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7xmovies 2023 Qatar National Archives is participating with a distinguished pavilion in Darb Al Saai as part of the agency's commitment to enhancing community awareness of the importance of national archives and their role in documenting the country's history and connecting new generations with its national heritage. The agency opened its pavilion Wednesday in the presence of HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, HE Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanem, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, former Speaker of the Shura Council, HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Qatar National Archives, HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, President of the Civil Service Bureau and Government Development, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, HE Dr Hassan al-Derham, former president of Qatar University, and a number of Their Excellencies the ambassadors accredited to Qatar. The Qatar National Archives presented a comprehensive vision of the importance of documents in preserving the national identity. The pavilion offers a unique experience for visitors, through a virtual journey that takes them between prominent stages in Qatar's history using the latest digital technologies. Activities in the pavilion include a mural that highlights statistics on the urban and population renaissance in Qatar, in addition to a collection of rare documents that shed light on the stages of the country’s development throughout the ages. The pavilion also offers educational and interactive programmes for children, such as the “Play and Learn with Dar” competition, which combines entertainment and education, and the “Bishtakhta Dar” competition (Bishtakhta is an old term of non-Arabic origin, means gramaphone) which encourages children to explore documents in an innovative and fun way. One of the most prominent activities of the National Archives at Darb Al Saai is the co-operation with the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), with the attendance of prominent figures as guests of honour at the National Archives’ pavilion, due to the importance of their distinguished role, and as one of the most important pillars of society on which the national identity is built. In this regard, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the Qatar National Archives, stated: “Our first participation in Darb Al Saai reflects the commitment of the Qatar National Archives to protect the documentary heritage of Qatar as a fundamental pillar of the national identity. Through this initiative, we seek to build sustainable awareness of the importance of documents as a strategic tool for understanding our present and documenting our past which supports the national development process and enhances our vision to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This participation is not just a celebration of the National Day, but rather a step towards enhancing the role of documents in preserving the nation’s memory and building a sustainable future.” The activities of the Qatar National Archives also include presenting a working paper titled “Qatar Statistics in the Ottoman Archives,” which sheds light on rare historical sources that provide accurate data about Qatar during the early stages of its history. Related Story ADLQ annual symposium concludes Hisense unveils new brand store in Qatar

Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Huawei is set to host a highly anticipated launch event in Dubai this December, where the company will unveil several innovative products that promise to redefine the tech landscape. The event marks a pivotal moment for the brand, unveiling groundbreaking products like the Huawei Mate X6, Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4, and Huawei nova 13 Series. The new products will set new benchmarks for design, functionality, and user experience in the mobile and audio markets. As Huawei continues to solidify its position as a leader in the tech industry, this launch will underscore the company’s expanding influence in international markets.A New Era for Foldable Phones Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, the Huawei Mate X6, will be unveiled during the Dubai launch. The phone is expected to redefine the future of foldable smartphone technology. It is among the company’s most advanced foldables to date. The Mate X6 is expected to take mobile photography to new heights, building on Huawei’s legacy of pioneering smartphone cameras of the Mate Series. Besides the Mate X6, Huawei will unveil its next-generation audio products, including the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4. These earbuds will be the first to feature Huawei SOUND, offering an immersive audio experience. They will also include AI-driven noise reduction technology, designed to isolate the wearer’s voice during calls while eliminating environmental noise—a feature that significantly enhances call quality, particularly in noisy environments. Consumers can also look forward to the launch of the Huawei nova 13 series, a new midrange smartphone that brings a unique interweaving design and an array of exciting features. The nova 13 series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including enhanced camera capabilities, a performance boost, and more. Additionally, the new Huawei MatePad 11.5 will deliver a paper-like experience, perfect for light office productivity, efficient learning, and everyday tasks. A Strategic Milestone The Dubai event, scheduled for the 12th of December, will mark the global unveiling of Huawei’s several innovative products. The MEA market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions for technology, and Huawei is committed