Question:
Peter Weber's sizzling cover with Victoria Fuller has been pulled by the magazine.

The Bachelor will not be featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan. On the same day the ABC reality show featured a date in which contestant Victoria Fuller won the opportunity to pose for the iconic magazine alongside leading man Peter Weber, the magazine announced the cover has been pulled due to Fuller’s past association with the “White Lives Matter” slogan.

Victoria, 26, was expected to grace the cover of the magazine’s next digital issue, but Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Jessica Pels released a statement denouncing the model’s controversial past.

“Unequivocally, the White Lives Matter movement does not reflect the values of the Cosmo brand,” Pels said, per People. “We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and any cause that fights to end injustices for people of color.”

Pels went on to explain that when the Cosmopolitan team flew down to Costa Rica for The Bachelor date challenge, they did not meet any of the potential models until they were ready to shoot. The editor-in-chief explained that she only knew Victoria’s first name and nothing about her past when she chose the winner of the digital Cosmo cover.

“It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I found out that the woman I’d chosen had, in her past, modeled in an ad campaign wearing White Lives Matter attire,” Pels explained in her statement.

After long discussions regarding the situation, the magazine decided to drop plans for Victoria’s cover on the brand’s website and social media feeds. Photos from The Bachelor fashion shoot have already been printed for Cosmo’s March issue, complete with an inset of the questionable cover, and some photos from the shoot appear on the magazine’s website with the headline “We Spent the Day with Pilot Pete In Costa Rica.”

People notes that Victoria once modeled for a White Marlin Marina ad campaign titled “Marlin Lives Matter” in regards to endangered fish species. The “White Lives Matter” slogan was reportedly used to promote the conservation of white marlin. “Blue Lives Matter” messaging was also used on promotional shirts and hats, in reference to blue marlin.

The ABC reality star has not yet publicly commented on the controversy about her past modeling shoot, not have Bachelor producers, but fans of the show have praised Cosmo for pulling the cover.

“Happy to see Cosmpolitan taking an ethical stand against bigoted Bachelor contestant Victoria Fuller. No one who models for a White Lives Matter campaign deserves any kind of platform; it’s a shame she’s received one at all,” one commenter tweeted.

Even before this setback, Victoria Fuller had been a controversial contestant on Peter Weber’s season of The Bachelor. She previously caused drama due to her past relationship with country singer Chase Rice, who was blindsided when he was hired to serenade Victoria and Peter during a one-on-one date.

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

This letter from the editor is hot off the presses.

Tonight's group date on The Bachelor took Peter Weber's suitors to Costa Rica, where the ladies were asked to pose in their bikinis for a chance to get featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. Ultimately, Cosmo editor-in-chief Jessica Pels picked Victoria Fuller (who took a risk and kissed Peter during their photo shoot) as the lucky winner. But as Pels just revealed, those images won't actually make it to the printer after all.

In a letter titled "Why We're Not Publishing the Cosmo Bachelor Cover," Pels explains how a controversy involving Victoria helped the staff make their decision.

"As you probably know, the details about upcoming plot points on The Bachelor are as closely guarded as nuclear codes," she writes. "When my team and I flew down to Costa Rica for our challenge, we weren't told who our models were going to be. We didn't even meet them until we were all on camera on-set, ready to start our shoot."

(MENAFN- EIN Presswire) Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market Overview

TheBusinessResearchCompany.com offers Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Global Market Report 2019 from its research database.

— Abdul Wasay

LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UK, January 1, 2020 / EINPresswire.com / -- The global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market is expected to grow to $2.7 billion at a rate of about 15.8% through 2022. The rising number of patients with chronic diseases, increasing need for monitoring, and projected shortfall in the number of nurses in the near future increases the growth of remote patient monitoring devices and equipment. However, hospitals and healthcare professionals resisting the adoption of remote patient monitoring systems are limiting the market.

The remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market consists of sales of remote patient monitoring devices and equipment and related services. Remote patient monitoring devices and equipment allow a patient to use a mobile medical device for undergoing a routine test and send the test data to a healthcare expert in real-time.

Request For A Free Sample For The Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market Report:

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=2517 & type=smp

The global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market is further segmented based on type and geography.

By Type - The remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market is segmented into heart monitors, breath monitors, hematology monitors, and multi - parameter monitors.

By Geography - The global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment is segmented into North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa. Among these regions, the North American remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market accounts for the largest share in the global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market.

Read More On The Report For The Global Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market At:

https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/remote-patient-monitoring-devices-and-equipment-global-market-report

Trends In The Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market

Remote patient monitoring device manufacturers are increasingly integrating IoT and wireless technology with remote patient monitoring devices to efficiently diagnose and treat medical conditions. This includes multi sensor systems implanted or embedded into the skin, consisting of a sensor that transmits data for real time monitoring of the patient's medical condition.

Potential Opportunities In The Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market

With increase in positive economic outlook, increasing population, and increasing awareness about healthcare, the scope and potential for the global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market is expected to significantly rise in the forecast period.

Major players in the market are Philips Healthcare, Honeywell, GE Healthcare, Medtronic and Boston Scientific.

Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Global Market Report 2019 is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market overviews, analyzes and forecasts remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market size and growth for the global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market share, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market players, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market size, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market segments and geographies, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market trends, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market drivers and remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market restraints, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market's leading competitors' revenues, profiles and market shares. The remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market report identifies top countries and segments for opportunities and strategies based on market trends and leading competitors' approaches.

Where To Learn More

Read Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Global Market Report 2019 from The Business Research Company for information on the following:

Markets Covered: global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market

Data Segmentations: remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market size, global and by country; historic and forecast size, and growth rates for the world, 7 regions and 12 countries

Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Market Organizations Covered: Philips Healthcare, Honeywell, GE Healthcare, Medtronic and Boston Scientific

Regions: Asia-Pacific, China, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, USA, South America, Middle East and Africa.

Order a Copy Of Complete Report @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/purchaseoptions.aspx?id=2517 .

Time Series: Five years historic (2014-18) and forecast (2018-22).

Other Information And Analyses: PESTEL analysis, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market customer information, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market product/service analysis – product examples, remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market trends and opportunities, drivers and restraints, key mergers and acquisitions, key metrics covered: number of enterprises, number of employees, global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market in 2019 - countries offering most new opportunities

Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report are sourced using end notes.

Strategies For Participants In The Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Industry: the report explains a number of strategies for companies in the remote patient monitoring devices and equipment market, based on industry trends and company analysis.

Opportunities For Companies In The Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Sector: The report reveals where the global remote patient monitoring devices and equipment industry will put on most $ sales up to 2022.

Interested to know more about The Business Research Company?

The Business Research Company has published over 300 industry reports, covering over 2400 market segments and 56 geographies. The reports draw on 150,000 datasets, extensive secondary research, and exclusive insights from interviews with industry leaders. Here is a list of reports from The Business Research Company similar to Remote Patient Monitoring Devices And Equipment Global Market Report 2019:

Telemedicine Technologies Market By Segment (Tele-Home & Tele-Hospital), By Applications (Tele-Radiology, Tele-Consultation, Tele-Monitoring And Tele-Surgery) – Global Forecast To 2022

Patient Monitoring Devices Market By Types (Fetal And Neonatal Monitoring Devices, Vital Parameter Monitoring Devices, Weight Monitoring Devices, Body Temperature Devices And Remote Patient Monitoring Devices), By End User (Hospitals, Homecare, Diagnostic Centre/Clinics), By Companies And By Regions - Global Forecast Research To 2022

Portable X-Ray Devices Market By Segmentations (Mobile X-Ray Devices, Handheld X-Ray Devices), By Types (Computed Radiography X-Ray Devices, Digital X-Ray Devices And Analog X-Ray), By Trends, By Geography – Global Forecasts To 2022

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× New law makes Missouri corporate tax one of lowest in US

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Thousands of Missouri businesses will receive tax cuts with the new year. But because of the way the new law is written, some corporations doing business in Missouri could end up paying more.

The give-and-take tax law enacted by former Gov. Eric Greitens just hours before his May 2018 resignation is to finally take effect Wednesday with the start of the 2020 tax year. The law will cut Missouri’s corporate income tax rate from 6.25% to 4%, making it one of the lowest rates in the nation. But another provision in the law will do away with an option for calculating corporate income that could result in higher Missouri tax bills for some multi-state businesses.

The two-prong overhaul to Missouri’s corporate tax laws has made it difficult to project whether the state stands to gain or lose money, and if so ho much. Yet the state’s largest business groups believe the change will be beneficial.

“Ultimately, I think what we could see is a bit of incentivizing companies to set up operations here in the state and bring employees into the state,“ said Matthew Panik, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Or if they’re already here, to of course increase their operations.”Forty-four states levy corporate income taxes, which typically account for a much smaller slice of state revenues than individual income and sales taxes. The lowest flat corporate tax rate is in North Carolina, at 2.5%.

When figuring corporate income taxes, Missouri currently allows businesses to chose among options. One approach calculates the percentage of their total income attributable to in-state sales when figuring their Missouri income tax. Another approach lets businesses average the percentage of their total sales, payroll and property attributable to Missouri when calculating their tax.

The three-part option can reduce Missouri income taxes for businesses that sell products in Missouri but don’t have physical stores or warehouses in the state. The new law will end that option and instead require all corporate income taxes to be based on Missouri sales, joining a majority of states that already use that approach.

After the law was enacted, legislative research staff estimated that it could result in anywhere from a net $4.4 million tax cut to a $4.9 million tax increase for the 2020 fiscal year, which ends July 1. ear.

Projections diverge even further for the law’s first full year of application. Legislative researchers estimated its impact could range from an $8.8 million net tax cut to a $9.7 million tax increase in fiscal year 2021. The nonprofit Missouri Budget Project, which analyzes state financial issues with an eye toward their impact on low-income residents, estimated the new law could result in a net 28 million tax cut.

The Missouri Budget Project said the corporate tax changes build on a “decades-long trend of cutting taxes.”

“It continues to erode the foundation and our ability to fund education, early ed, infrastructure, health care and all of the other services that families and communities rely on,” said Traci Gleason, the Missouri Budget Project’s vice president of external relations.

The Republican-led Legislature also passed changes to Missouri’s individual income tax code in 2018. That law reduced the top individual income tax rate from 5.9% to 5.4% effective Jan. 1, 2019. But the effect of the tax rate cut was offset by another provision in the law that reduced the Missouri income tax deduction that can be claimed for taxes paid to the federal government.

Quarantine measures introduced in Europe to contain the spread of the new coronavirus appears to have reduced pollution in some of its major cities.

The European Space Agency (ESA) said on Friday, based on images captured by one of its satellites.

“The new images clearly illustrate a strong reduction of nitrogen dioxide concentrations over major cities across Europe specifically Milan, Paris and Madrid,’’ the agency said in a statement.

READ ALSO: Otedola Donates N1bn To Help Fight Against Coronavirus Pandemic

The drop coincides with lockdowns and other restrictive measures implemented in Europe in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The nitrogen dioxide concentrations were measured between March 14 and Wednesday.

“Scientists are now working on a more detailed analysis to interpret the concentrations observed, in order to estimate the influence of the shutdown measures,’’ ESA said.

READ ALSO:COVID-19: Pastor Adeboye Donates ICU Beds, Ventilators To Lagos, Others

Movements of people, including by car and aeroplane, have been restricted in response to the outbreak.

The preventive measures have also affected many businesses, leading them to curtail or even halt their operations.

As a new year and a new decade begins, take the opportunity to visit some new spots, enjoy new experiences or revisit favorite attractions in and around Atlanta. Here’s a list of great options to get you started.

NCAA’s Final Four

After seven short years, the NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament is back in Atlanta for 2020 with the semi-final game on April 4 and the national championship on April 6. Attending a Final Four game can make an epic memory to kick off the decade. But even without a ticket to the big game, the Final Four weekend promises other associated events, such as their Fan Fest and the free Capital One JamFest concert, featuring Taylor Swift. Events will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia World Congress Center and the State Farm Arena.

April 3-6. Tickets start at $187. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (for semi-final and final games), 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000. ncaa.com/final-four.

Atlanta sports

For that matter, aim to see any sporting event in 2020. Mercedes-Benz Stadium and SunTrust Park, both barely 3 years old, are rather impressive sights for first-time visitors, so that’s reason enough to make the outing. The Gateway Center @ College Park, the newest venue to the Atlanta sports scene, is also worth a gander. The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream will play their 2020 season at the new arena. But overall, it’s also an electrifying experience to soak up the Atlanta sport fandom — from the Braves to the Hawks and particularly the Atlanta United craze (the 2018 MLS Cup Champions begin their season in late February).

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000, mercedesbenzstadium.com; SunTrust Park, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-577-9100, mlb.com/braves; The Gateway Center, 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park. arenagatewaycenter.com.

October 3, 2019 Atlanta - Atlanta Braves center fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. hits two run home run in 9th inning during Game 1 of best-of-five National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on Thursday, October 3, 2019. St. Louis Cardinals won 7-6 over the Atlanta Braves. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com) Photo: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

The Fox Theatre

You’ve likely attended a play, concert or live production at the world-famous Fox Theatre, but have you ever seen a movie at the Fox? After all, before its short stint as a Shriners temple, the venue started as a movie theater in 1929. So, it’s only fitting you see a reel in honor of the theater’s original function. Check the Fox website for occasional film screenings, such as their Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival.

Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404 -881-2100, foxtheatre.org.

Regal Atlantic Station 4DX

Looking for a new way to watch movies in 2020? Atlantic Station’s Regal theater can now play select showings in 4DX, an immersive, multisensory viewing experience. Moviegoers will be able to experience effects such as wind and chair vibrations, which synchronize throughout an entire feature-length film. The cinema is currently screening “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in 4DX.

Regal Atlantic Station, 261 19th St. NW, Suite 1250, Atlanta. 844-462-7342, regmovies.com.

MORE ON AJC.COM: Best places around Atlanta to keep your New Year’s resolutions

MARTA’s Atlanta Streetcar

Hard to believe, but it has been nearly five years since the Atlanta Streetcar began operation. So, if you still haven’t boarded the streetcar, put it in your 2020 plans. The current path operates from Centennial Olympic Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. And with recently announced expansion plans, the streetcar will soon be on the move to new places, such as the Beltline and Atlanta University Center.

Current route starts at Peachtree Center Station and includes 11 stops toward Woodruff Park. 404-848-5000, itsmarta.com.

AJC Peachtree Road Race

The annual tradition — now in its 51st year — draws runners from all over the globe, helping to cement its title as the “world’s largest 10K.” So why not make this the year to participate in this internationally treasured event? (Note: Registration for the 2020 AJC Peachtree Road Race will open on March 15, 2020). But even if you decide not to run/walk the race, you can still take part in the spectacle by finding a spot along the Peachtree Road course to cheer on the 60,000 participants.

July 4. The race starts in Buckhead near Lenox Square Mall and ends in Piedmont Park. 404-231-9064, atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.

Atlanta Movie Tours

Dubbed the “Hollywood of the South,” several blockbuster movies and acclaimed television shows are filmed right here in the city. By now, you’ve likely even stumbled across a few filming sets unknowingly. But if all those cryptic yellow filming signs only make you more curious about Atlanta’s movie scene, then perhaps 2020 should be the year you finally checked out a movie tour. Atlanta Movie Tours is a great opportunity to tour the filming locations for movies and shows such as “Black Panther,” “Walking Dead,” “Baby Driver” and more.

Atlanta Movie Tours, 327 Nelson St. SW, Atlanta. 855-255-3456, atlantamovietours.com.

Movie Castings

Want a deeper look behind the lens of Atlanta’s filming scene — and want to get paid for it, too? If so, be sure to keep an eye out for casting calls in 2020. Follow the social media pages for casting agencies like Central Casting Georgia, which are always on the lookout for extras/background actors (Also, read how to get cast as an extra in Atlanta).

Central Casting Georgia, 235 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 217, Atlanta; 404- 920-8011, centralcasting.com.

Summerhill Atlanta

The newly redeveloped mixed-use district will certainly be abuzz in 2020 as more restaurants plan to open in the first quarter, joining an already impressive group of new local restaurant concepts. This year, make plans to visit its retail center, where foodies can find everything from Sicilian-style pizza to Instagrammable doughnuts. And among the most notable 2020 Summerhill openings is Little Bear, the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from acclaimed pop-up chef Jarrett Stieber.

Summerhill Atlanta, Georgia Avenue, summerhillatl.com.

Pop-up restaurants and A Mano

Speaking of pop-ups chefs and restaurants, this growing trend will likely carry on into 2020, so take advantage of all the out-of-the-box culinary fun while you still can. A Mano, an Italian restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward, routinely invites outside chefs to host pop-up dinners in their venue. That’s where you can likely catch pop-up chef Seung Hee Lee, known for her exciting Korean flavor fusions.

A Mano, 587 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE, Atlanta. 404-549-7727, amanoatl.com.

The Beltline and beyond

Each new year usually brings those same-old resolutions — one of which is often to get more active. An outdoor walk can be one of the easiest and most rewarding physical activities, and Atlanta has plenty of beautiful options to put foot to pavement, trail or green space. Make this the year to explore everything from hiking trails to the city’s recreational parks. And beginning Jan. 2, 2020, the Beltline (in partnership with the Atlanta Track Club) will host new free weekly group run/walks for their Run.Walk.Go program.

Check website for run/walk group times and directions to each trail head entrance. beltline.org.

The sun casts a long shadow as a man jogs along the Atlanta Beltline near the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM Photo: For the AJC

Emory Continuing Education courses

Did any of your 2020 resolutions involve self-betterment? The Emory Continuing Education center offers a wide selection of courses to help with your goals. Find everything from career-based pursuits, such as learning HTML or email marketing strategy, to personal enrichment interests, such as wine tastings and learning how to paint with acrylics.

Emory Continuing Education, 2635 Century Parkway NE, Suite 300, Atlanta. 404-727-6000. ece.emory.edu .

Centennial Olympic Park and neighboring attractions

It’s true, sometimes, we locals tend to take things for granted and that means rarely — or (gasp) never — taking advantage of our most popular tourist attractions. If this sounds like you, then consider adding Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding attractions to your 2020 list. Find a concentration of tourist favorites here, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, CNN Studios, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and the SkyView Ferris wheel. (Note: the Atlanta CityPass is a cost-friendly way to see multiple attractions for less).

Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. W NW, Atlanta. 404-223-4000. gwcca.org. Visit the attraction websites for venue hours, addresses and pricing.

High Museum of Art

In the same vein, a visit to the High Museum is another activity to mark on your year ’20 list, especially if you’ve haven’t visited in some time. In addition to its permanent collection and often Instagram-famous temporary exhibits (like their current Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” exhibit), the High also hosts programming such as their jazz and HIGH Frequency nights, where the museum comes alive with music and cocktails.

High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. high.org.

“The Shade” by August Rodin is one of the most notable works on display on the campus at the High Museum of Art. STAFF PHOTO Photo: For the AJC

Oakland Cemetery

It’s more than just a historic graveyard, and if you’ve never been, then perhaps it’s time to discover why. Recognized for its deep history and celebrity grave sites, the popular attraction hosts several tours, including their October Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours, which routinely sell out as early as July. But you don’t have to wait until fall for an ideal time to visit. On Feb. 29, the cemetery hosts its annual Daffodil Day, a free event celebrating the flower’s seasonal return in the cemetery.

Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107, oaklandcemetery.com.

Overview of Oakland Cemetery. Photo: For the AJC

Atlanta Festivals

Each year you tell yourself you’re going to go to … (insert: Dogwood, Music Midtown, SweetWater 420, AJC Decatur Book Festival, etc.). Don’t let another year go by with missed opportunities and unfulfilled plans. Make 2020 the year to maximize your weekends with some festival fun.

Visit the individual festival websites for festival dates addresses and pricing. dogwood.org, musicmidtown.com, sweetwater420fest.com, decaturbookfestival.com.

Leon Bridges, Walk The Moon, Cold War Kids, and more at Music Midtown Photo: Tad Lemire/ B98.5

Staycation

As you plan more opportunities to add excitement to your year, also consider planning more opportunities for self-care. And a staycation can be an easy and affordable option for a mental health getaway. You can indulge in a spa-luxury combo at properties like the St. Regis Atlanta and the Waldorf Astoria Buckhead or aim for lively, trendier escapes like the Moxy in midtown and Hotel Clermont.

St Regis, 88 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. 404-563-7900, stregisatlanta.com; Waldorf Astoria Buckhead, 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-995-7500, waatl.com; Moxy Atlanta, 48 13th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-9446, acmoxymidtown.com; Hotel Clermont, 789 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE Atlanta. 470-207-5646, hotelclermont.com.

The Unforgettable Atlanta package at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is ideal for people with limited time but want the opportunity to relax. Contributed by Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Photo: For the AJC

2020 Olympic Trials Marathon

As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approach, it’s only natural to reflect on Atlanta’s time as host to the big games. But Atlanta will actually have the chance to relive some of that excitement as the city plays host to the U.S. Olympic marathon trials. The race will take place Feb. 29 (yes, it’s a leap year) and include the nation’s best marathoners. Arranged by the Atlanta Track Club and the USA Track & Field organization, spectators are directed along Peachtree for the best viewing locations of the course.

12:03 p.m. (men’s start time) and 12:13 p.m. (women’s start time) Feb. 29. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. W. NW, Atlanta. atlanta2020trials.com.

Support local at iVillage @ MLK and more

Consider making a New Year’s resolution to support more local vendors. With new businesses sprouting up around the city, there’s increasing evidence that the push to support small business is taking hold. The iVillage @ MLK is one such initiative dedicated to offering affordable retail spaces for new entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Located just outside the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station, the newly opened shipping container village already hosts a few new businesses with plans to place more tenants soon.

iVillage @ MLK, 2489 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta. investatlanta.com.

Your polling place

Georgians will have a packed ballot this election year with two Senate seats, several House seats, the 2020 presidential elections and many local races up for a vote this year. Visit the State of Georgia’s My Voter Page to register to vote, check your voter status, view sample ballots and more.

Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov for more details.

Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.

Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.

Islamabad: Pakistan has handed over a list of 282 Indian prisoners including 55 civil and 227 fishermen lodged in the country’s jail.

The list was handed over to the High Commission of India on Wednesday.

This is in confirmation to the bilateral agreement between the two nations. The Foreign Office said the “step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008”.

According to reports, both the countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year. One on 1st of January and then 1st of July.

The foreign office said the Indian government will also share the list of Pakistani prisoners with Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
During an emotional hearing Tuesday, Jay Brannon, 45, of Atwater, pleaded guilty to setting Portage County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Acklin on fire last year while deputies were attempting to arrest Brannon on a felony warrant.

Brannon wiped away tears during the hearing as did members of the sheriff’s office who filled nearly the entire front row of Judge Becky Doherty’s courtroom. Acklin attended the hearing with his wife, Josee Acklin, who works for the Streetsboro Police Department, Portage County Sheriff David Doak and Portage County Major Larry Limbert, as well as other Portage County sheriff deputies.

Neither Brannon nor Acklin spoke during Tuesday’s hearing.

Brannon pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; aggravated arson, a first-degree felony; and felonious assault, a first-degree felony; all related to the February 2019 incident. He also pleaded guilty to forgery, a fifth-degree felony, from a separate case in a Jan 4, 2019 incident.

Portage County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Michniak said the plea negotiations include a joint recommendation from both the defense attorneys and the prosecutors that Brannon serve 16 years in prison. The recommendation does not mean that Brannon will get the sentence recommended, but often judges sentence based on a joint recommendation to which both parties agree.

On Feb. 14, 2019, three deputies, including Acklin, and two officers from the Northeast Ohio Medical University were serving felony warrants on Brannon about 6:43 p.m. after a source told them Brannon was at a Rootstown Township home on Route 44. Brannon threw a canister of flammable liquid at Acklin and set it on fire, burning about 20 percent of Acklin’s body. Acklin had second and third-degree burns and was hospitalized. Other officers were also injured, though not as badly as Acklin.

Acklin joined the sheriff’s office in 1997 and was promoted to sergeant in 2017.

Doak told the Record-Courier at the time of the incident Brannon threatened he was going to "kill the cops" when confronted by officers inside the garage.

One of Brannon’s attorneys, Erik Jones, thanked the Portage County Sheriff’s Office for allowing Brannon to have a private conversation with his parents while Brannon was being held in jail during the plea negotiations.

Sentencing is set for Monday at 1 p.m.

Contact reporter Eileen McClory at 330-298-1128, emcclory@recordpub.com or @Eileen_McClory.

PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — While his physical scars are almost healed, the emotional healing is just beginning for Sergeant Jim Acklin and his family.

On February 14, 2019, Acklin was doused in flammable liquid and lit on fire by Jay Brannon while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant.

Acklin faced his attacker in a Portage County court Monday, before Brannon was sentenced to 16 years behind bars.

Brannon accepted a plea deal earlier this month, in which he will serve 11 years in prison for aggravated attempted murder and five years for aggravated arson.

Josee Acklin, Sgt. Acklin’s wife, addressed Brannon while delivering her victim impact statement.

“My anger towards you lasted a very long time,” Josee Acklin said. “Overnight I went from being a wife and a mom to working full time to missing two months of work to become my husband’s nurse and caregiver.”

Brannon blamed his lengthy criminal history on drugs, alcohol and relationship troubles.

He said he was in a drug-induced state when he lit Jim Acklin on fire and that he was attempting to commit suicide during the incident.

Brannon added he hoped an officer would shoot him.

“No officer that night was meant to be hurt,” Brannon said, “My plan was to remove myself from the pain and the embarrassment I was living in.”

Judge Becky Doherty was not phased by Brannon’s emotional remarks.

“Mr. Brannon, you’re a coward,” Doherty said, “You’re a coward and I want you to look around this room and see bravery.”

She noted Brannon’s lengthy criminal history and told him he had multiple chances to clean up his act before critically injuring Acklin.

“So standing here telling me this was a suicide attempt after you had just recently gone to a gas station, gone to Giant Eagle, had been running around that day without a care in the world until police showed up,” Doherty said. “I’m not buying it.”

Acklin said he’s looking forward to moving on with his life after suffering second and third-degree burns over more than 20% of his body.

“I was trying to think about what was going to be said,” Acklin said, “And you know, everything being brought back up again.”

Brannon will receive 333 days of time served that will be subtracted from his 16-year sentence.

He will also be required to register as an arson offender and a violent offender when he’s released.

Thursday, March 5

Circle of Grandparents Group — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Family Resource Center. Includes free child care.

SilverSneakers Classic — 10 a.m., Heritage Center.

Life Long Learning ‘The Best of the Forgotten Plants’ — 1 p.m., CSU Regional Engagement Center.

Cornhole — 1 p.m., Heritage Center.

Novice Tai Chi — 1:30 p.m., Heritage Center.

Al-Anon/Family Support Group — 5 to 6 p.m., 230 B-Broadway. Information: Office 970-526-6500, cell 970-518-3414, csrecovery1028@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Under the Umbrella LCC Meal — 5 to 6 p.m., Prince of Peace Church, 201 Phelps St. Anyone in need of a meal is welcome.

Housing Assessment Open House — 5:30 to 7 p.m., The Annex, Shred Workspace room, 121 S. 4th St. Childcare available at Family Resource Center from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Food provided.

Sterling Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2020 Launch Party — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Parts and Labor Brewing Company.

Living with Alzheimer’s — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., CSU Engagement Center, 304 Main St. For people with early stage Alzheimer’s and care partners. Free to the public. Register by calling 970-7207 or 800-272-3900.

All Recovery Support Group — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., 230 B-Broadway. Information: Office 970-526-6500, cell 970-518-3414, csrecovery1028@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Sterling Camera Club — 7 p.m., Heritage Center.

Sweet Adelines — 7 p.m., Sterling High School choir room. For ladies who love to sing.

Friday, March 6

Qi Gong — 10 a.m., Heritage Center.

SRM Community Blood Drive — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sterling Regional MedCenter south parking lot. Appointments: 521-3284.

Sterling Creatives Just Plain(s) Creative Opening Reception — 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 120 N. 4th St. Featuring monotypes created by artist members.

First Friday @ First Presbyterian — 12:05 to 12:35 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 130 S. 4th St. Orpheus Music Club Young Artists. Musical presentation, free and open to the public.

Trivia — 12:15 p.m., Heritage Center.

Cards and Pool — 1 p.m., Heritage Center.

Iliff Triangle AA Step Study — 6 to 7 p.m., Iliff Trading Post, 315 Railroad Ave., Iliff. Study of various interesting AA books. Riders often available. Information: 970-580-0576.

Northern Lights Narcotics Anonymous — 7 p.m., 1325 N. 7th St.

Saturday, March 7

Women of Truth 2020 Conference — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., NJC. Cost $25. For tickets: https://bit.ly/2vkRdSV.

Settlers’ Saturdays — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Overland Trail Museum. Theme: Music (instruments and watercolor). Kids 12 and under are free, adults $5. Self-guided activity tour ending with a craft.

Logan County Precinct Caucus — 10 a.m., various locations.

Narcotics Anonymous — 1:30 p.m., First Christian Church. Information: 970-520-1474.

Heritage Center Dance Group — 6:30 to 10 p.m. FM Country. Cost is $7. Everyone is welcome.

Northern Lights Narcotics Anonymous — 9 p.m., 1325 N. 7th St.

Sunday, March 8

Zion Congregational Church Soup Kitchen — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 5th Street and Chestnut. Come to the back door and down the stairs. Free. Meals served to anyone who is hungry and in need of a hot meal.

Three civilians were killed on Wednesday in an air raid on a town south of Libya's capital Tripoli, a spokesman for the UN-recognised government said.

The deadly violence comes just a day before the Turkish parliament votes on Thursday to deploy troops to Tripoli following the request of the UN-backed government.

More:

"Three were killed and three wounded in an air raid on Al-Sawani," Amin al-Hachemi, spokesman for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, told AFP news agency.

Al-Sawani lies around 25km (15 miles) south of the capital and under GNA control.

Tripoli's southern suburbs have been hit by deadly fighting since eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive against the capital in early April.

Several shops were badly damaged in the air raid, Hachemi said.

On their Facebook page, forces loyal to the GNA published pictures of badly damaged buildings and vehicles, and accused pro-Haftar forces of carrying out the raid.

GNA forces said in a statement that they had captured 25 pro-Haftar fighters on Wednesday.

Libya has been mired in conflict since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with rival administrations in the east and west vying for power.

According to UN figures published last month, clashes around Tripoli since April 4 have killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters, while over 140,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

Earlier, the UN envoy to Libya accused Security Council members of violating an arms embargo.

Ghassan Salame also said that there are concerns about foreign fighters being flown into Libya, adding that the deal signed between Turkey and the Tripoli government represents an "escalation" of the conflict in the North African country.

Meanwhile, Turkish Vice President Foad Oktay said Turkish troops may not be deployed if Gen Khalifa Haftar and his troops, who have been trying to seize the capital since April, will halt their offensive.

Emad Badi, analyst at Middle East Institute, told Al Jazeera that the inaction of countries, like the US and France has allowed countries like Russia and Turkey to come fill the vacuum, as the violence continues.

Earnings per share (EPS) grew to 32 fils last year from 18 fils in 2018, according to a bourse statement on Monday.

The growing annual profits are largely attributed to a higher net income from investment by KWD 10.03 million due to the improving national and international equity markets.

Over the fourth quarter (Q4) of last year, the investment firm achieved profits worth KWD 6.76 million, against KWD 1.68 million worth of losses in the same quarter in 2018.

During its recent meeting, the company’s board recommended a cash dividend distribution of KWD 8.21 million or 15 fils per share for 2019, representing 15% of the share’s nominal value.

In the first nine-month period of 2019, the company's net profits retreated to KWD 10.736 million from KWD 11.538 million, with a 6.95% annual drop.

DUBLIN, Dec. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Cleanroom Lighting Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forcast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Research and Markets Logo More

The Global Cleanroom Lighting Market is poised to grow strong during the forecast period 2018 to 2028

Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include increasing adoption of modular cleanrooms, high adoption in sterile manufacturing areas in pharmaceuticals industry and increasing demand for energy-efficient cleanrooms.

This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts of all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope. The study provides historical market data for 2015, 2016 revenue estimations are presented for 2017 and forecasts from 2018 till 2028.

The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies. With comprehensive market assessment across the major geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America and Rest of the world the report is a valuable asset for the existing players, new entrants and the future investors.

Report Highlights

The report provides a detailed analysis on current and future market trends to identify the investment opportunities

Market forecasts till 2028, using estimated market values as the base numbers

Key market trends across the business segments, Regions and Countries

Key developments and strategies observed in the market

Market Dynamics such as Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and other trends

In-depth company profiles of key players and upcoming prominent players

Growth prospects among the emerging nations through 2028

Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments

Key Topics Covered

1 Market Outline

2 Executive Summary

3 Market Overview

3.1 Current Trends

3.1.1 Increasing Adoption of Modular Cleanrooms

3.1.2 High Adoption in Sterile Manufacturing Areas in Pharmaceuticals Industry

3.1.3 Increasing Demand for Energy-Efficient Cleanrooms

3.1.4 Growth Opportunities/Investment Opportunities

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Constraints

3.4 Industry Attractiveness

3.4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers

3.4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

3.4.3 Threat of substitutes

3.4.4 Threat of new entrants

3.4.5 Competitive rivalry

4 Cleanroom Lighting Market, By Mounting Type

4.1 Surface Mounted

4.2 Recessed Mounted

5 Cleanroom Lighting Market, By Light Source

5.1 Light Emitting Diode (LED)

5.2 Fluorescent

6 Cleanroom Lighting Market, By Offering

6.1 Services

6.2 Hardware

6.3 Software

7 Cleanroom Lighting Market, By End User

7.1 Industrial Manufacturing

7.2 Healthcare and Life Sciences

7.3 Food & Beverages

7.4 Other End Users

7.4.1 Scientific Research Institutes

7.4.2 Aerospace

8 Cleanroom Lighting Market, By Geography

8.1 North America

8.1.1 US

8.1.2 Canada

8.1.3 Mexico

8.2 Europe

8.2.1 Germany

8.2.2 U.K

8.2.3 Italy

8.2.4 France

8.2.5 Spain

8.2.6 Rest of Europe

8.3 Asia Pacific

8.3.1 China

8.3.2 Japan

8.3.3 India

8.3.4 Australia

8.3.5 New Zealand

8.3.6 Rest of Asia Pacific

8.4 Middle East

8.4.1 Saudi Arabia

8.4.2 UAE

8.4.3 Rest of Middle East

8.5 Latin America

8.5.1 Argentina

8.5.2 Brazil

8.5.3 Rest of Latin America

8.6 Rest of the World (RoW)

8.6.1 South Africa

8.6.2 Others

9 Key Player Activities

9.1 Acquisitions & Mergers

9.2 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures

9.3 Product Launch & Expansions

9.4 Other Activities

10 Leading Companies

10.1 Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals

10.2 LUG Light Factory

10.3 Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting

10.4 Kenall Manufacturing

10.5 Eagle Lighting

10.6 Signify (Philips Lighting)

10.7 Paramount Industries

10.8 Terra Universal

10.9 Eaton Corporation PLC

10.10 Hilclare Ltd

10.11 Solite Europe

10.12 Imperial Sp. Z O.O. S.K.

10.13 Linder AG

10.14 Ledspan Ltd.

10.15 Havells India

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fo1vzn

Story continues

The 37-year-old woman who allegedly set herself on fire at Panjagutta Police Station died on Tuesday midnight. The woman S. Lokeshwari suffered over 80% burns. Police said that she disclosed to them that mental and physical harassment by a person S Praveen Kumar led her to take the extreme step.

In 2000, the woman got married to Srinivas of Chennai. Srinivas deserted her after they had a daughter, and died in 2015. Meanwhile, in 2012, she got acquainted with Praveen Kumar in Tirupati, which led to love. They moved to Hyderabad in 2013 and stayed at a rented home in BS Maqta. He promised to marry Lokeshwari even though he knew she has a daughter.

Lokeshwari used to work as a manager in Praveen Kumar’s jewellery store in Somajiguda and looked after it when he went to other countries for work, said Panjagutta Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Thirupathanna.

In June of 2014, Praveen lodged a complaint against Lokeshwari and others regarding gold ornaments and cash which were missing from his store. She, along with her associates, were arrested by police who recovered the missing ornaments and cash. The case was charged and they settled the matter in December 2014.

There on, Praveen started to avoid Lokeshwari. She stayed in Hyderabad for some time and went to Chennai in 2017.

The ACP said that Lokeshwari visited Hyderabad along with her house owner P Arasakannan on December 27, 2019. On the same evening, she lodged a complaint against Praveen alleging that he cheated her and requested to recover ₹ 7.5 lakh from him.

Based on her complaint , Panjagutta police sub-inspector B Vijay Bhaskar Reddy asked Praveen to come to the police station for inquiry. Denying allegations levelled by Lokeshwari, Praveen sought time as he was on business tour to Bengaluru.

“She purchased two litres of petrol on December 31 from a petrol pump by showing her Aadhaar card, concealed it in her bag and started to search for Praveen in Panjagutta. But she did not find him,” the ACP said, adding that she attempted to end her life as she was mentally disturbed because of the alleged harassment and cheating by Praveen.

She doused herself in petrol, set herself on fire at Punjagutta bus stop and ran into the Police Station premises. Constables put off the fire and rushed her to Osmania General Hospital. The Police said that a constable M Mounika recorded Lokeshwari’s statement at the hospital on Tuesday night. Police registered cases under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide), 420 (cheating) and 417 (Punishment for cheating) and took up investigation.

After post-mortem examination, her body was preserved at the hospital’s mortuary as her relatives could not afford to take her body to their native place for final rites.

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
SoftBank emerged as a big winner from the T-Mobile and Sprint merger. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Topline: Despite SoftBank Group reporting a 99% drop in third-quarter profits on Wednesday, its stock has continued to gain momentum recently, in large part thanks to the approval of a merger between SoftBank-owned Sprint and T-Mobile.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund took a $2 billion loss last quarter after writing down investments in WeWork and Uber, slashing the company’s operating income by 99%—from nearly $4 billion to less than $25 million, compared to a year earlier.

SoftBank stock was down slightly on the news Wednesday, falling by 0.6% as founder Masayoshi Son said that the fund’s recent poor performance was spooking investors and causing big losses.

Son has reportedly scaled back his ambitions for a second Vision Fund, following SoftBank’s disastrous bet on WeWork and pressure from activist investor Paul Singer’s hedge fund, Elliott Management.

Despite such dismal earnings figures, SoftBank stock is largely holding steady—with no substantial decline on Wednesday, especially after it surged 12% Tuesday when a federal judge approved the $26 billion merger between T-Mobile and Sprint.

Sprint stock skyrocketed 77% on the news and SoftBank, which owns almost 85% of Sprint, subsequently netted more than $12 billion on paper.

The company’s latest earnings release comes amid ongoing discussions with activist fund Elliott Management, which amassed a $2.5 billion stake in the Japanese conglomerate and is pushing for stock buybacks, improved corporate governance and more transparency on the Vision Fund’s investments.

Crucial statistics: SoftBank stock is still up nearly 20% so far this year. The Japanese conglomerate currently has a market cap of $110 billion, up from $90 billion at the start of 2020. SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son is Japan’s second richest person, with a net worth of $24.2 billion, according to Forbes’ estimates. His fortune rose by $2.3 billion alone on Tuesday, when T-Mobile and Sprint won approval for their $26 billion merger.

Crucial quotes: “The tide has turned,” Son said in a press conference, while trying to highlight the Vision Fund’s improving performance. “There is no change to my basic vision or strategy.” In terms of addressing the activist demands from Elliott, Son said that his own interests were “basically aligned” with other shareholders, especially given the fact that he has a 25% stake in SoftBank.

Key background: SoftBank stock fell 12% in the second half of 2019, amid mounting losses from missed bets on unproven tech startups. SoftBank spent around $10 billion bailing out WeWork in October, after the embattled office startup cancelled its IPO and almost ran out of cash to fund its business. Uber stock, on the other hand, lost almost 25% of its value in 2019 after going public in May, though shares have since recovered.

What to watch for: SoftBank’s ongoing discussions with Elliott Management. Both sides have said they want to keep the engagement friendly, and dialogue between the two sides has so far gone well, according to the Wall Street Journal. Founded in 1977 by billionaire Paul Singer—a famed activist investor and veteran of numerous proxy battles, Elliott is pushing for stock buybacks and improved corporate governance in an effort to boost SoftBank’s lagging share price. SoftBank is one of the hedge fund’s largest positions.

Further reading: Sprint Stock Soars 77% On T-Mobile Merger, Here’s Why One Expert Thinks It Could Keep Surging

Billionaire Paul Singer’s Elliott Management Invests Over $2.5 Billion In SoftBank: Report

SoftBank's third-quarter earnings revealed a 99% drop in third-quarter profits.

However, investors sent the Japanese conglomerate's stock up 12% on Wednesday.

The rally was due to a judge approving the merger of SoftBank-owned Sprint and T-Mobile.

Sprint stock skyrocketed 78% on Tuesday, netting SoftBank more than $12 billion.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

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SoftBank revealed a 99% drop in third-quarter profits on Wednesday. Investors responded by sending its stock up 12%, adding more than $10 billion to its market capitalization.

The Japanese conglomerate's shareholders haven't lost their minds. SoftBank's Vision Fund certainly stomached a $2 billion loss after writing down its investments in WeWork and Uber, slashing the company's operating income from nearly $4 billion to less than $25 million.

However, investors cared more about a federal judge ruling in favor of Sprint's $26 billion merger with T-Mobile on Tuesday, clearing the way for the deal to close after nearly two years of regulatory challenges. The wireless carrier's stock skyrocketed 78% on the news. As SoftBank owns nearly 85% of Sprint, it netted more than $12 billion on paper.

SoftBank led with the good news in its earnings presentation on Wednesday. The third slide is an image of a roiling ocean with the caption, "Tide is turning." The fifth slide is a chart showing Sprint's stock price going vertical on Tuesday. On the next slide, it downplayed the $2 billion loss at its Vision Fund by pointing out the segment lost $8.8 billion in the second quarter.

Apple previously used graphics chips or GPUs in its iPhones and iPads that were designed by Imagination Technologies. An iPhone 11 is seen in this photo. (Image source: Bloomberg) Apple previously used graphics chips or GPUs in its iPhones and iPads that were designed by Imagination Technologies. An iPhone 11 is seen in this photo. (Image source: Bloomberg)

UK chip designer Imagination Technologies Group Plc said it’s struck a new license agreement with Apple Inc, reviving a business relationship that had all but ended in recent years.

The company, which was sold to Chinese buyout firm Canyon Bridge Capital Partners for 500 million pounds ($663 million) in September 2017, said Thursday it “formed a new multi-year license agreement under which Apple has access to a wider range of Imagination’s intellectual property in exchange for license fees.”

Apple previously used graphics chips or GPUs in its iPhones and iPads that were designed by Imagination Technologies, but it moved to its own internal chip designs starting with the iPhone X in 2017 and the iPad Pro in 2018. The US company also uses its own graphics processors in the Apple Watch. It told Imagination Technologies in 2017 that it would stop using its intellectual property in new products within two years.

When Imagination Technologies, then a public company, announced the loss of Apple as its biggest customer, its stock plummeted. The British company said in 2018 there may be “material uncertainty” regarding the future of the company if Apple doesn’t pay any royalties on its latest generation of iPhones and iPads.

It’s unclear if Apple has paid those fees, but Imagination has argued it would be “extremely challenging for Apple to design a GPU in a way that allows them not to pay royalties to Imagination.”

The company didn’t specify on Thursday which intellectual property the latest agreement covers, but Imagination’s IP related to graphics and artificial intelligence could be key to future Apple devices. The iPhone maker uses a combination of supplier deals and acquisitions to build up its portfolio of patents and designs. Last year, Apple acquired Intel Corp’s modem unit to design cellular chips for future devices.

For all the latest Technology News, download Indian Express App

The owner of P.E.I.'s Island Potato Soap Company has come up with a new soap he hopes will appeal to some customers south of the border.

Pieter Ijsselstein has produced 600 bars of a peach-scented impeachment soap to inject some humour into the political news coming out of Washington. The U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Donald Trump Dec. 18 for abuse of power and obstruction.

Ijsselstein said he went online to find out if anyone was making an impeachment soap, and when he found people comparing the impeachment proceeding to a soap opera, he figured he was on to something.

"There is lots of references to soap so I thought it would be a neat idea to use that word soap and turn it into an impeachment soap," he said.

Pieter Ijsselstein has produced 600 bars of impeachment soap. (CBC)

Ijsselstein said the response to the new soap has been good, especially with people looking to buy gifts for relatives who are big Trump supporters.

"My son-in-law actually put a sample of it online and immediately got a sale," he said.

Ijsselstein said he isn't political and created the soap as a humorous word play.

Democratic soap?

He's now thinking about whether to create some sort of soap with Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, on the wrapper.

"I'll just see how the impeachment soap goes first," he said.

Ijsselstein said he has a feeling news about the soap could travel fast through social media, and he will be swamped with orders.

