the 20, giving the Bears the ball at the 40. DL Yetur Gross-Matos. The Niners have been struggling to generate a pass rush with Nick Bosa sidelined, but Gross-Matos made a big impact on Sunday. He had a career-high three sacks in the game after coming into the game with just one this season. S Ji'Ayir Brown. The second-year safety lost his starting job with the return of Talanoa Hufanga from a wrist injury. Brown played 15 defensive snaps in a spot role and was beat on a TD pass to Rome Odunze in his limited action. Guerendo has a sprained foot and will be evaluated later this week to see if he can play. ... OL Ben Bartch will likely go on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain Sunday. ... LB Dre Greenlaw could return this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. ... DL Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and LT Trent Williams (ankle) will be evaluated this week but there is no timeline on when they will return. ... LG Aaron Banks cleared the concussion protocol and should play this week. ... LB Dee Winters (ankle), S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are day-to-day. 305 — The 49ers outgained the Bears by 305 yards in the first half for the ninth best advantage in a first half since at least 1991. The 319 yards for San Francisco were the most by any team in a first half this season and the 4 yards allowed were the fewest. The 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL