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Bazilah listens to a point shared by one of the two panellists. KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): As artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts industries and redefines decision-making processes, experts argue that the core qualities of human leadership – determination, empathy and discipline – will remain irreplaceable. International, Industrial & Institutional Partnership deputy dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Bazilah A Talip highlighted that while AI enhances efficiency and provides valuable data-driven insights, she remarked ‘it cannot replicate human foresight, ethical judgment or the ability to inspire and motivate teams’. “AI is a tool, not a replacement. True leadership requires vision and resilience to navigate through uncertainties that AI alone cannot predict,” said the Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) researcher at a forum entitled ‘Strategic Leadership & Visionary Leaders of the Future in the Era of Artificial Leadersip’, conducted recently. According to Bazilah, the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, has been at the forefront of such initiatives which aim to integrate AI into leadership practices without losing sight of the human element. She added that AKEPT collaborates with industry and academic experts to equip them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in increasingly complex environment through initiatives such as forums and workshops, meant to explore the intersection of AI and leadership. “AI cannot replace a leader’s ability to build trust, motivate teams or navigate ambiguity, instead it should offer support by helping leaders make informed decisions faster and more accurately,” said Bazilah. She added that to prepare for the future, AKEPT and UniKL have intensified efforts to train leaders with both technical expertise and emotional intelligence. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, both organisations aim to produce leaders ready to embrace AI while safeguarding core leadership principles. “By emphasising human values in tandem with technological advancement, we can build a future where innovation thrives without losing sight of what makes us human.” Furthermore, Bazilah pointed out that qualities such as determination, consistency and discipline are indispensable for long-term success. “AI may assist with operational tasks but it’s the leader’s human qualities that set the vision and drive results.”

Photography helps Navy vet see the lightSaturday, December 28, 2024 As 2024 comes to a close, the year has been marked by several transformative and significant developments in the travel industry. These changes promise to leave a lasting imprint on how people travel, interact with destinations, and experience the world. Innovations in technology, such as biometric systems for visa-free travel and the rise of self-driving taxis, alongside efforts to combat overtourism, have been among the most talked-about stories. Looking back at 2024, we see a year in which the dream of easier, faster, and more sustainable travel seems to have moved closer to becoming a reality. Airline Mergers and Expansions A major milestone for the aviation sector was the merger of Air India and Vistara, which officially completed in November 2024. The integration of the two airlines, which were jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, aimed at increasing Air India’s competitiveness in the global market. With an expanded network covering over 90 destinations, this merger helped Air India cement its position as a dominant player in international aviation, a crucial development for India’s connectivity with the world. The Rise of Passport-Free Travel In September 2024, Singapore introduced a revolutionary biometric passport-free travel system, reducing immigration processing times from 25 seconds to a mere 10 seconds. This biometric system, based on facial and iris recognition, had a significant impact, benefiting over 1.5 million travelers within the first 15 days. This move, signaling a shift toward frictionless travel, has the potential to change how airports around the world process passengers, enhancing convenience and reducing waiting times. Visa-Free Travel: A Global Trend Visa-free travel gained significant traction in 2024, with several countries adopting or expanding visa-waiver programs. China, for instance, extended visa-free entry to several countries, while South Asian nations like Sri Lanka and Thailand also introduced visa exemptions for various countries. For travelers from these regions, the increasing availability of visa-free access simplifies the logistics of international travel, encouraging more spontaneous travel and boosting tourism. Gopi Thotakura: India’s First Space Tourist In May 2024, Indian entrepreneur Gopi Thotakura made history as the first Indian tourist to venture into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft. This moment marked a significant milestone in the evolution of space tourism, which is expected to grow in the coming years. Thotakura’s journey also highlights how space travel is becoming more accessible to private citizens, offering a new frontier for adventure tourism. Self-Driving Cars and Robotaxis: The Future of Urban Mobility The development of self-driving cars and robotaxis has continued to make waves in major cities. In Wuhan, China, and San Francisco, the rollout of robotaxis, operated by Baidu’s Apollo Go and Waymo respectively, became more widespread. In Wuhan, robotaxis account for 3% of the city’s taxis, while in California, Waymo’s service has been growing rapidly, with 312,000 rides delivered monthly by mid-2024. These developments in autonomous transportation are reshaping urban mobility, particularly in cities that aim to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Tourism and Overtourism: The Ongoing Battle The issue of overtourism has been front and center in several popular destinations worldwide. In 2024, cities like Rome, Venice, Barcelona, and Kyoto took concrete steps to manage visitor numbers. Rome, for instance, introduced a reservation system for the Trevi Fountain, while Venice banned large group tours. These moves indicate a growing recognition of the need for sustainable tourism practices, with many destinations seeking to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to preserve their cultural and environmental heritage. The Maldives and RuPay: A Seamless Payment Experience for Indian Tourists In a significant development for Indian travelers, the Maldives introduced the RuPay payment system for visitors from India in October 2024. This move aims to simplify payment processes for Indian tourists, making it easier for them to pay for services and experiences. This is particularly important as Indian tourism to the Maldives continues to grow, with the introduction of RuPay expected to streamline spending for millions of visitors. The Reopening of Notre Dame: A Symbol of Resilience One of the most poignant moments in the travel sector in 2024 was the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on December 8, more than five years after it was severely damaged by a fire. The restoration of this iconic landmark, a symbol of French culture and history, captured global attention and rekindled the emotional connection many had to the cathedral. This reopening not only boosted Paris’s tourism appeal but also signified a broader global theme of resilience and hope. The Launch of Sindalah: A New Luxury Destination in Saudi Arabia The opening of Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia, part of the futuristic NEOM project, marked a significant addition to the global luxury travel scene. Sindalah, with its luxury resorts, golf courses, and yacht clubs, is positioning itself as a prime destination for high-end travelers, setting a new standard for luxury in the Middle East. This development is expected to drive significant interest from affluent travelers, reshaping the region’s tourism industry. A Changing Climate: The Great Barrier Reef’s Struggles The Great Barrier Reef, a major tourism draw in Australia, suffered the worst coral loss in decades due to rising ocean temperatures. The northern region of the reef saw a staggering 67% mortality rate in just nine months. This environmental crisis is a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Australia has since intensified efforts to protect the reef, which remains one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. The Future of Travel: More Airlines and New Routes Several new airlines were announced in 2024, setting the stage for more connectivity in 2025. Air Kerala and Alhind Air, two new airlines based in Kerala, India, plan to operate within South India and to the Gulf region. These new carriers will provide more options for domestic and international travelers, further boosting the aviation industry in South Asia. A New Era of Travel As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that travel is evolving in unprecedented ways. Technological advancements, new travel policies, and the rise of sustainable tourism are shaping the future of the industry. These trends promise to make travel more accessible, efficient, and responsible. However, the global travel landscape remains dynamic, with new challenges and opportunities emerging every year. For the travel industry, this means adapting to new demands, staying ahead of technological advancements, and ensuring a balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation.Overall Outlook in 2025 Libra, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and transformation for you. Saturn’s influence will bring employment opportunities and success in competitions, while Jupiter will help you rise in social status and expand your contacts. This year, you may experience some delays and challenges, but these will pave the way for long-term achievements. Stay focused and patient as the stars guide you towards personal and professional advancement. Love & Relationships in 2025 This year, your relationships may go through a mix of highs and lows. While Saturn's influence may bring some delays or challenges in romantic matters, Jupiter’s placement after May will bring opportunities to connect with influential people, enriching your social circle. If you’re in a relationship, focus on communication and understanding. Career & Finances in 2025 Saturn’s placement will push you to work hard and excel in your career. Expect success in competitive ventures, especially in the first half of the year. Jupiter will play a pivotal role in boosting your reputation and bringing recognition for your efforts. Financially, you may face minor challenges, but these will be outweighed by gains from strategic decisions. Avoid impulsive investments and focus on long-term financial stability. Health in 2025 Health might need extra attention, especially in the first half of the year. Saturn’s transit could bring minor health issues or fatigue due to overwork. However, as Jupiter moves into a favorable position, you’ll notice improvements in energy and overall wellness. Maintain a balanced lifestyle, prioritize rest, and adopt a healthy diet to keep any health concerns at bay. Best Months of 2025 The most favorable months for you will be June, July, and August. These months will bring positivity in both personal and professional life, helping you make significant progress. Bad Months of 2025 Be cautious during January, February, and April. These months may bring delays in your plans and minor challenges in relationships and finances. Handle situations with patience and care. Key Mantra for 2025 "Patience and persistence pave the path to success." Stay focused on your goals, and trust that your hard work will lead to remarkable outcomes. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)

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NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global digital photo frame market size is estimated to grow by USD 110.4 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 2.94% during the forecast period. Inclination toward high standard of living is driving market growth, with a trend towards introduction of smart digital photo frames. However, supply chain complexity poses a challenge. Key market players include Aluratek Inc., Creedon Technologies USA LLC, Danfoss AS, Eastman Kodak Co., GiiNii Tech Corp., Glimpse LLC, Hama GmbH and Co KG, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Highland Technologies Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Lenovo Group Ltd., LG Corp., Netgear Inc., PhotoSpring Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Group Corp., Spheris Digital Ltd., Sungale Inc., ViewSonic Corp., and XElectron Technologies Pvt. Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The digital photo frame market is experiencing growth due to the increasing popularity of home automation and smart hubs. Smart digital photo frames, a segment of the digital photo frame market, are benefiting from repeat purchases, particularly in regions like the Americas and Europe . Innovations and technological advances, such as wireless connectivity and IoT integration, are key drivers for these purchases. Smart home technologies, including AI-enabled controllers and hubs, are fueling the adoption of smart and innovative home decor products like digital photo frames. Devices like Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled frames from NixPlay and PhotoSpring enable users to control their frames remotely via Wi-Fi and voice commands. Uninterrupted connectivity to smart appliances is crucial for handling tasks remotely, and vendors are incorporating Wi-Fi and IoT technologies to differentiate their offerings and attract tech-savvy consumers. The growing popularity of IoT is expected to continue driving the growth of the global digital photo frame market. The Digital Photo Frame market is experiencing significant trends in various sectors. Portrait and landscape positions are popular for both tabletop and wall-mounted frames. The smart home market is driving demand, with internet users seeking multifunctional devices. Households and commercial segments, including hotels and restaurants, are key customers. Profit margins are low, making economic recessions challenging. Simple multimedia frames use cameras' memory cards or built-in memory, while Bluetooth technology enables wireless image transfer. Traditional advertising is being replaced by low-cost digital displays from brands like Sylvania, Nixplay, Micca Electronics, Tenker, Danfoss, and Frame. Urbanization and emerging countries expand the general population's disposable incomes, increasing demand. A holistic evaluation of Digital Picture Frames and Digital Media Frames as image screens for digital images reveals a substantial role in our modern lifestyle, replacing monitors and printers with gadgets that are more convenient and cost-effective. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Inventory management is a vital strategy for digital photo frame vendors, as consumer preferences for home decor items, including digital photo frames, change rapidly. Home decor suppliers and manufacturers must adapt to small orders from wholesalers and retailers and expedite inventory turnaround times to meet demand. This puts pressure on raw material, quality control, transportation, and labor costs. Many digital photo frame manufacturers have shifted production from China due to rising energy prices, manufacturing costs, and trade barriers. Strong supply chain relationships are crucial for inventory management, with retailers being the primary concern due to slow adoption of digital photo frames. Retailers manage thousands of items across various product lines and categories, requiring efficient merchandise planning that aligns with demand forecasts. Merchandising management is critical, as retailers may regularly extend or drop entire categories or lines due to changing consumer needs. Inefficient merchandising management, coupled with slow adoption, hinders the growth of the global digital photo frame market. Digital photo frame retailers have responded by developing in-house or third-party IT tools to improve manufacturing and distribution processes, such as Inventory Management Systems (IMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Distribution Centre Delivery Systems, point-of-sale terminals, systems for communication with stores, and in-store product labeling systems. Sourcing is also a significant challenge, with the ability of countries like Brazil , India , South Africa , and Russia to handle digital photo frame production impacting delivery schedules. Local and regional sourcing companies have emerged to reduce the risk of changing laws, currency rates, and transportation efficiency for private-label digital photo frames. The Digital Photo Frame market faces challenges in various sectors. For consumers, portrait and landscape positioning are crucial for displaying photos optimally. Tabletop and wall-mounted frames cater to different needs in the household sector. The smart home market presents opportunities, with internet users seeking multifunctional devices. However, the market's low profit margin and economic recession pose challenges. Simple multimedia frames with built-in memory or Bluetooth technology are popular among the general population. Companies like Sylvania, Nixplay, Micca Electronics, Tenker, Danfoss, and Frame offer various options. Commercial segments, including hotels and restaurants, use digital picture frames for advertising. Emerging countries and urbanization expand the customer base. Traditional advertising and low-cost digital displays compete with high-end frames. Holistic evaluation of digital media frames, image screens, monitors, and printers is essential for market success. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This digital photo frame market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online 2.1 Electricity-powered 2.2 Battery-powered 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Offline- The Digital Photo Frame market is growing steadily, with increasing demand for innovative and user-friendly products. Companies are focusing on improving image quality and adding features like Wi-Fi connectivity and motion sensors. Consumers appreciate the convenience of remotely uploading and displaying their cherished memories. Market size is expected to expand due to rising disposable income and the trend towards digitalization. Competition is fierce, with major players like Samsung, Kodak, and Pix-Star offering diverse product lines. Companies are also exploring partnerships with social media platforms to enhance user experience. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Digital Photo Frame market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing disposable incomes of customers and the urbanization trend in emerging countries. A digital photo frame is more than just a display for photos; it's a holistic evaluation of modern technology and art. With an image screen replacing the traditional Photo Frame, digital media frames have taken center stage. The integration of cameras' memory cards, built-in memory, and Bluetooth technology has made these frames more versatile and user-friendly. Households and commercial segments, including hotels and restaurants, have found substantial roles for these frames in their spaces. Brands like Sylvania, Nixplay, Micca Electronics, and Tenker have emerged as key players, offering a range of low-cost digital displays for various applications, challenging traditional advertising methods. Danfoss, a leading engineering company, has also entered the market with its digital media frames, adding to the competition. Market Research Overview The Digital Photo Frame market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing disposable incomes and urbanization in emerging countries. This market caters to customers seeking to showcase their digital images in a more sophisticated way than traditional photo frames. A holistic evaluation of the market reveals a substantial role for digital picture frames and digital media frames, which offer an image screen for displaying digital images. These gadgets can be placed on tables or walls in portrait or landscape position and are gaining popularity in the smart home market. The market also includes multifunctional devices that serve as monitors, printers, or even smart tabs. The household sector and commercial segment, including hotels, restaurants, and traditional advertising, are key areas for growth. However, the market faces low profit margins and economic recession challenges. Simple multimedia devices with built-in memory or cameras' memory cards and Bluetooth technology are popular features. Companies like Sylvania, Nixplay, Micca Electronics, and Tenker have made significant strides in this market, offering low-cost digital displays for the general population. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Source Electricity-powered Battery-powered Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

Bitcoin topped US$100,000 for the first time on Dec 5, jumping drastically from roughly $69,000 the day before the US presidential election about a month earlier. The sharp uptick in price has prompted investors, particularly cryptocurrency enthusiasts, to keep a close eye on what happens next in US politics. As a candidate, Donald Trump pledged to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet". Now the president-elect even suggested the country might one day pay off its national debt in cryptocurrency. "During the campaign, Trump promised many policy changes in the US that will be favourable for Bitcoin and crypto assets in general. We have already seen the impact of this, driving Bitcoin prices to all-time highs," said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Gulf Binance, the Thai joint venture between the world's largest crypto exchange and SET-listed Gulf Energy Development. In Mr Nirun's view, these policies are likely to be pushed through. Trump's second term, unlike his first, will have a Republican majority in the Senate and House of Representatives. "This means he can drive his campaign policy very effectively. His campaign advisors, especially Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr, are also very pro-Bitcoin, so I think these pledged policies will be implemented," he told the Bangkok Post. CRYPTO BOOST Mr Nirun said before the US election, Bitcoin was already a well-known and widely adopted asset globally. In the US, many institutions and state pension funds are starting to invest in the world's largest cryptocurrency. "New regulations, if they happen, will make Bitcoin even more mainstream. I believe Bitcoin will become a mainstream investment asset, similar to gold or silver, in the future," he said. Mr Nirun said the general cryptocurrency market will likely follow Bitcoin, with more assets becoming mainstream, taking the Ethereum path. "I think the key driver will be greater innovation. With supportive US policy and more capital returning to the US, we will see more innovation in this space, with new applications and use cases driving crypto assets to become more mainstream in the future," he said. The market anticipates Gary Gensler, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), leaving his post at the end of Joe Biden's administration. Investors are optimistic about a more crypto-friendly regulator after his departure in early 2025. "He was very active in regulatory enforcement on Bitcoin and crypto assets. The new SEC chairman will likely be much more aligned with Trump's views," said Mr Nirun. Last Wednesday, Trump announced he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the SEC. Mr Atkins, the chief executive of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, has made the case against too much market regulation since he left the US stock market regulator. However, realising the benefits of favourable crypto policies of the new US administration will take time, said Mr Nirun. "I think we need to wait for the proper timing. There are a lot of pressing issues Americans expect Trump to tackle, including the economy and immigration, which will likely come first. We need to wait a bit to see when he will start looking into Bitcoin and crypto assets," he said. "The devil is in the details. Crypto is a complex issue and drafting a new law for this will take time." The FIT21 bill, a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, was previously passed by the House and is now waiting in the Senate. "If Trump wants to redraft the entire bill, this will take even more time," said Mr Nirun. "Hopefully the next SEC chairman is someone with a strategic vision for crypto in the long term." Binance co-founder Yi He shared a similar view, saying products such as spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds have broadened the industry's circle, and these increasing overlaps and innovations indicate a good year is ahead. STABLECOIN OPTIMISM Jeremy Allaire, chief executive of Circle, the issuer of the second-largest stablecoin, expressed optimism regarding global regulation of the sector. He believes the next 10-12 months will be crucial for the stablecoin space, which has already grown to roughly $170 billion, with Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC responsible for the lion's share. However, this is a fraction of the global financial space and the $130-trillion global electronic money market. This means the stablecoin industry still has huge potential for growth, said Mr Allaire. A type of cryptocurrency that aims to maintain a fixed value relative to another asset or currency, stablecoins are often pegged to a traditional currency, namely the US dollar or the euro, or other assets such as gold or silver. "The next 12 months is a pretty big inflection point for stablecoins," he said, with regulatory frameworks in some key jurisdictions expected to take shape over the next year. Speaking at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, Mr Allaire likened these early days of digital currency to the early days of digital media, explaining how lowering communication costs spurred rapid growth and revolutionised industries. He suggested achieving similar advancements in transaction costs with programmable money could fundamentally reshape the ways we transfer and manage value in the financial landscape. USDC, Circle's stablecoin, has increasingly been adopted across financial and payment networks, suggesting stablecoins are poised to become a foundational layer in the digital economy, with real-world applications expanding from here, said Mr Allaire. In terms of regulation, he was cautiously optimistic, noting the regulatory environment in several countries had positive sentiment for stablecoins. While a certain level of regulatory hurdles remains, a shift in attitudes among policymakers is taking place, particularly in the US, which is now recognising the long-term value that digital assets can bring, said Mr Allaire. In fact, even those voicing public opposition to the sector or sitting on the sidelines are watching the vanguard, ready to follow suit with comprehensive regulations, he said. This openness can pave the way for a balanced approach that supports innovation without stifling progress, said Mr Allaire. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Ms Yi acknowledged the past year posed significant challenges, even for industry leaders such as Binance, to sustain growth momentum. With more than 200 million users globally, the world's largest crypto exchange remains focused on building a brighter future for the sector and increasing financial accessibility, she said. Navigating industry-wide regulatory and compliance challenges is an ongoing priority for Binance. While such challenges are complex, Binance views them as necessary for long-term growth and trust within the ecosystem, said Ms Yi. Collaboration with regulators is crucial to achieving mass adoption. "If we want a billion users of crypto, we must cooperate with the regulators. That's how we become the next Google or Amazon of crypto," she said. Access is essential to Binance, as Ms Yi hopes her grandmother or a nanny can easily open the Binance app and use crypto. Noah Perlman, chief compliance officer of Binance, said as more of the world transitions from traditional finance to blockchain, global regulations and compliance is becoming more important than ever. "We can all agree that 2023 was the year in which regulators and policymakers really stepped up their efforts to develop frameworks for the industry," he said. "It is very difficult to follow the rules if they are constantly changing." Having regulations that are difficult to follow or deny product users what they want inevitably pushes users to unregulated spaces, said Mr Perlman, who has a background in traditional finance, adding regulatory frameworks offer certainty, which markets crave. "As we get more certainty in the market through policies such as MiCA, it is going to encourage more people to enter the space," he said, referring to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation that came into force in June 2023. Yuelin Li, chief product officer of tech startup Onfido, said a clear regulatory framework provides "a sense of safety for consumers", which is the defining factor between those who are willing to give crypto a shot and those who prefer to stay within the realms of traditional finance. Bora Erdamar, director of BlockchainIST Center, an R&D centre for blockchain technology, said the roles of project developers and experts help to bridge the gap between the crypto ecosystem and conventional finance. "We need to make it easier to understand and use blockchain," he said. 2025 TRENDS Alex Svanevik, chief executive of leading on-chain analytics platform Nansen, believes 2025 will see the "biggest bull run in history", supported by Trump's victory in the US election. For next year, meme coins -- cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes -- will continue to attract retail investors to the crypto space. He anticipates these tokens will significantly boost on-chain metrics, leading to unprecedented records in decentralised exchange (DEX) volumes across multiple blockchain networks. "Meme coins continue to onboard retail to crypto and smash on-chain metrics. We'll see new records in DEX volume for lots of chains," he said. "Better infrastructure, easier user experience, lower transaction fees -- all these make the journey on-chain better for newcomers." Mr Svanevik also foresees a resurgence in decentralised finance (DeFi), driven by clearer regulations and the activation of revenue models within DeFi protocols. With the departure of Mr Gensler from the SEC on Jan 20, he predicts regulatory hurdles will be reduced and institutional capital will flow more freely into DeFi platforms. Mr Svanevik said he envisions cryptocurrencies playing a dual role in accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) projects and offering solutions to mitigate associated risks. "Crypto accelerates AI, but also protects us from AI," he said, adding crypto dollars should continue to pour into AI projects. Binance chief executive Richard Teng said the future is bright for crypto. "We are on the path of mass adoption because every major global financial institution is either embracing crypto or pushing ahead with the blockchain agenda," he said.The Russian government has approved a ban on mobile and landline connections via the Internet. Source : Russian government decree Details : The Russian government has removed "transmission of Internet data with voice information" from the list of licensed communication services, effectively banning calls over the Internet by mobile and landline phones. Russia claims the ban is aimed at combating fraud. "Most often, fraudsters used such technologies, as it allowed them to switch phone numbers. This type of telephone fraud will be significantly restricted, as connecting data networks to telephone networks will no longer be possible," the Russian government said in a statement. Background: Support UP or become our patron !No. 21 Nebraska women lose the 3-point battle, and an entertaining game, to Creighton

WEST FARGO — When Happy, a sweet but oblivious-to-danger 9-year-old mare scraped up her back leg once again, owner Alicia Severson was able to call on Casselton Veterinary Service to visit her Gandin, N.D., farm and patch up Happy. But when it comes to a recurring ligament injury Happy sustained while competing in a barrel competition, Severson and many other horse and farm animal owners are finding it more difficult every year to find big animal veterinarians, and especially ones that specialize in certain care. ADVERTISEMENT "There is absolutely a shortage," Severson said. For decades, ranchers have been sounding the alarm about a shortage of rural veterinarians and new big animal vets, and especially those who specialize in caring for horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The problem persists despite land grant universities such as North Dakota State University, who often send undergraduates interested in the profession to far-away schools for continuing education. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , 500 counties across 46 states reported critical shortages of big animal vets. And while large animal veterinarians have long been a challenge to find in rural areas, where they are most needed, veterinarians who specialize in horses are also waning. That's despite the increasing popularity and availability in North Dakota and Minnesota for younger generations to compete in equine activities. According to an online database, about 43,200 horses call North Dakota home, which is about one horse per 18 people in the state. Leon Glasser, president of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Racing Association, has been breeding, raising and racing horses for more than 40 years, working to improve the quality of racehorses born in North Dakota. Over the years, he's watched the number of veterinarians willing to work with horses dwindle quickly. "Are we short of equine vets in this area? Absolutely, we are," Glasser said. He said a veterinary clinic in New Salem, N.D., will now only provide simple paperwork needed for owners to transport horses across state lines for care and Missouri Valley Vet Clinic in Bismarck has also limited equine services in the same way. Most newer veterinarians prefer to work on dogs and cats exclusively, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Severson agreed, noting it is also difficult to find a veterinarian who has experience treating goats, as the Seversons have two goats at their farm along with the horses and a cat. For Happy's ligament issue, of which she's had recurring surgeries and needs sporadic treatment, Severson worked with an equine sports medicine specialist based in the Twin Cities but would travel into western Minnesota. However, that veterinarian recently retired, leaving Severson on the hunt to find another specialist within a few hundred miles of the Red River Valley. "Nothing takes the place of a seasoned veterinarian," Severson said. "Thankfully, Casselton [Veterinary Service] is fabulous when it comes to when my horse is injured. But when it comes to long-term stuff that she's dealing with, it's difficult." Dr. Alexa Weyer at Casselton Veterinary grew up in Snohomish, Wash., a farm town north of Seattle, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Dakota before finishing her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Alabama. Following graduation, she began working at Casselton Veterinary in early 2021. "There is definitely a shortage of people interested in large animal practice, and we would love to see more interest," Weyer said. To be a veterinarian requires a doctorate degree from a veterinary school or program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, which is an extensive 360-question exam on all species (dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, pigs, birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish and more) and all aspects of veterinary medicine. ADVERTISEMENT Veterinarians can choose to either go straight into general practice after graduation or they can seek further education to become a specialist. To be a veterinarian technician requires a two- or four-year veterinary technology degree, depending on the program. Derine Winning, a veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Hospital in Fargo and public policy adviser for the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, said the vast majority — about 70% — of new graduate veterinarians became companion animal practitioners in 2023. Almost 10% became mixed animal practitioners and only 6% became equine practitioners. The data comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2024 Economic State of the Profession Report. "There are a lot of different areas in which veterinarians can become board certified through advanced education and training," Winning said. Animal specialists of any kind can be difficult to find locally, although Winning said the Red River Animal and Emergency Hospital and Referral Center in Fargo does have some specialists in oncology, surgery, internal medicine and emergency and critical care. Casselton Veterinary provides many large animal services from emergency on-call care to posting a doctor and technician for nights and weekends. In addition to their vets traveling to farms, the clinic has a large treatment area with two stocks and stalls for hospitalization and breeding care. The clinic also has several portable imaging tools. Weyer said the trend of vets moving away from rural areas can be seen in the growing need for referrals. "Unfortunately, most referral facilities across the country for large and small animals are in areas of high population density. For large animals, there are even fewer facilities and they tend to be at universities with veterinary schools or in areas of high equine concentration," she said. ADVERTISEMENT While the Casselton doctors work with a variety of places for specialty referrals, Sturgis Equine in western South Dakota and the University of Minnesota are probably most used by the clinic. Still, the closest drive is about four hours. Weyer said referrals are typically needed for colic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, advanced imaging or advanced hospitalizations. "In general practice like we are, there are always times to refer. For our clients, it would be nice to have a closer option, but a lot of areas in the country are even farther from referral than we are," Weyer said. Beth Carlson, deputy veterinarian with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, said rural areas most in need of large animal veterinarians may not attract college graduates with those abilities. "The ratio of large animal veterinarians has shifted quite a bit," Carlson said. "Certainly there are areas of the state where it is difficult to hire veterinarians for a variety of reasons. In some cases it's challenging to hire veterinarians even in urban areas as well." One challenge is the cost of becoming a veterinarian. The USDA offers a program that provides up to $75,000 in veterinary school loan repayment to graduates who agree to work in underserved rural communities a minimum of three years. While some in Congress have recently proposed increasing that amount, it can still be daunting as new veterinarians, on average, face about $190,000 in school debt over the eight years needed to become a veterinarian. ADVERTISEMENT According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the mean starting salary for a veterinarian working predominantly in the treatment of food animals is about $85,000, but it was more than $100,000 for those who specialize in pet care. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does work with residents interested in attending veterinary school. Carlson said her office assists with applications for veterinary loan repayment programs. "There are a few different ways that the state and federal government has approached that issue," Carlson said. While NDSU has a veterinarian technician program, there are currently no veterinary schools in North Dakota. In fact, there are only about 30 veterinary schools nationwide. The closest to North Dakota and some of the most renowned veterinary medicine schools are the University of Minnesota, University of Iowa and Kansas State. "NDSU is a great agricultural school and has a great veterinary technician program," Weyer said. "It might be nice to have a veterinary doctorate program at NDSU, but I am not sure that the population is there yet to support one."President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as United States health secretary presents new challenges for how media will report on health matters. Kennedy is an anti-vaccine activist and believes in various conspiracies about the COVID-19 pandemic . His nomination landed with a thud among health experts and the mainstream media . This appointment, coupled with Trump’s frequent complaints about a liberal bias in the mainstream media that he claims exaggerate and distort the world around us, will make it difficult for media trying to maintain credibility when reporting health news . The pandemic provides a good place to draw some lessons. Despite claims of the demise of mainstream media , there are still many people who refer to traditional news sources, particularly in uncertain times when accurate information is at a premium. Based on a global study of the early stages of the pandemic , most people regardless of age ranked traditional media outlets (newspapers, television and radio) and the social media accounts belonging to these outlets as their primary sources of information during COVID-19. Media in the pandemic The pandemic resulted in an increase in demand for traditional media. In Canada, an April 2020 survey found that less than 10 per cent of respondents relied on social media as their main source of information; 51 per cent relied on local, national and international news outlets, and 30 per cent relied on daily briefings from public health agencies and political leaders. All major daily television news programs nearly doubled their year-to-date, average-minute audience. Media coverage was indispensable during the pandemic for three reasons: First, the media communicated important health and economic information to the public. Second, the media highlighted the struggles of vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic when non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that typically addressed such issues were struggling themselves. Almost half of charities and NGOs received no support from permanent donors during the pandemic . Finally, the media played an important role in supporting democratic accountability when government policymaking was frequent and spending was high but parliamentary and legislative checks were reduced . When comparing legislative sittings between 2018-19 and 2020-21, for example, provincial legislatures met anywhere from 5.5 per cent (Alberta) to 62.5 per cent (Nova Scotia) less often . Despite these important roles, there were important limitations to how the media reported the uncertainty of the pandemic. Lessons from COVID-19 Media is prone to exploiting cognitive biases. According to risk psychologists, people are typically more concerned about risks that are unknown and have high dread characteristics . A pandemic has many of these characteristics, which made it fertile ground for sustained and, at times, sensationalized coverage, focusing on conflict and emotion, excluding probability data, oversimplifying complex matters, and vilifying those who went against the grain. Here are some salient examples. Despite the frequent claims to “follow the science” that featured so prominently in the media, U.S. research showed that coverage of the pandemic by American publications with a national audience tended to be more negative than the coverage by scientific journals, international publications and regional media. In 2020, 87 per cent of COVID-19 coverage in U.S. media was deemed negative, emphasizing bad news and amplifying conflict and disagreement over government policies, regardless of whether different voices represented a small minority or a sizeable amount of the population. Psychologists refer to identifiable-victim effect , when people focus on individuals and consequences and omit probability data. COVID-19’s serious toll in long-term care (LTC) homes, and the poor conditions found in some of those homes, was widely covered in 2020. However, even among those with loved ones in long-term care, over 78 per cent commented that they were satisfied with the service of the LTC facility — a fact that was virtually unobtainable if one depended solely on popular media for information. During the third wave of the pandemic, the media ran stories about Canadian children becoming seriously ill even though youth made up only two per cent of hospitalizations . While it is true that stories about sick kids are newsworthy, they can also be sensationalist and exploitative . After more than a year of COVID-19 stories and high death counts, at times it was difficult to distinguish between lower-probability and higher-probability cases, which is a fundamental characteristic of any risk problem. The media also tended to vilify young people when they broke public health orders and gathering limits . Despite being at low risk of severe illness throughout the pandemic, young people paid a very heavy price for governments’ responses. One study found that younger adults had to implement more behavioural changes than older individuals to comply with COVID-19 restrictions . The political priorities of young people — housing, social justice, environment and affordability — received much less attention from the media during the pandemic. RFK Jr.’s nomination The role of the health secretary is partly an advisory role. RFK Jr. would influence as much as lead . Still, his appointment would be consequential. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director at the American Public Health Association , said of Kennedy’s nomination: “ More people will get sick, and I’m really concerned more people will die .” Decentralized technology is changing the way we consume media. Despite Trump’s use of unconventional media strategies during the election campaign , it’s clear that the mainstream media play a disproportionately important role in how we consume information. Part of the challenge lies in how news sources maintain trustworthiness among their audiences. Trustworthiness depends on being transparent, knowledgeable and concerned . Mainstream media will now have to develop new standards for transparency, particularly on how it uses and communicates scientific data. Media need to ensure that emotive stories that animate coverage are informed by appropriate probability and consequence data. This will help ensure that the audience knows whether the cases in media are shown as exceptions to the norm, or pervasive. More transparent use of probability data will help ensure this.

Well, it has been a while since I have written. While we were in the process of moving to a retirement community, at least two important things have happened for Cambridge. They are the mayoral election and the governor’s ENOUGH Act grant award to Moving Dorchester Forward for Cambridge and Dorchester County. The election occurred on our moving day, and I was happy to have had the chance to vote for Lajan Cephas, the mayor-elect. The ENOUGH Act award occurred about a week later. Each are steps forward for a community that has had its challenges but is now on a positive path. To keep things continuing to move in the right direction, many things must happen. The one thing that the Cambridge and Dorchester communities need to do to help ensure that things continue to move in the right direction is to become involved. That means you. The political process and governance do not mean that the people that are routinely impacted by them simply take a step back, claim that their job is done because they voted and let those elected or fulfilling the obligations of state or federal grants to simply do their work without communicating with and reporting to the public. That means for the work of the new City Council and the mayor you need to go to the meetings or at least watch them on Town Hall streams. Those meetings are recorded so you can watch them any time. You can also join CAN, the Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods, and become involved that way. The city provides over the internet the agendas for all its public meetings including supporting documents for some of them. With the ENOUGH Act grant and other grants that the city receives from the state and federal governments, for that money to benefit the community it needs to be used correctly and spent in such a way that the community benefits and more funding can become available. For instance, the grant awarded to Moving Dorchester Forward is meant to help Cambridge and Dorchester County develop a program to address child poverty and be awarded an even larger implementation grant of up to $5 million. In this grant cycle, three Maryland communities were able to receive grants of $3 million each because of the work that they had already done. The work of the Moving Dorchester Forward team has only just begun. If you participate in a nonprofit addressing children’s issues or a church community, find out more about where and when they are meeting and what is being done. Why do you need to do this? Because if you do not, you will receive information from friends and family or others from social media that will be inaccurate, biased or intended to lead you to think differently than the facts can show if you are personally involved. Our society has become too lazy and relies on what someone else tells them as we make our decisions about who to elect or who we want to be appointed to a committee or board that addresses issues of interest to the community. Glenn Steckman, the new city manager, is eager to hear from you and to speak with and listen to community groups to learn more from you about your concerns so that city staff and the Cambridge Police Department can be more responsive to what is happening or not happening in the community. For instance, I know that juvenile delinquency is often a topic of discussion. Here is a link to a police report on juvenile delinquency in Cambridge from almost a year ago, choosecambridge.com/DocumentCenter/View/2422/Juvenile-report . Another link is from a fall 2024 crime report found at choosecambridge.com/DocumentCenter/View/2580/2024Q3-Public-Report - It will show you on Page 28 what the juvenile statistics are for the city. If you want to learn more, you can attend the city police advisory committee meetings that happen on a regular basis and are open to the public. Get involved. Be part of the solution.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however. Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow. Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans. "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media. Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia. "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff. --Field Level MediaCHICAGO — With a wave of her bangled brown fingertips to the melody of flutes and chimes, artist, theologian and academic Tricia Hersey enchanted a crowd into a dreamlike state of rest at Semicolon Books on North Michigan Avenue. “The systems can’t have you,” Hersey said into the microphone, reading mantras while leading the crowd in a group daydreaming exercise on a recent Tuesday night. The South Side native tackles many of society’s ills — racism, patriarchy, aggressive capitalism and ableism — through an undervalued yet impactful action: rest. Hersey, the founder of a movement called the Nap Ministry, dubs herself the Nap Bishop and spreads her message to over half a million followers on her Instagram account, @thenapministry . Her first book, “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,” became a New York Times bestseller in 2022, but Hersey has been talking about rest online and through her art for nearly a decade. Hersey, who has degrees in public health and divinity, originated the “rest as resistance” and “rest as reparations” frameworks after experimenting with rest as an exhausted graduate student in seminary. Once she started napping, she felt happier and her grades improved. But she also felt more connected to her ancestors; her work was informed by the cultural trauma of slavery that she was studying as an archivist. Hersey described the transformation as “life-changing.” The Nap Ministry began as performance art in 2017, with a small installation where 40 people joined Hersey in a collective nap. Since then, her message has morphed into multiple mediums and forms. Hersey, who now lives in Atlanta, has hosted over 100 collective naps, given lectures and facilitated meditations across the country. She’s even led a rest ritual in the bedroom of Jane Addams , and encourages her followers to dial in at her “Rest Hotline.” At Semicolon, some of those followers and newcomers came out to see Hersey in discussion with journalist Natalie Moore on Hersey’s latest book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” released this month, and to learn what it means to take a moment to rest in community. Moore recalled a time when she was trying to get ahead of chores on a weeknight. “I was like, ‘If I do this, then I’ll have less to do tomorrow.’ But then I was really tired,” Moore said. “I thought, ‘What would my Nap Bishop say? She would say go lay down.’ Tricia is in my head a lot.” At the event, Al Kelly, 33, of Rogers Park, said some of those seated in the crowd of mostly Black women woke up in tears — possibly because, for the first time, someone permitted them to rest. “It was so emotional and allowed me to think creatively about things that I want to work on and achieve,” Kelly said. Shortly after the program, Juliette Viassy, 33, a program manager who lives in the South Loop and is new to Hersey’s work, said this was her first time meditating after never being able to do it on her own. Therapist Lyndsei Howze, 33, of Printers Row, who was also seated at the book talk, said she recommends Hersey’s work “to everybody who will listen” — from her clients to her own friends. “A lot of mental health conditions come from lack of rest,” she said. “They come from exhaustion.” Before discovering Hersey’s work this spring, Howze said she and her friends sporadically napped together in one friend’s apartment after an exhausting workweek. “It felt so good just to rest in community,” she said. On Hersey’s book tour, she is leading exercises like this across the country. “I think we need to collectively do this,” Hersey explained. “We need to learn again how to daydream because we’ve been told not to do it. I don’t think most people even have a daydreaming practice.” Daydreaming, Hersey said, allows people to imagine a new world. Hersey tells her followers that yes, you can rest, even when your agenda is packed, even between caregiving, commuting, jobs, bills, emails and other daily demands. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is a community of escape artists, she said of the people who opt out of grind and hustle culture, waiting to embrace you. The book is part pocket prayer book, part instruction manual, with art and handmade typography by San Francisco-based artist George McCalman inspired by 19th-century abolitionist pamphlets, urging readers to reclaim their divine right to rest. Hersey directs her readers like an operative with instructions for a classified mission. “Let grind culture know you are not playing around,” she wrote in her book. “This is not a game or time to shrink. Your thriving depends on the art of escape.” The reluctance to rest can be rooted in capitalist culture presenting rest as a reward for productivity instead of a physical and mental necessity. Hersey deconstructs this idea of grind culture, which she says is rooted in the combined effects of white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism that “look at the body as not human.” American culture encourages grind culture, Hersey said, but slowing down and building a ritual of rest can offset its toxicity. The author eschews the ballooning billion-dollar self-care industry that encourages people to “save enough money and time off from work to fly away to an expensive retreat,” she wrote. Instead, she says rest can happen anywhere you have a place to be comfortable: in nature, on a yoga mat, in the car between shifts, on a cozy couch after work. Resting isn’t just napping either. She praises long showers, sipping warm tea, playing music, praying or numerous other relaxing activities that slow down the body. “We’re in a crisis mode of deep sleep deprivation, deep lack of self-worth, (and) mental health,” said Hersey. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2022 , in Illinois about 37% of adults aren’t getting the rest they need at night. If ignored, the effects of sleep deprivation can have bigger implications later, Hersey said. In October, she lectured at a sleep conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where her humanities work was featured alongside research from the world’s top neuroscientists. Jennifer Mundt, a Northwestern clinician and professor of sleep medicine, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, praises Hersey for bringing the issue of sleep and rest to the public. In a Tribune op-ed last year, Mundt argued that our culture focuses too heavily on sleep as something that must be earned rather than a vital aspect of health and that linking sleep to productivity is harmful and stigmatizing. “Linking sleep and productivity is harmful because it overshadows the bevy of other reasons to prioritize sleep as an essential component of health,” Mundt wrote. “It also stigmatizes groups that are affected by sleep disparities and certain chronic sleep disorders.” In a 30-year longitudinal study released in the spring by the New York University School of Social Work, people who worked long hours and late shifts reported the lowest sleep quality and lowest physical and mental functions, and the highest likelihood of reporting poor health and depression at age 50. The study also showed that Black men and women with limited education “were more likely than others to shoulder the harmful links between nonstandard work schedules and sleep and health, worsening their probability of maintaining and nurturing their health as they approach middle adulthood.” The CDC links sleeping fewer than seven hours a day to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and more. Although the Nap Ministry movement is new for her followers, Hersey’s written about her family’s practice of prioritizing rest, which informs her work. Her dad was a community organizer, a yardmaster for the Union Pacific Railroad Co. and an assistant pastor. Before long hours of work, he would dedicate hours each day to self-care. Hersey also grew up observing her grandma meditate for 30 minutes daily. Through rest, Hersey said she honors her ancestors who were enslaved and confronts generational trauma. When “Rest Is Resistance” was released in 2022, Americans were navigating a pandemic and conversations on glaring racial disparities. “We Will Rest!” comes on the heels of a historic presidential election where Black women fundraised for Vice President Kamala Harris and registered voters in a dizzying three-month campaign. Following Harris’ defeat, many of those women are finding self-care and preservation even more important. “There are a lot of Black women announcing how exhausted they are,” Moore said. “This could be their entry point to get to know (Hersey’s) work, which is bigger than whatever political wind is blowing right now.” Hersey said Chicagoans can meet kindred spirits in her environment of rest. Haji Healing Salon, a wellness center, and the social justice-focused Free Street Theater are sites where Hersey honed her craft and found community. In the fall, the theater put on “Rest/Reposo,” a performance featuring a community naptime outdoors in McKinley Park and in its Back of the Yards space. Haji is also an apothecary and hosts community healing activities, sound meditations and yoga classes. “It is in Bronzeville; it’s a beautiful space owned by my friend Aya,” Hersey said, explaining how her community has helped her build the Nap Ministry. “When I first started the Nap Ministry, before I was even understanding what it was, she was like, come do your work here.” “We Will Rest!” is a collection of poems, drawings and short passages. In contrast to her first book, Hersey said she leaned more into her artistic background; the art process alone took 18 months to complete. After a tough year for many, she considers it medicine for a “sick and exhausted” world. “It’s its own sacred document,” Hersey said. “It’s something that, if you have it in your library and you have it with you, you may feel more human.” lazu@chicagotribune.comOpinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• Two points to add to Jill Burcum’s Dec. 22 column regarding concerns over the possible leader of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and his skepticism of vaccines ( “A troubling pick to lead HHS” ). First, I recently attended the burial of a long-lived cousin, and a family member commented, “A good way to assess the effectiveness of vaccines is to walk through an older cemetery and count the number of children’s graves per decade.” Starting in the 1950s and 1960s when vaccines started to be common, it’s easy to see that many more children lived to adulthood. Second, a simple web search brought up a 2023 CDC report , “Progress Toward Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000-2022.” Quoting from that: “During 2000-2022, estimated measles vaccination prevented approximately 57 million deaths worldwide. However, millions of children missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an 18% increase in estimated measles cases and a 43% increase in estimated measles deaths in 2022 compared with 2021. Large or disruptive outbreaks were reported in 37 countries.” Unfortunately, only about 33,000 people have looked at that report, according to its metrics . So yes, more accessible and transparent vaccine data is needed, including in this newspaper and all media. 