to strengthening its regional presence. By continuing to introduce groundbreaking products, Huawei is positioning itself to shape the future of mobile technology while reinforcing its role as a global tech powerhouse. Copy 12/12/2024 10DALLAS — The New York Mets added Juan Soto, but the Dodgers' lineup remains deeper and more dangerous. The New York Yankees inked Max Fried, but the Dodgers' rotation still outnumbers them in big-name, frontline arms. In a high-priced offseason that has featured several big-market clubs bolstering their rosters — or at least make lucrative bids in an attempt to do so — the Dodgers still reign supreme in baseball's hierarchy of contenders, well positioned coming out of this week's winter meetings to mount a World Series title defense. And yet as they embark on the rest of the offseason, they seem primed to keep trying to add to their collection of premium talent. "We've made some moves that have set a real strong foundation for a successful team," general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday as the meetings wound down at the Hilton Anatole. "Now we'll take the next couple weeks leading up to spring training to explore what's out there." The Dodgers already have been busy in free agency. They landed an ace, Blake Snell, on a $182-million contract. They also added outfield depth in Michael Conforto, re-signed Blake Treinen to shore up the bullpen and locked up utility man Tommy Edman to a five-year extension. If the season began tomorrow, they'd almost certainly be favored to win a second consecutive championship. "I like the way the offseason has played out," manager Dave Roberts said this week. "Certainly with what we've done so far, we've gotten better." But they remain hopeful that more improvement will come before they start next season — and receive their World Series rings — in a little more than three months. "We'll continue to try to make moves we feel are needle-movers," Gomes said. "Whether that's impact moves, or depth moves, all those play into our quest to repeat." The most obvious move would be bringing back Teoscar Hernández, among the few impact outfield bats still available. However, any hope of a quick negotiation between the Dodgers and the two-time All-Star went out the window long ago. And Dodgers executives offered rather foreboding quotes when asked this week about the negotiations. "I know that he has talked about wanting to [stay in Los Angeles], I know that we have talked about wanting him to, so again, that's helpful — but it's not everything," president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "He and his family get to go through the interest and figure out what makes the most sense for them. So, while we're hopeful, at the same time, if he ends up signing somewhere else, we have no choice but to wish him well." The sides continued to talk this week, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly, and are believed to be close enough in negotiations that a deal remains possible. If it happens, that would check one big box off the Dodgers' remaining to-do list. But, with or without Hernández, they are eyeing other potential big-name acquisitions in the coming weeks. Roki Sasaki's posting will be perhaps their biggest focus. The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher is expected to begin meeting with teams as soon as next week, according to his agent, Joel Wolfe. Friedman said Tuesday the Dodgers were putting the finishing touches on their presentation to the hard-throwing right-hander, who will field broad interest from teams since he is restricted to signing a minor-league contract with a modest signing bonus. "He has talked about his desire to be the best pitcher in the world, and we believe that he is capable of being the best pitcher in the world," Friedman said. "He's someone that is obviously a major priority for us." He won't be the only one, though. In the bullpen, the Dodgers have targeted top free-agent reliever Tanner Scott as well as top trade candidate Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers, as the Athletic first reported. The Dodgers showed interest in Scott at last year's trade deadline only to watch him go to the San Diego Padres and emerge as a particularly difficult matchup for Shohei Ohtani in the National League Division Series. Williams is coming off three consecutive seasons of sub-2.00 earned-run averages with the Brewers, who reportedly are looking to move him ahead of his final season before free agency. The trade market offers more possibilities, though the Dodgers aren't obvious fits for any of the biggest potential names. Gomes effectively ruled the team out of contention for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado this week, declaring that Max Muncy is "going to play third base for us" in the wake of rumors that Arenado (an Orange County native and former Dodgers trade deadline target) would waive his no-trade clause to join the team. The Dodgers haven't been linked to Houston Astros star outfielder Kyle Tucker, either, with other teams like the Chicago Cubs and Yankees reportedly lining up better for the three-time All-Star, who will be a free agent after next season. If the Dodgers don't re-sign Hernández, they could get more aggressive on the trade market, where the Cubs' Seiya Suzuki is another player reportedly on the block (though he has a no-trade clause and might not end up getting dealt). In the event the Dodgers still need outfield reinforcements, Friedman noted there are also "interesting guys" remaining in free agency, though no one as productive as Hernández was last year, nor with the cache he has built in the Dodgers' clubhouse. "There's different ways we can get at this," Friedman said of the outfield plans, with at least one more addition likely needed. "We can have a team that has a little bit more power. We can have a team that makes a little bit more contact. We can have a team that plays a little bit better defense. There's just a lot of different ways to get at value and production and winning baseball games. So, with that, it opens some things up." At this point, the Dodgers are keeping all sorts of options open. They feel good about their roster. They believe a strong foundation is in place. Now, they can spend the rest of the winter trying to round out the rest of their team, hopeful the offseason will culminate with a few more big splashes. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Denise Colberg started teaching at Windsor Middle School in 1998 — a year after the school received some upgrades, such as new paint and carpet. Not much has changed in the 21 years she worked at the school. “I walked into a nice, clean, wonderful classroom, and it has not been touched since then,” Colberg said. The Weld RE-4 School District approved recommendations at Monday’s board meeting to demolish the closed portion of Windsor Middle School and use additional funding to modernize the building. The school district determined to use $5.3 million of the 2022 bond funds to update Windsor Middle School’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system as well as roofing, according to Michael McCullar, chief operating officer in Weld RE-4. However, a bond oversight committee saw a greater need for improvements at the school, approving additional funding of about $10 million to ensure learning environment equity across all three middle schools, including the new Ridgeline Middle School that will open in fall 2025. Applications opened for community members, staff and parents to join the Windsor Middle School modernization committee, which helped decide how to best move forward with renovations. More than 25 members, including Colberg, attended a handful of meetings to collaborate on modernizing the space, McCullar said. Members evaluated the upgraded features at Ridgeline and Severance middle schools, gained perspective from students and staff and worked with architects and contractors on options with the available funding. McCullar said the group’s ultimate goal was to focus on what’s best for the students. “We all had our own reasons for wanting to do this, but we all had the best interest of our building, our students, our staff and our community at heart,” Colberg said. The committee then sought out input from the community to incorporate into the final recommendations. Polling uncovered the top priorities: creating an outdoor learning space, adding collaboration spaces and improving patent drop-off. Along with the 764 students, Windsor Middle School Principal Elizabeth Ulrich experiences the outdated and overcrowded building meant to hold 700 students every day. In addition to the modern upgrades, the structure requires additional space. Ulrich reported the cafeteria’s small area can only hold 245 people at a time, which has resulted in running six lunch periods in one day. Before taking concepts to the board, members of the committee honed in on safety, functionality, unification with the building and maximization of the budget. Maximization of the budget included applying for a grant from the state’s Building Excellent Schools Today grant program, which awards funding to schools for construction needs, from a new school building to renovating existing structures. On Monday, the modernization team presented its scaled approach to renovations based on funding. Renovations without the grant would include: If the district receives a low award of the grant, renovations would look the same as above, but additional plans would include: Renovations, if the district receives a high award of the grant, would add even more modernization efforts to the established list: The district must submit the grant application by Feb. 10 and should hear back about the awarded funding by June. Modernization efforts have an expected completion date of fall 2026. Over 10 years ago, more than 30,000 square feet of the middle school, built in the early 1900s, closed to the public due to serious safety concerns about the structure, suffering from asbestos and accessibility, maintenance and HVAC challenges. The school district planned to replace the middle school in 2021 with a bond measure that failed. “It’s a museum that’s been stuck in time,” Ulrich said. The committee decided to decommission the portion that remains closed because it would be more affordable — nearly $800,000 to demolish compared to a nearly $20 million renovation. The group plans to keep the legacy of the building alive by incorporating photographs from yearbooks or salvaged elements, like the bricks or the old seats from the auditorium, into the modernized hallways, according to committee member Chris Brodzinski. In addition, the committee suggested hosting an event to celebrate the memories of the building and past students. “Our recommendation is to somehow allow that the historics of this school stay in the hallways,” Brodzinski said Monday evening.Saka double the difference against Monaco as Arsenal move within touching distance of UCL knockoutsKam Jones scored 20 points and dished with 10 assists to lead the No. 10 Marquette Golden Eagles to a 94-62 victory over the visiting Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee. Jones added six rebounds for Marquette (8-0), which is off to its best start since winning 10 straight to begin the 2011-12 campaign that ended with a Sweet 16 appearance. Ben Gold added 12 points, while Stevie Mitchell scored 10 and had three steals. David Joplin, Caedin Hamilton and Royce Parham each netted nine points for the Golden Eagles. The Catamounts (2-4) were led by Bernard Pelote's 13 points and eight boards. Jamar Livingston chipped in 10 points and CJ Hyland bundled five points with five rebounds and six assists. Marquette controlled most of the game, thanks largely to 51.4 percent shooting and 21 takeaways. The Golden Eagles built a 16-point lead in the first half before Western Carolina clawed within 37-28 with 3:55 left. Marquette responded with a 12-2 run to take a 49-30 advantage into the break, its largest lead of the game to that point. The game quickly got out of hand from there, with the Golden Eagles eventually scoring 11 straight points to push its lead to 81-45 with 7:15 remaining. Marquette finished with 26 points off of Catamount turnovers and hit 14 of 40 shots (35.0 percent) from 3-point range. The win wasn't all smooth sailing for the Golden Eagles, who lost backup guard Zaide Lowery to an apparent left knee injury. Lowery was helped off the court and into the locker room by his teammates with 1:36 left in the game. Saturday's game was a final tune-up for Marquette, which has three challenging games coming up against No. 5 Iowa State, No. 15 Wisconsin and Dayton before Big East conference play begins Dec. 18. --Field Level Media

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Stockholders Approved Merger on October 25, 2024 $2.50 Per Share Merger Consideration Unanimously Approved by SPAR Group Board of Directors AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPAR Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGRP) (“SGRP”, “SPAR Group” or the “Corporation”), a provider of merchandising, marketing and distribution services, in response to media and investor inquiries, affirms intent to close the proposed acquisition (the “Proposed Acquisition”) by Highwire Capital. As previously announced, SPAR Group entered into the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 30, 2024, by and among SGRP, Highwire Capital and Highwire Merger Co. I, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Highwire Capital, whereby SPAR Group is to be acquired by Highwire Capital in an all cash transaction. SPAR Group’s stockholders approved the transaction in a special meeting conducted on October 25, 2024. “We remain committed to completing this transaction and delivering value to our shareholders,” said Mike Matacunas, President and CEO of SPAR Group. “We are also excited about the performance of our business and the favorable response from clients, partners and employees to this merger.” “Highwire Capital is committed to the completion of this transaction,” said Rob Wilson, CEO of Highwire Capital. “We are addressing final lender requirements and expect to close soon. The commitment letter with our lenders, which had an expiration date of December 15, 2024, has been extended to January 15, 2025 to allow time for the completion of the remaining requirements.” About Highwire Capital Highwire Capital transforms middle-market businesses by integrating innovative technologies with traditional operating models. By driving efficiency and fostering industry advancements, Highwire Capital revitalizes established entities into leading platforms for disruption and growth. About SPAR Group, Inc. SPAR Group is an innovative services company offering comprehensive merchandising, marketing and distribution solutions to retailers and brands. We provide the resources and analytics that improve brand experiences and transform retail spaces. We offer a unique combination of scale and flexibility with a passion for client results that separates us from the competition. Forward-Looking Statements This press release (this “Press Release”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, made by, or respecting, the Corporation. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the Proposed Acquisition. “Forward-looking statements” are defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations, as amended. All statements (other than those that are purely historical) are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements made by the Corporation in this Press Release may include (without limitation) statements regarding: risks, uncertainties, cautions, circumstances and other factors (“Risks”). Those Risks include (without limitation): the impact of the news of the Proposed Acquisition or developments in it; the nature, cost and outcome of any legal proceedings related to the Proposed Acquisition; uncertainty of satisfaction of closing conditions respecting the Proposed Acquisition; the impact of the Corporation’s continued strategic review process, or any resulting action or inaction, should the Proposed Acquisition not occur; the impact of selling certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries or any resulting impact on revenues, earnings or cash; the impact of adding new directors or new finance team members; the potential n continuing negative effects of the COVID pandemic on the business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"); the Corporation’s potential non-compliance with applicable Nasdaq director independence, bid price or other rules; the Company’s cash flow or financial condition; and plans, intentions, expectations, guidance or other information respecting the pursuit or achievement of the Corporation’s corporate objectives. You should carefully review and consider the Company’s forward-looking statements (including Risks and other cautions and uncertainties) and other information made, contained or noted in or incorporated by reference into this Press Release, but you should not place undue reliance on any of them. The results, actions, levels of activity, performance, achievements or condition of the Company (including its affiliates, assets, business, clients, capital, cash flow, credit, expenses, financial condition, foreign exchange, income, liabilities, liquidity, locations, marketing, operations, performance, prospects, revenues, sales, strategies, taxation or other achievement, results, Risks, trends or condition) and other events and circumstances planned, intended, anticipated, estimated or otherwise expected by the Company (collectively, “Expectations”), and our forward-looking statements (including all Risks) and other information reflect the Company’s current views about future events and circumstances. Although the Company believes those Expectations and views are reasonable, the results, actions, levels of activity, performance, achievements or condition of the Company or other events and circumstances may differ materially from our Expectations and views, and they cannot be assured or guaranteed by the Company, since they are subject to Risks and other assumptions, changes in circumstances and unpredictable events (many of which are beyond the Company’s control). In addition, new Risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company to predict these matters or how they may arise or affect the Company. Accordingly, the Corporation cannot assure you that its Expectations will be achieved in whole or in part, that it has identified all potential Risks, or that it can successfully avoid or mitigate such Risks in whole or in part, any of which could be significant and materially adverse to the Corporation and the value of your investment in the Corporation’s common stock. These forward-looking statements reflect the Corporation’s Expectations, views, Risks and assumptions only as of the date of this Press Release, and the Corporation does not intend, assume any obligation, or promise to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements (including any Risks or Expectations) or other information (in whole or in part), whether as a result of new information, new or worsening Risks or uncertainties, changed circumstances, future events, recognition, or otherwise.

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Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.

Elephant Robotics to Exhibit at CES 2025: Featuring Cutting-Edge Innovative Robotics Solutions and AI Bionic Robots DebutThe Ridgefield school board Tuesday voted unanimously to place two three-year levies on the Feb. 11 special election ballot. The proposed replacement operations levy would collect a total of $44 million from 2026 to 2028, with an estimated tax rate of $1.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed capital projects and technology levy would collect $21.2 million over the same period, with a focus on building a third elementary school and maintaining services. The projected capital levy rate would be 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The three-year levies require a simple majority to pass. If approved, they would go into effect in January 2026. Two community members spoke at the meeting in support of the levies. “As an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how investments in our schools strengthen the heart of our community,” said Kerri Upton, vice president of Citizens for Ridgefield Schools and special education lead at Union Ridge Elementary School. If both levies pass, the owner of a $500,000 house would pay an estimated $1,890 in annual property taxes in 2026. The cost includes the existing 2012 and 2017 existing bonds. This year, the property tax rate for Ridgefield schools was $2.53, which includes the current operations levy and existing bonds, and owners of a $500,000 home paid $1,265. In August 2022, voters approved the current 2023-2025 operations levy of $30.7 million, with an anticipated rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. And unexpected increase in Ridgefield’s property values meant taxpayers actually paid $1.43 in 2023 and $1.47 in 2024 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The operations levy “bridges the gap between state funding and the actual costs of funding our schools,” said Kelliana Cole, a Ridgefield parent and member of Citizens for Ridgefield Schools. “It funds teachers, classroom support, supplies, transportation and enrichment programs — all essential services that directly impact every student’s education and well-being.” In the past, operations levy money has gone toward sports and activities, special education, student supports, staff professional development, facilities and operating costs. About $15 million from the capital levy, $21 million in impact fees on new development and $16.5 million in state funding would go toward building the elementary school, if the capital levy is approved. “The capital and technology levy addresses the district’s most urgent needs, including the plans for a third elementary school to alleviate overcrowding,” Upton said. “This was developed through extensive community input.” The district also plans to allocate funds from the capital levy to student and staff technology replenishment cycles, according to a November school board meeting presentation. Bonds vs. levies In the past 35 years, Ridgefield passed only four out of 17 bonds, according to district data. Voters in April rejected the most recent bond proposals, which would have collected between $70 million and $190 million. Bonds are repaid with property taxes over as many as 40 years and must be approved by a 60 percent vote. With feedback from community members about the April bond, the school board landed on the two proposed levies. The board and a crowd of about 30 clapped after each levy placement was approved. “This is exactly what the community asked for: to use community input to inform your next ask and be smart about funding,” Cole said. “It leverages community voices and maximizes outside resources to address the need for a new elementary school.”

WASHINGTON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) CEO David Goeckeler has been elected Chair of the SIA Board of Directors . SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms. " We are thrilled to welcome our new chair for 2025, David Goeckeler of Western Digital," said SIA President and CEO John Neuffer . "David possesses years of experience in the technology and semiconductor industries, and is an outstanding advocate for our work. He will be a fantastic leader of the SIA Board of Directors in 2025." Over more than four decades, Goeckeler has focused on innovating and growing industries ranging from semiconductors to global networking to enterprise software. As CEO of Western Digital, Goeckeler has led the company's transformation as a leading data storage producer in the industry. Prior to this, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Networking and Security Business, after starting his career at Bell Laboratories. Goeckeler was recently appointed Chairman of the U.S. Chamber's U.S.-Japan Business Council (USJBC). "Semiconductor innovation is the transformative backbone of everything from the smartphone in your pocket to hyperscale cloud infrastructure to artificial intelligence that uplift society and improve our quality of life," said Goeckeler . "As we grow our industry, the role of effective government policies is more crucial now than ever to accelerate innovation and expansion in this sector. Through partnership with my colleagues on the SIA Board, I look forward to strengthening our shared industry priorities in Washington and around the world." Media Contact Dan Rosso Semiconductor Industry Association 240-305-4738 drosso@semiconductors.org About SIA The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is the voice of the semiconductor industry, one of America's top export industries and a key driver of America's economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms. Through this coalition, SIA seeks to strengthen leadership of semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research by working with Congress, the Administration, and key industry stakeholders around the world to encourage policies that fuel innovation, propel business, and drive international competition. Learn more at www.semiconductors.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/western-digital-ceo-david-goeckeler-elected-chair-of-semiconductor-industry-association-302313650.html SOURCE Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

US officials have been working to solidify Biden's legacy to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's White House return -- and these agreements are among the latest efforts to do so. The United States has been trying to reduce its dependence on other countries for semiconductors, while also seeking to maintain its scientific and technological edge as competition with China intensifies. Samsung's award of up to $4.7 billion in direct funding goes towards its effort to grow its Texas presence into a full-fledged operation for developing and producing leading-edge chips, said the US Commerce Department. The funding will supplement the company's investment of more than $37 billion in the coming years, the department added. Samsung's expansion will help "ensure we have a steady, domestic supply of the most advanced semiconductors that are essential to AI and national security, while also creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard added that Samsung is "the only semiconductor company that is a leader in both advanced memory and advanced logic chips." In a separate notice, the Commerce Department said it also had finalized an award of up to $1.6 billion for Texas Instruments, supporting its efforts to build new facilities. Raimondo noted that shortages of current-generation semiconductors were a problem during the supply chain disruptions sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that TI now plans to grow its US capacity in making these devices. The Biden administration has unveiled billions in grants through the CHIPS and Science Act, a major law passed during the veteran Democrat's term aimed at strengthening the US semiconductor industry. Officials have managed to get many deals across the finish line before Trump returns to the Oval Office, awarding the vast majority of more than $36 billion in proposed incentives that have been allocated. The finalized deals mean funds can be disbursed as companies hit project milestones. bys/sst

Janine Harouni talks about her shows in New York, and comedy career