"It's amazing how many U.S. customers we have," he said.

"We get orders on a daily basis now. I think we get a fairly large number of tourists from the U.S. and I am pretty sure they are going to snap up this soap very quickly."

More P.E.I. news

2019 has not been an easy year for Cuba. It began right at the beginning with a devastating tornado in January and continued with a blow to tourism with the end of cruises and other travel restrictions imposed by the United States.

The economic difficulties forced the Executive of Miguel Díaz-Canel to decree an alarming “temporary energy situation” in September, and to juggle all year round with measures such as the opening of stores selling in dollars. Meanwhile, the crisis in Ecuador and Bolivia put an end to the island’s health cooperation in those nations and brought to a close the income it generated.

The proclamation of the new Magna Carta, the celebration of Havana’s half millennium, the visit of the king and queen of Spain and the increase in activism beyond the government, also marked the news agenda in the year that ends. We are focusing on these and other issues in a tight top ten list of what happened in Cuba in the last 12 months.

1-Constitution proclaimed, Díaz-Canel ratified

Everyone knew it, but in short it was news. After a popular consultation and the approval of the final draft by the National Assembly in 2018, the new Constitution was ratified in the referendum of last February 24 with the support of 86.85% of the votes, and then proclaimed on April 10 by the island’s parliament.

Following a pre-established route, the National Assembly approved in July the new Electoral Law―which maintains the process of direct election of the deputies and the indirect election of the President, the Council of State and the majority of government posts―, and in October it ratified Díaz-Canel at the head of the Executive. The circle closed on December 21 with the―for many surprising―designation of the hitherto minister of tourism, Manuel Marrero, as Prime Minister, a position recovered by the current Magna Carta.

2-Havana, the 500 and a tornado

Although sights had been set on Havana’s 500th anniversary long before the start of the year, in 2019 the countdown entered its final stretch. The works were speeded up―a total of more than 2,000 were executed, according to official data―and the consequent inaugurations, among them those of the San Rafael boulevard, the Coppelia ice cream parlor, the Cuatro Caminos Market―the scene of an unfortunate and publicized pitched battle on its opening day―and the brand new National Capitol, whose staircase hosted the anniversary gala on the night of November 16.

However, the festivities were surrounded by tension from early on, as a result of the terrible tornado that hit several Havana municipalities on the night of January 27. The meteorological event left a balance of seven dead, almost 200 injured and some 10,000 displaced, and damaged about 8,000 homes and other buildings, which led to a rapid constructive movement and government support―not exempt of complaints and dissatisfactions―and international donations and by Cuban civil society, which mobilized as never before to help the victims.

3-The king and queen, and prince and princess, arrive

2019 will go down in history as the year in which Cuba received two unprecedented royal visits. For the first time a King of Spain and a Prince of Wales, heir to the British crown, made official visits to the island, events that at the same time marked a milestone in relations between these European countries and Cuba, and confirmed their progress, experienced in recent times.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia carried out an extensive agenda in Cuba between November 11 and 14, a visit in the context of Havana’s 500th anniversary that included a meeting with the Cuban president, cultural activities and a trip to the eastern city of Santiago. Meanwhile, Prince Charles of England and his wife Camila, Duchess of Cornwall, also walked through the capital, met with entrepreneurs and were received by Díaz-Canel on their trip of three days to the island at the end of March.

4-Living “temporary situations”

On September 11, the Cuban president announced in person on television that the country was suffering from an energy crisis derived from U.S. government measures to prevent the arrival of oil to the island and thus “asphyxiate the Cuban economy.” At the time, Díaz-Canel assured that it was a “temporary” situation and denied that it was a return to the Special Period, the severe crisis suffered by Cuba during the 1990s.

This “temporary situation” forced the Cuban government to stop, reduce or change the schedule of productions and works in progress, reduce fuel allocation and public transportation and prioritize basic services and “fundamental economic activities,” such as tourism, among other measures. However, the president himself has warned that, although the crisis has gradually improved, the country’s current scenario makes it necessary to strengthen savings and maintain policies adopted during the “temporary situation.”

5-The return of the dollar and the “capped” prices

The confirmation of the “temporary energy crisis” was not the only important announcement of the last twelve months. 2019 brought with it government measures that shook Cuba’s socioeconomic landscape, which included the opening―or rather the rescue―of retail stores for the selling in dollars―although not in cash, but through debit cards associated with bank accounts ―of a group of products at “competitive prices,” with the imperative objective of “capturing foreign currencies.”

In addition to the opening of these stores―of which at the close of 2019 some 40 should be operating throughout the island―, the Cuban government also decreed an increase in state salaries and pensions that benefited more than 2.7 million persons, and a controversial policy of “capped prices” both in the state sector and, above all, in the private sector, to try to prevent prices from skyrocketing as a result of the economic crisis and the wage increase. Other eye-catching measures were the giving change in Cuban pesos (CUP) in stores that mainly operate in convertible pesos (CUC) and the suspension of the use of the latter currency in border, which have triggered alarms about an increasingly close monetary unification.

6-Backward step for tourism

The performance of tourism, one of the undisputed driving forces of the Cuban economy, confirms the ups and downs of the year that ends. 2019 began with the government’s aim of reaching 5 million visitors for the first time, a goal that seemed primarily possible due to the sustained growth of cruises and the recovery of the Canadian market. Up to April, for example, more than 1.8 million visitors had arrived on the island, which represented an increase of 7.2% compared to 2018 and fueled optimism for the coming months.

However, new sanctions by the U.S. government such as the prohibition of cruises and the elimination of people-to-people educational and cultural travel, together with other restrictions on visits to Cuba, were a blow to the so-called smokeless industry, which forced tourism authorities to drastically lower their forecast for the year to 4.3 million and to strengthen the search for emerging markets. However, the construction of hotels and other investments has not stopped in the sector, which is still considered strategic by the Cuban government and whose minister, Manuel Marrero, was appointed prime minister.

7-Cuban doctors: a kidnapping and several returns

The Cuban doctors who work outside the island made news because of several incidents during 2019. The most resounding and saddest of all was the kidnapping last April 12 of two collaborators in the African continent. Doctors Landy Rodríguez and Assel Herrera were allegedly kidnapped by members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the town of Mandera, in an area of Kenya bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, and eight months later little is known about their situation. The Cuban authorities, citing their Kenyan peers, say they are “well” and that they are working for their “safe return.” But, beyond this, very little has been made public.

Meanwhile, this year also marked the end of Cuba’s medical collaboration in Bolivia and Ecuador, two of its main strongholds in Latin America. In the first case, it took place after the forced resignation of President Evo Morales and the arrest of several of its members in the midst of the political upheaval that the South American nation was experiencing. In Ecuador it was due to the end of the agreements between Havana and the government of Lenín Moreno, which alleged economic reasons, but which had previously suggested the participation of Cuban collaborators in the social unrest that shook that country, something that Cuba has denied and has blamed a campaign organized from the United States to discredit Cuban medical collaboration.

8-Baby Paloma, Ferrer, the government responds

Several cases related to Cuba in 2019 made the headlines inside and outside the island, to the point of the Cuban government having to respond. One of them was the death of baby Paloma Domínguez Caballero, barely a year old, after being vaccinated in a Havana polyclinic, while other children were also hospitalized for this cause. Paloma’s parents―who finally left the island―denounced on the social media what happened and demanded a government response that finally came within a month of the events. The Ministry of Public Health denied that the vaccine applied had problems and said that what happened was due to “violations of established norms” for which those responsible were sanctioned.

Another case that jumped into public opinion was the arrest of opponent José Daniel Ferrer, who further fueled mutual accusations between Cuba and the U.S., and prompted an unusual television response from the Cuban government. While Washington and international entities such as the European Parliament considered Ferrer’s imprisonment “arbitrary,” Havana said that his detention―the government considers him a “salaried agent at the service of the United States”―was due to a report about the alleged kidnapping and beating of his accuser, and denied that he was mistreated in jail. In addition, it accused U.S. diplomats on the island over their contacts with Ferrer and other “illegal actions,” of “interference in the internal affairs of the country.”

9-Animal lovers march; the LGTBI community, too

If a group of Cuban civil society gained visibility in the year that ends―on the street and the social media―that was that of animal rights activists. The animal lovers carried out numerous actions throughout 2019, including a large march through the streets of Havana, authorized by the government. In addition, they have insistently demanded a postponed animal protection law, they have reported cases of abuse, they have organized sterilization campaigns and adoptions, they have carried out protests against the state entity known as Zoonosis and they have sat down to talk with executives of government institutions linked to the topic.

The Cuban LGTBI community, on the other hand, took a step back this year. Its activism, which had risen in 2018 with the debates on same sex marriage following the new Magna Carta, suffered in May the suspension for unclear reasons of the traditional―and governmental―Conga against Homophobia and Transphobia, the first suspended in 12 years, although other activities were maintained. In response, activists called an independent march in Havana which was interrupted by the police, who arrested several participants, while Cuban authorities called it a “show” and criticized the “lackeying of mercenary activism.”

10-Farewell to some of the greats

In 2019, Cuba bid farewell to Cardinal Jaime Ortega, the most prominent figure of the Cuban Catholic Church and a key name in relations between it and the government of the island. Ortega, 82, died of cancer, of which he suffered. He had already distanced himself from his post as archbishop of Havana, which he held for more than three decades. After his death on July 26, his body was laid for three days in the Havana Cathedral, where he received the homage of faithful and authorities.

Two months later, at the beginning of October, Pope Francis officially appointed Juan de la Caridad García as cardinal, who had replaced Ortega in 2016 as archbishop of Havana. The appointment, which had been known since September, took place in the Vatican, but it was celebrated throughout the island, as it maintained the Cuban presence in the Cardinal College. In addition, being under 80 years old―he was born in Camagüey in 1948―, García became a possible participant of a future Conclave, for the election, when the time comes, of a new Pope.

Cuba also bid farewell in July to Cuban poet and essayist Roberto Fernández Retamar, director of the Casa de las Américas, an institution that turned 60 this year. On October 17, Alicia Alonso, prima ballerina assoluta, died at 98. The Cuban people and many fans in the world said goodbye to a true legend of dance, a universal artist who bequeathed to the island a school and a Cuban style of representing the world-renowned classical ballet.

“When I danced, I gave happiness, joy and, above all, I thought I was giving life, because as I felt it, I would give it.”

Dream11 Prediction - Central Districts vs Otago

CD vs OT Super Smash 2019-20 Dream11 Team: Fantasy cricket predictions and tips for Central Districts vs Otago match today, January 2.

Central Districts vs Otago Dream11

Wicketkeeper: Dane Cleaver

Batsmen: Neil Broom, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly (VC)

Allrounders: George Worker (C), Anaru Kitchen, Willem Ludic, Michael Rippon

Bowlers: Seth Rance, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy

CD vs OTG My Dream11 Team

Dane Cleaver, Neil Broom, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly (VC), George Worker (C), Anaru Kitchen, Willem Ludic, Michael Rippon, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy

CD vs OTG Probable Playing 11

Central Districts (Playing XI): George Worker, Dane Cleaver (WK), Christian Leopard, Tom Bruce (C), Kieran Noema-Barnett, Josh Clarkson, Willem Ludic, Ajaz Patel, Seth Rance, Blair Tickner, Ben Wheeler/ Ryan Watson

Otago (Playing XI): Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom, Nick Kelly, Josh Finnie, Dean Foxcroft, Anaru Kitchen, Nathan G Smith, Michael Rippon, Jacob Duffy (C), Max Chu (WK), Michael Rae.

Check Dream11 Prediction / CD Dream11 Team / Central Districts Dream11 Team / OTG Dream11 Team / Otago Dream11 Team / Dream11 Guru Tips / Online Cricket Tips and more.

MONROE, Mich. (AP) — A southeastern Michigan police officer is credited with pushing two people out of the path of a suspected drunken motorist who nearly slammed into them and then fled the scene.

Monroe police said the officer had pulled over a vehicle early Sunday along the city’s Telegraph Road when an SUV came barreling toward the back of his police cruiser.

The officer quickly pushed two people over the roadway’s guardrail to prevent them from being hit, Monroe Police Capt. Jon Wall told WDIV-TV.

“He heard what sounded like a car slamming on its brakes, which was squealing the tires, which alerted him to look into that particular direction,” Wall said.

The SUV went up on a sidewalk before its driver put it in reverse and fled the scene. Police pursued the SUV and soon arrested the motorist.

Walls said the suspect is facing several charges, including fleeing, resisting and obstructing.

Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.


Question:
With the spread of the coronavirus, more and more well-known people are falling victim to the virus; earlier in the day, it was reported that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had tested positive for COVID-19.

Rammstein's frontman Till Lindemann was hospitalised in Berlin after testing positive for coronavirus, the German newspaper Bild reported on Friday.

The 57-year-old musician had high body temperature and pneumonic fever, and after testing positive for COVID-19, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. However, doctors reportedly claim that there's no danger to the musician's health.

In early-March, Lindemann had a concert in Moscow and after a gig in Ukraine’s capital Kiev, he had a tour of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

According to reports in the German daily Bild newspaper, Lindemann is presently not in critical condition, despite being admitted to a Berlin ICU. The tabloid wrote that the Rammstein singer had returned to Berlin last week after a performance in Moscow, upon which he reportedly suffered from a lung infection as well as fever, prompting his ongoing stay in intensive care.

The newspaper claimed that Lindemann had contracted the novel coronavirus after positive test results; however, Bild later added that subsequent tests came back negative.

While still remaining in intensive care, the overall health of the 57-year-old singer is said to be improving.

German music export

Till Lindemann is known as Rammstein’s poster-boy. Born in Leipzig in 1963, he worked as a drummer in various bands during the 1980s before launching Rammstein in 1994. The band quickly became one of the most successful German rock bands in history, selling more than 20 million albums.

Rammstein is recognized the world over for their provocative lyrics, music and performances. Taking artistic liberties to new levels, the band has repeatedly made headlines with supposed references to Nazi aesthetics and more. Belonging to the “Neue Deutsche Härte” (NDH) music scene, they mix techno sounds with hard rock and other styles.

More recently, Lindemann pursued his solo career, performing in Russia without his legendary band ; Russia hosts one of the biggest fan communities of Rammstein. During his stage performances there, Till Lindemann is said to recently have made references to the novel coronavirus.

With an ongoing ban on public gatherings of more than 5,000 people in place in Moscow, Lindemann had decided to give two separate performances to smaller audiences.

An earlier Version of this article said that according to Bild, the singer had contracted the novel coronavirus. The newspaper has since changed its depiction of events. This text has been modified accordingly.

jk,ss/rf (Bild/ntv)

Large crowds gathered in European capitals for spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over landmarks like Big Ben in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Parthenon in Athens and the Kremlin in Moscow.

In Australia, a million revellers thronged Sydney harbour and nearby districts to watch more than 100,000 fireworks explode above the city, even as thousands of people along the country’s eastern seaboard sought refuge from the bushfires on beaches.

Thousands in Hong Kong welcomed 2020 on neon-lit promenades in the picturesque Victoria Harbour, breaking into pro-democracy chants shortly after the countdown to midnight.

Hong Kong authorities cancelled the main midnight fireworks display for the first time in a decade, citing security concerns. A “Symphony of Lights” took place instead, involving projections on the city’s tallest skyscrapers, while smaller-scale pyrotechnics were launched from waterfront rooftops.

In Japan, people took turns striking Buddhist temple bells, in accordance with tradition.

Sydney decided to press ahead with its fireworks despite calls by some members of the public for the display to be cancelled in solidarity with fire-hit areas in New South Wales, of which the city is the capital.

Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said planning had begun 15 months ago and that the event also gave a boost to the economy.

Some towns in eastern Australia cancelled their New Year’s celebrations as naval vessels and military helicopters helped firefighters rescue people fleeing the fires, which have turned swathes of New South Wales into a raging furnace.

The fires have killed at least 11 people since October, two of them overnight into Tuesday, destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) and left many towns and rural areas without electricity or mobile coverage.

Elsewhere, revellers from Auckland, New Zealand, to Pyongyang, the capital of isolated North Korea, welcomed the new year with fireworks displays.

But amid the celebrations of a new year and decade, old tensions threatened to flare up. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday his country would keep developing nuclear programmes and introduce a “new strategic weapon” in the near future, after the United States missed a year-end deadline to restart denuclearisation talks.

Protests, Brexit

In Hong Kong, rocked by months of sometimes violent pro-democracy demonstrations, protesters were urged to wear masks at a New Year rally called “Don’t forget 2019 - Persist in 2020,” according to social media posts.

Some 6,000 police were deployed and Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, appealed for calm and reconciliation in her New Year’s Eve video message.

The protests began in June in response to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, where courts are controlled by the Communist Party, and have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement.

Thousands of Indians ushered in the year by demonstrating against a citizenship law they say will discriminate against Muslims and chip away at India’s secular Constitution.

The demonstrations came despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to dampen protests that have run for nearly three weeks.

Irshad Alam, a 25-year-old resident of the Shaheen Bagh area of New Delhi, stood with his 1-year-old child in his arms and his wife by his side. He said he had been participating in the protest every day.

“It’s freezing here,” he said. “But we are still here because we care about this movement.”

More than three years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fresh from winning a parliamentary majority in last month’s election, promised in his New Year’s message to “get Brexit done before the end of this month.”

“As we say goodbye to 2019, we can also turn the page on the division, rancour and uncertainty which has dominated public life and held us back for far too long,” Johnson added.

In New York, large crowds were gathering ahead of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop over Times Square.

Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.

Robyn Joanne Naeʻole of Hāʻikū, Maui, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2019. She was born on March 08, 1955, in Wailuku, Maui.

Robyn was last employed as a leasing officer for Hal... Robyn Joanne Naeʻole, 64Robyn Joanne Naeʻole of Hāʻikū, Maui, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2019. She was born on March 08, 1955, in Wailuku, Maui.Robyn was last employed as a leasing officer for Hal... Read More

Robyn Joanne Naeʻole, 64

Robyn Joanne Naeʻole of Hāʻikū, Maui, passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2019. She was born on March 08, 1955, in Wailuku, Maui.

Robyn was last employed as a leasing officer for Hale Makana o Waiale in Wailuku, prior to enjoying her early retirement.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph Naeʻole and Carmen Carbonell

Singson and is survived by her son, Ryan James Kamakakēhau Fernandez; Partner Pamela Leilani “Aunty Spam” Bergau; siblings Clifford James Naeʻole (April), Rochelle Marie Naeʻole Adams (Derrick), Leihua Naeʻole, and Joseph Kalani Naeʻole (Jahanna); along with many other friends and family that surrounded her with love.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 26, 2019, at the ʻOhanaʻs Waiʻehu Beach home (421 Waiʻehu Beach Road), starting at 12 noon. More details to follow.

news, local-news,

About 4000 people gathered on the banks of the Manning River at Taree to enjoy the New Year's Eve fireworks display. That number is up on last year, but according to MidCoast Council's economic development co-ordinator Robyn Brennan, it is in keeping with previous years and numbers are usually between 3000 and 5000. "We're pretty happy, considering how hot it was and it was quite windy. We think the wind would have kept the temperature down on the riverbank." Robyn said it was a difficult decision for council to continue with the fireworks, especially as many people in the community were calling for them to be cancelled in respect of the bushfires ravaging Australia and the volunteer firefighters out fighting them. "It's not as easy as cancelling the fireworks and doing a donation. We'd committed to a lot of those expenses 12 months out." She said the community event is an opportunity for people to come together on a good night. "We are respectful to those impacted by the bushfires, and whether or not we went ahead the reality is everything was already locked in and we were already committed to covering those expenses." She said the pyrotechnicians had already ordered the stock and had staff employed to run the displays. "We would have had to pay for it even if we didn't go ahead. "We know that without the fireworks the attendance numbers would have dropped off. "You're never going to please everyone. It's a big family night out and the kids love it, which is what it's all about." Holding the celebrations without the fireworks would have meant a drop in the economic benefit to the Manning community. About 20 vendors are involved in the event. In addition, council uses local companies like Coates Hire and Kennards for the toilets, local performers and a local security company. "It's to get people out of their homes and holiday accommodation and out on the town, and help stimulate spending in the town," Robyn said. "It's people preparing for the night and going out and buying glowsticks, and what we've found, people book at those waterfront venues in Taree or Tuncurry and then are hanging around for the fireworks. "It's a family friendly event, it's alcohol free so you can bring the kids out and know you're in a safe environment. "We work quite closely with the police, ambulance and RFS to make sure we are aware of what's happening and the conditions. It's a combined effort." The New Year's Eve celebrations started around 5pm with food and entertainment. "It was a little slow to start because of the heat and it was about 8-8.30 that we hit our peak numbers." Planning is a 12 month process. "We will go back after the holiday season is over and start contacting the existing vendors and their attendance for the next one, which will be confirmed by May," Robyn said. "We have two-year contracts in place with the pyrotechnicians, so it's locked in 12 to 24 months out. "As is with planning for events of this size, as soon as one is finished we're planning the next event, it's pretty normal. We lock all the sponsors in to ensure they are included in all promotional material and signage. "Because the fireworks are launched over the river, we also need to secure approval from the RMS." Following the event, Robyn said they like to do a full debrief with RMS, police, ambulance, the security company and operation managers to talk about how it went, any opportunities to improve and feedback from the people on the night. Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/3BCX4pVhrPX9Pe9ruXFd8XL/5b45aad8-b9f2-412e-88e3-3296d641b78e.JPG/r0_297_4496_2837_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

Dear Moneyist,

My mother passed away last year. I share the title of my mother’s home with my stepfather, but he wants to get married again and wants his new wife to move into the house. What happens when he dies? Does she have any right to the house or can I kick her out immediately after he dies?

Vanessa

Dear Vanessa,

Given that he’s about to have another chance at love and in the holiday spirit and interest of decorum, let’s start by wishing them the best in their new lives together and hope they both live long and happy lives. It’s nice that he doesn’t have to be alone anymore and is able to share the remainder of his life with a woman he loves.

Also see:As a baby boomer, I didn’t grow up with this culture of entitlement — do I have to leave my estate to my children or spouse?

If you and your stepfather’s names are listed on the title deeds of your mother’s former home, he owns 50%. His new wife would be his legal heir and, for better or for worse, you would end up owning the house with this woman. If he is a tenant for life, then the 50% of your mother’s former home would pass to you when he dies, assuming you are an only child.

Recommended: ‘What did he do with all the money?’ My dying husband cashed his $700K life insurance and emptied his bank accounts

In the meantime, I would like to gently suggest welcoming your stepfather’s new wife into your lives as a member of your extended family. Try, if you can, to put this territorial approach to one side for now. You don’t know this woman. What if she is warm and caring and wants for nothing except the love and support of her husband and his family?

Don’t miss: I discovered through Ancestry.com that my biological father is someone else — can I claim an inheritance as his heir?

At the very least, it will help the years pass without rancor and bitterness. If he invites you to the wedding, raise a glass to their health and happiness. Who knows, they may enrich your life in ways you could not have imagined and that go beyond the half share of your mother’s property. You may even find yourself wishing that they both stick around for a very long time.

Read also: ‘My husband’s kids hate me and refused to come to our wedding, yet he is leaving them all his property.’ How can I negotiate to secure my future?

Do you have questions about inheritance, tipping, weddings, family feuds, friends or any tricky issues relating to manners and money? Send them to MarketWatch’s Moneyist and please include the state where you live (no full names will be used).

By submitting your story to Dow Jones & Company, the publisher of MarketWatch, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.

Would you like to sign up to an email alert when a new Moneyist column has been published? If so, click on this link.

More than a few people (my Tesla-owner friends very much included) have questioned this fixation, and I freely admit it’s an odd one.

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On the whole, je ne regrette rien. Proponents do make a plausible assumption: Because gas-powered cars account for between one-sixth and one-fifth of U.S. carbon emissions, electrifying them could make a big difference.

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Mass adoption of electric cars, however, cannot occur unless they can do everything gas-powered vehicles can do — including the ability to go hundreds of miles before refueling, and refueling easily — at a comparable total cost of ownership. Otherwise, electric cars will be a niche product for upper-income folks. And government subsidies for them will be a regressive transfer of social resources in return for little climate benefit, given that the U.S. power grid the cars draw from is 64 percent fueled by coal and gas.

Nothing happened in the past decade to undermine this basic critique. Government, both federal and state, subsidized electric-car sales and production to the tune of several billion dollars, yet as of March 2019, there were 1.18 million electric vehicles on the road in the United States — less than one-half of 1 percent of the total. Households earning $100,000 or more per year own two-thirds of EVs, with many of the owners benefiting from a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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Globally, electric-car adoption is also modest relative to optimistic forecasts. Of the 86 million cars sold in the top 54 world markets in 2018, 1.26 million, or 1.5 percent, were EVs. That’s nowhere near then-Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn’s 2010 prognostication that EVs would account for 10 percent of global sales by 2020.

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My biggest error, in hindsight, was to underestimate the financial staying power of Elon Musk’s cash-burning Tesla Motors, which I thought would exhaust investors’ patience long before it conquered the complexities of mass-producing quality vehicles. Tesla’s Model 3 is the most popular electric car on the market, with 111,000 sold in the first nine months of 2019. Owners swear by it.

Tesla’s survival, though, may be the exception that proves the rule. (And we’ll see how it does now that Congress has allowed that tax credit to lapse.) Ballyhooed start-ups such as Coda, TH!NK and Fisker all went bankrupt before 2015 — Fisker after defaulting on an Energy Department loan at an ultimate cost to taxpayers of $139 million.

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Chevrolet discontinued its Volt, a plug-in hybrid, in 2019 after selling only about 150,000 since the car launched in 2011. That same year, the Obama administration had projected that General Motors would sell as many as 500,000 Volts by 2015.

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But wait. What about recent reports that Volkswagen is making big new investments in electrics? Or Ford’s announcement of a new all-electric Mustang crossover? GM, Chevy’s parent company, says it, too, is preparing a new generation of EVs.

Established automakers are indeed about to ramp up electric offerings, providing Tesla with its most serious competition yet.

They are doing so, however, more as a response to regulatory pressure from governments — even after the Trump administration scaled back fuel-economy standards — than as a response to demonstrated customer demand, which lately has favored gas-powered SUVs and pickups.

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The problem, as industry leaders acknowledge in their quieter moments, is still the same: getting the total cost of owning an EV down to that of a gas equivalent. There’s uncertainty about key variables such as how much more battery costs will fall and the global supply of rare-earth elements.

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GM President Mark Reuss recently wrote that EV-gas cost parity may happen “within a decade.” Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo told Automotive News Europe: “I do not believe there will be a dramatic increase in demand for battery vehicles, and I believe this situation is true globally.”

A mid-2018 report by JPMorgan Asset Management noted that the median global forecast by industry experts is 125 million EVs on the road worldwide by 2030, which would be less than 10 percent of the total. “I’m taking the ‘under’ rather than the ‘over,’ ” the report’s author, Michael Cembalest, added.

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Me too. Let’s reconvene in 10 years to see who wins that wager, and to assess the true costs and benefits of the bet that big government and big business have placed on the electric car.

Read more:

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Instruction: Retrieve semantically similar text.