57 million people saved is a very large number. I trust none of us want to see that number reduced due to political posturing. Peter Hairston, St. Paul Nominate serious candidates As someone who has voted for both Republicans and Democrats over the years, I would like to offer some advice to Jim Schultz after reading his commentary ( “Five New Year’s resolutions for the state government,” Dec. 22). The Republican Party has not elected a candidate to statewide office in Minnesota since 2006. It’s not because the entire state is progressive; it’s because the Republican Party keeps nominating extremists. Royce White — their nominee to run against Amy Klobuchar for her Senate seat in 2024 — has publicly stated he thinks “the bad guys won in World War II.” Their last candidate for lieutenant governor, Matt Birk, has alluded to believing that women who become pregnant through rape must deliver the baby. This state ain’t Texas, Mr. Schultz. I agree with Schultz that this state has a bloated government. That our taxes are too high. That crime is a serious problem. And that the DFL is too progressive. Nominate a moderate candidate for governor or attorney general, and I will strongly consider voting for such a person. But I think the right side did win World War II. So if you want a serious change in government, you must start nominating serious candidates. Jim Piga, Mendota Heights ••• I have two resolutions for Schultz and the GOP in response to his Dec. 22 commentary: First, fat cat billionaires need a diet. Schultz is right, math is undefeated. It tells us the richest keep getting a larger slice of the pie chart. So he wants a tax cut of $4 billion to add to our $5 billion deficit so the wealthy don’t have to pay taxes on their first $50,000. Since many of the lowest-income earners don’t pay taxes, guess who benefits? Instead I suggest means-testing the free school meal program to benefit only those who really need that. Second, crime. Math says it’s down across the board. And any party who thinks the treasonous attack on the Capitol and its police was anything less than that has no credibility on the subject, not to mention ignoring the crimes of their party leader and his hand-picked cronies, including Supreme Court justices. Third, while I agree that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have gone too far, that doesn’t mean we should ignore, pooh-pooh, or outright lie about our state and country’s oppression of minorities and others who aren’t straight, white and Christian. Karl Samp, Brainerd, Minn. ••• In his opinion piece on Sunday, Schultz trotted out the same, tired Republican talking points. Cut taxes, cut spending, stir up old grievances about defunding the police and removing “wokeness” from the government (particularly education). Yes, let’s go back to the days when state government jobs favored white applicants, ignore the realities of what life has been like over our country’s history for people of color as we teach our children, let the rich keep more of their money, and ignore the fact that much of the spending in 2023 was making up for underspending for what Minnesota families needed during previous years. Clearly he wants 2025 to move backward, not forward. Cyndy Crist, St. Paul Stop picking on charter schools Now that the Minnesota Star Tribune wants to provide its readers with all sides of issues and stories, I expect to see a front-page article about the truly successful charter schools in Minnesota. You can start with the Math and Science Academy located in Woodbury ( mnmsa.org ). It provides an excellent learning environment, routinely has the highest test scores in the state and was named the best high school in Minnesota two years running by U.S. News and World Report (Nova Classical Academy and St. Croix Preparatory Academy, also charter schools, came in second and third). Yes, I’m biased. I was a member of the original staff and served on its board of directors multiple times. Now retired, I consider myself lucky to have been part of a remarkable school that started serving students back in 1999. I’ll just sit back and wait for your positive headline! Ken Thielman, Woodbury This happened on your watch The fulmination by Gov. Tim Walz about the fraud that has been revealed in state and federally funded programs like Feeding Our Future and now the autism program is pitiful ( “Frustrated lawmakers taking aim at fraud,” Dec. 22). His lamentation that this massive abuse “pisses” him off overlooks that these incidents happened on his watch — or lack of watch — underneath the noses of his administrators who sniffed nothing while all this wrongdoing was occurring. During his campaign for vice president, he said he was too busy to sleep. But it looks like he and his administration have been sleeping on the job. Had he — or it — been doing even a halfway decent job, the governor could conserve his bodily fluids or, at least, address these concerns with more than barnyard eloquence. Marshall H. Tanick, Minneapolis Thanks, Karen! Just a note of praise for Karen Tolkkinen and her columns. As someone born and raised in rural Minnesota and an urban Minnesotan for many more years, it is refreshing to read her columns. Family and friends that I dearly love in rural Minnesota and I often have differing opinions in regard to politics but we have all put that aside to remain close and not lose contact during these very divisive times. I feel her columns may be helpful for urban folks to understand the rural way of life a bit better by way of describing her and her neighbors’ lives and experiences. Keep up the good work! Vicky Swanson, Excelsior Keep them on the ground, please Responding to the Dec. 22 article “Friends, family celebrate lives of women killed in north Mpls. crash” : Releasing balloons is a lovely sentiment and visually impactful, but balloons are not biodegradable and cause all kinds of problems. A quick search for supporting information brings up this article from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “Please Don’t Release Your Balloons” ( tinyurl.com/wildlifeballoons ). Danette Hudoba, Isanti, Minn.

Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelationsNoneHealth Catalyst, Inc. (NASDAQ:HCAT) Director Duncan Gallagher Sells 4,500 Shares

is not here for the haters. The 70-year-old mother of fiercely defended her daughter's dazzling halftime performance at the game, addressing critics with a fiery Instagram post. Reposting a fan's comment that read, Tina and delivered a pointed message to trolls. Knowles wrote. She didn't stop there, with Beyoncé. Critics are frustrated fans: Tina Knowles To finish off the haters, the matriarch of the clan said, Houston halftime show, dubbed the lived up to its name . Dressed in a white-feathered gown, cowboy hat, and a striking red, white, and blue sash, . She performed hits like with Shaboozey and alongside Post Malone. In a touching moment, , Blue Ivy, for a mother-daughter duet of The Beyoncé Bowl In view of her daughter's success, Tina offered , suggesting the critics skip Beyoncé's next performance and instead. Drawing strength , Knowles quoted scripture, saying, and praised Beyoncé's The performance , and wasted no time, announcing that the 13-minute show is now streaming as . As for Tina Knowles? She's made it crystal clear: trolls may try, .Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions