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The crash happened at 10.45am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach fire rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Mr Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 – giving the railroad the worst death rate in the United States. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths.Transform Smiles And Confidence In 2025 With Tryon Family Dentistry
House passes bill limiting energy efficiency mandates on home laundry machinesOrganized crime is no longer a problem restricted to specific countries or regions—it is a transnational threat weakening economies, communities and governments across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A new study by economists at the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) estimates that the region loses an estimated 3.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to crime every day. The GDP is a key indicator of a country’s economic health. That loss is the equivalent of nearly four-fifths of public education spending or 12 times R & D investment. Almost half of the region’s homicides are tied to organized criminal networks, which exploit weaknesses in institutions, local economies, and illicit markets. Vulnerable populations bear the brunt of its impact, trapped in cycles of violence with fewer chances for a better life. The impact is widespread: 54% of households in LAC report the presence of local criminal groups, and between 20% and 50% of residents identify organized crime as the greatest threat to their safety. The private sector also faces significant costs, including reduced productivity, increased spending on security—estimated at 1.6% of the region’s GDP—lower investment, and business closures. But as we have seen time and again, organized criminal activity doesn’t stay on just one side of the border; it exploits economic and social links, capitalizes on institutional gaps and vulnerable population to reach over borders. That is why what happens in one country matters to the rest of hemisphere and why a transnational response is required. A shared challenge, a joint solution That is where the Regional Alliance for Security, Justice and Development, spearheaded by the IDB comes in. Set to be launched this week at the Regional Security and Justice Summit in Bridgetown, Barbados, it provides a unified response, fostering dialogue and joint action among governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and civil society. The participation of more than 40 authorities from 18 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean in the launch highlights the strong need for and commitment to this initiative and its goals. The Alliance pioneers a holistic approach to crime, aiming to integrate the efforts of intelligence agencies, police forces, social ministries, and financial regulators. This comprehensive framework is essential for addressing the root causes of organized crime and dismantling its structures across economic, social, and security dimensions. Its strategic priorities, shaped by the collaborative insights and experiences of participating countries, focus on the most urgent needs to address organized crime and its effects: 1. Protecting vulnerable populations: By targeting at-risk communities, the Alliance seeks to prevent the recruitment of youth and marginalized individuals by criminal networks. Initiatives include programs like community violence interrupters and exit strategies from organized crime. 2. Strengthening security and justice institutions: The Alliance supports evidence-based policing strategies, modern investigative tools, and collaborative efforts to bolster accountability and effectiveness. 3. Curbing illicit financial flows: Through financial intelligence, cross-border collaboration, and tighter regulations, the Alliance works to limit the resources that sustain criminal networks. These pillars represent a roadmap for measurable progress, built on shared efforts and action. A regional leadership steering group—comprising Barbados, Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil, and Paraguay —ensures efforts are well-coordinated, effective, and relevant for the region. Ecuador will hold the first presidency, signaling a strong commitment to regional leadership. The Alliance draws on the experience, knowledge, lending programs and technical expertise of multiple organizations and multilateral development banks (MDBs), including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). As the technical secretariat of the Alliance, the IDB plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and mobilizing resources to strengthen institutional capacities, foster regional knowledge-sharing, and ensure the effectiveness of long-term policies through reviews and improvements. Turning commitment into action We know that declarations of intent are insufficient; progress demands tangible results. Close to 20 participating countries are already exchanging best practices and piloting programs to address organized crime. The Alliance represents a unified response to one of the region’s greatest challenges. Every step to curb violence and strengthen institutions brings LAC closer to a safer, more just, and prosperous future of the Americas. — Ilan Goldfajn is president of the Inter-American Development Bank. This was originally published in the Miami Herald.
WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump's picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It's a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time "with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump's “border czar.” In another sign of Vance's influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump's first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships," he said. "But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he's not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
By ALICIA RANCILIO, Associated Press Stepping onto the set of “Squid Game” season two, Lee Jung-jae felt like he had never left. “Including promotion, I’d been living with Gi-hun for about two years,” said Lee in a recent interview. “I really felt like I was him,” he said in a recent interview. “Squid Game” follows an underground competition in Korea that recruits people in debt to participate in childlike games for money. Once the games begin, the contestants realize there are deadly consequences. The show was a global hit when it was released in 2021, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series. It also won numerous accolades including Primetime Emmy Awards for acting for Lee Jung-jae and directing for Hwang Dong-hyuk. Lee’s career catapulted, taking him to the Cannes Film Festival and giving him his first English-language role in the “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” for Disney+. Lee says when Netflix ordered a second season of “Squid Game,” he questioned the timeline because it took Hwang years to work on the first one. “I wondered, ‘How many years will it take him to write season two,’” said Lee. Hwang, in turn, surprised everyone — including himself — by taking just six months to write season two and a third and final season. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to write something that fast again,” he said. Lee Byung-hun, from left, Yang Dong-geun, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Jo Yu-ri, Im Si-wan, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan and Lee Jung-jae pose for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Kang Ae-sim poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Lee Byung-hun poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Yang Dong-geun poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Jo Yu-ri poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Im Si-wan poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Hwang Dong-hyuk poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Lee Jung-jae poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Lee Seo-hwan poses for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Lee Byung-hun, from left, Yang Dong-geun, Hwang Dong-hyuk, Jo Yu-ri, Im Si-wan, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan and Lee Jung-jae pose for a portrait to promote the second season of “Squid Game” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Creating new characters and their individual stories came easily. The biggest, challenge, Hwang said, was deciding what should happen with Gi-hun. Lee says when he read the scripts he thought Hwang “really is a genius.” It’s rare for even successful TV shows in Korea to have more than one season so it was a big swing, even for the new cast. “There’s a Korean phrase, ‘there’s not a sequel that does better than its prequel,’ said actor Yang Dong-geong, whose character debuts in season two. “I’ve been careful because we aren’t really sure what the reaction will be.” The outlook is positive. Season two has already been nominated in the best drama series category at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards. The opportunity to work on a project with worldwide appeal is a dream come true for a performer. Lee Byung-hun, who reprises his villain role from season one, has appeared in big budget English-language films like “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra” with Channing Tatum and Dennis Quaid and “Red 2” with Bruce Willis. It’s “Squid Game” that he credits for taking his career to another level. “I’ve been an actor for over three decades and ... maybe most people outside of Korea have never seen anything that I’ve been in. If anyone through ‘Squid Game’ wishes to see more of me or becomes more curious about my previous works, as an actor, nothing would be more rewarding or bring me greater joy.” The audition process moved slowly. Jo Yu-ri recalls waiting two months between the first and second-round. When she finally got the part Jo says, “I actually remember crying.” The actors were asked to not speak publicly about their casting to wait for Netflix to make an announcement. “There were a couple of close friends that popped champagne for me when they found out,” said Yang. Netflix’s “Squid Game” universe is also growing. A second season of a reality competition show based on the series has been ordered and an English version is in development. Season three of the original has also completed filming and is in post-production. Season two is not without controversy. The new episodes feature a transgender character played by Park Sung-hoon. Hwang says he understands why hiring a trans actor would have been ideal, but that the casting is a reflection of how the LGBTQ community and gender identity is viewed in Korea. “To be honest with you, in Korea, when it comes to the LGBTQ and gender minority community and culture compared to the Western worlds, it’s not as widely socially accepted yet. Unfortunately, a lot of the groups are marginalized and neglected from society, which is heartbreaking,” said Hwang. “We don’t have a very large pool of actors that allow for authentic casting when it comes to transgender characters. We did our research. We tried to find someone who we thought could be the best fit. However, we weren’t able to.” Hwang also went on to say that Park’s talent and approach to the character ended up making him “the perfect fit.” Leslie Ambriz in Los Angeles contributed to this report.Amazon has reduced the price of a handful of its own-brand devices in a surprise sale ahead of Christmas. For a limited time only, shoppers can make savings on three of its best-selling household tech devices, including the Echo Pop , Fire Stick 4K and a Ring Doorbell . There are considerable savings to be made, with more than half off a selection of devices. For instance, you can get 55% off the Echo Pop (newest model) , now on sale for less than $20. Before we get into the Amazon offers, other retailers and brands are offering reductions on similar products. Over at Walmart, you can save $20 on a Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker — slashed from $149.95 to $129.95. Meanwhile, Home Depot has the Blink Video Doorbell Plus Sync Module 2 for $69.99. Anthropologie offering an extra 40% off sale including sweaters, home decor, and gifts Best Christmas gifts from Oodie for the whole family under $50 Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device (newest model) is now almost half off, having been slashed from $49.99 to $27.99. The best-selling 4K Fire Stick can be inserted into the back of your TV or projector. Use it to stream thousands of films and shows , as well as watch all of your favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more (subscription fees may apply). It is the only streaming media player with the Xbox app, Amazon claims. The Fire TV Stick comes with an Alexa-Voice control remote. The device has more than 46,000 reviews. One rated it five stars, writing: "The 4K Fire Stick provides spectacular viewing. I set it up on my smart TV — the directions that came with the product were easy to follow . As an Amazon Prime customer with a registered account, all my information and apps were restored to the new Fire Stick, with no issues. After a final Prime Video update, and adding the other apps I subscribe to, I was enjoying movies and TV in 4K — a feast for the eyes! It never ceases to amaze me that so much incredible technology can be wrapped up in this small device!" Another mentions it's a cost-cutting device, they wrote: "Easy to hook-up and it offers more features than my earlier version. You should also note that Amazon has a trade in policy for older units that aren't quite up to speed. I found this out after I ordered the new one, but there was still a credit applied to my account. I haven't had cable in quite some time and with the Firestick & Prime membership, I do not miss it at all and save a considerable amount of money each month." Not all buyers were happy, with one saying they had issues with the volume settings. They explained: "For some reason the volume on this is very quiet. In order for it to be usable I have to turn my TV volume up way higher than normal, then when I switch to another source it's deafening." Shoppers can get 55% off this Echo Pop just in time for Christmas. Available in four colors — charcoal, white, lavender and teal — the smart Bluetooth speaker with Alexa features a full sound that's great for bedrooms and small spaces. Ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from your favorite providers like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more. Have Alexa set timers, check the weather, read the news, re-order paper towels, make calls, answer questions , and more. A pleased buyer said: "The Echo Pop (Newest Gen) is a fantastic little smart speaker! Despite its small size, it delivers full, clear sound that fills the room. The Glacier White color is sleek and looks great in any space." "Alexa responds quickly, and it's easy to set up with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options. I'm impressed with the sound quality for the price, making it a perfect addition to any room for music, smart home control, or casual listening. Highly recommend this compact yet powerful speaker!" A second rated it two stars after having trouble getting it to connect to Spotify, they said: "I have five other devices that can be used through Spotify. Even when I have this device running a radio station, it won't work with Spotify. Intermittently problem, so even more infuriating. Both apps and the device repeatedly restarted, and data caches cleared. I'm returning it." With the Ring Battery Video Doorbell you'll know who is on your property whenever your Video Doorbell is pressed, or motion is detected. Charge it up, click into place, and stay connected right from your phone. The Ring app lets you connect all your devices, adjust their settings and use modes to 'Arm or Disarm' your devices when you're home or away. You can also add pre-recorded voice messages to your Ring Doorbell that play whenever someone presses the bell. On the latest version, one pleased customer said: "I’m shocked with the new (2024) Ring Doorbell Camera! The 180-degree field of view and head-to-toe visibility are amazing. I can see everything —from packages left on the stoop to the entire front yard and the driveway, stretching well over 100 feet. This version is such a vast improvement over previous models. I might even whisper that it's better than the floodlight camera I had installed a few years ago." Another impressed customer shares: "Living in an apartment complex can be interesting. The best way to feel safe in your environment is to have access to who is at your front door. This product not only provides great fish eye camera but also great camera quality, sensitive microphone, and motion Detection. Would buy again." One customer rated it a lowly one-star saying the Wi-Fi connection drops frequently: "Had to get a replacement and it did the same thing. Battery drains really fast. It also doesn't charge to 100%. And lastly, the unit disconnects at will from Wi-Fi and leaves you without security and a doorbell."House passes bill limiting energy efficiency mandates on home laundry machines
Riding a 3-game win streak, the Bengals cling to playoff hopes with the Broncos next
With the artificial intelligence industry gaining traction with more and more people, it’s no wonder that people actually have an AI Girlfriend . This technology can be so realistic that those who have opted to stay away from the real dating world have been brought back to dating but in a digital sense. While people have always been fascinated with AI, the concept of having a girlfriend in a digital form has just been a fantasy found in movies and comic books. Today, you can see a multitude of options for AI companions, and they are impacting South Carolina residents. Today, this article will chat about the impact this technology has had on residents and how it can be seen as a positive option to help reduce the loneliness epidemic in the United States. These companions are so realistic that most people forget that they’re speaking to a digital avatar created inside a digital world that’s managed by AI. This world of AI is using natural language processing to understand you and learn how to engage in a long term conversation that can last days, weeks, months or even years. This robotic creation will never tire of your conversation and will continuously expand its vocabulary to meet your needs. While these digital relationships are happening in an artificial environment behind a computer screen, some people in this state are growing closer to these companions more easily than ever. The AI creation can be very human-like in how it engages with people, and this connection can feel deeply compatible. You can talk to this companion any time of day or night and you can discuss any topic without fear of ridicule or disrupting your connection. They are here to be your companion, made to be exactly what you need or want at any given moment. This digital companion doesn’t need to go to sleep or work or even have food to maintain the conversation and connection with you. AI companions can maintain a conversation at your speed and dialect without glitching. When you’re in a real-life relationship, you have to be more aware of how the other person is feeling. Real relationships with another human being require a level of vulnerability that some people simply aren’t ready to experience. This connection seems more tolerable than any human experience because you don’t have the fear instilled in you by a robot. People fear communication with humans based on past experiences with humans. Dating an AI companion helps residents become more confident in communicating and expressing themselves. This technology is helping some residents work through some things they would otherwise not try to work through because it’s much harder to work through your fear of human reactions with other humans. AI companionship allows this process to be simple. The shift in reality from a real-life dating experience to the AI companionship model is a surprising and shocking experience to say the least. Then there are the newest generation of adults who have grown up behind a computer screen and see this as a normal way of life. For older generations, you can see how this companionship model helps them during their later years of living life in solitude. The technology behind AI companions can be so realistic that it may be able to serve a positive purpose in the state. Some people have embraced this technology because it’s easy to access, private to use and allows you to feel connected to something that can mimic human behavior quite well. These AI companions are a private program that you can sign up for online quickly and pay a fee if you want to customize your digital avatar with more advanced options, or you can use a free version. Then you answer a few questions, and the next thing you know, you’re connected to an AI companion that is everything you ever wanted, except the physical existence of the person. This technology seems to be appealing to some residents here in South Carolina who have opted to live a life of solitude. They start living alone only to find out that connection is something everyone needs. AI technology is everywhere you look, so it comes as no surprise that it is now helping friends and family who have otherwise gone to live a life of loneliness. This may help friends and family members become more happy and less likely to experience the negative effects that occur when one is living alone. The expansion of this technology has allowed the people using it to feel more connected and engaged than ever before. The more data that these companionship models consume, the closer to human beings they will become. As you continue to use this technology to help overcome the epidemic of loneliness in this state, you will only find that more people are using this technology, known as AI companions, to overcome more challenges than ever before. When released, this technology can use emotional AI to become a virtual companion to everyday people, a companion when needed, a friend when desired and a partner to experience life within a virtual setting. With more and more people living behind computer screens, it’s no wonder that digital girlfriends have become more popular among the various generations of humans today. As of today, there is no access to emotional AI versions because the developers are still testing them out, but can you imagine how this state will change the way humans and artificial intelligence connect? It’s easy to foresee this technology having a new way to help this state overcome the epidemic of loneliness and improve connections in communities. That is, if people continue to stay curious and use these AI companions to better communities rather than seclude each other inside, away from other people. While it’s understandable that you may be concerned about AI companions and how they impact fellow community members here in South Carolina, hopefully, you are now thinking beyond the scary and looking into how AI technology can help residents. Get local news delivered to your inbox!‘Climate of terror’: New York’s migrants and asylum seekers brace for TrumpUnless we keep our electronics hermetically sealed while in use or stored away — which would be a fire hazard in most cases — they're inevitably going to get dirty and start to gather germs. Whether it's cleaning laptop keyboards or disinfecting smartphones , it all becomes a necessity at some point. The problem is that electronics are, by their very nature, somewhat delicate and sensitive to things like moisture, certain chemicals, and abrasive materials. So while it's generally not all that difficult to clean them, you want to be sure to use the right kind of cleaning materials. Fortunately there are a lot of them out there, with some everyday items able to pull double-duty and some items made specifically for cleaning these kinds of devices. Before getting started, it's extremely important to note that your electronics need to be turned off and unplugged before making any attempt to clean them. Also, make sure not to plug them back in or turn them back on if they're still wet from any cleaning solutions you might have used. These days you're likely to find a microfiber cloth packaged with some of the devices you buy, or eyeglasses if you wear them. Of course, microfiber cloths are available on their own — from off-brand multipacks to Apple's own $19 polishing cloth . Microfiber cloths are designed to be extremely soft and non-abrasive, as well as washable and reusable. Relatively cheap, too, as you can find a couple dozen of them for as little as $10 for the bunch on Amazon Basics . Obviously a soft cloth on its own won't sanitize any of your devices, but they're ideal for cleaning off display screens. Microfiber cleaning cloths are also a good way to wipe away dirt, fingerprints, various other skin oil residue, and so on without scratching a finish. Heck, they're often considered to be one of the items you're likely to have at home that are perfect for cleaning an iPhone . Plenty of fairly innocuous items can also be useful when it comes to cleaning delicate electronics — and if you don't have them on-hand already they're pretty easy to get ahold of for just a few bucks. With that said, it's extremely important to note that not all of these household items are a good idea for all types of devices. For example, there are plenty of products you'll want to avoid using on smartphones but are still safe and convenient to use on other items. Always take a few moments to look into the recommended (and not recommended) cleaning methods for a given item before using chemicals of any kind or potentially abrasive or sharp tools. Soft (and clean) makeup brushes are a great way to gently remove dust without posing a risk to delicate surfaces. Toothpicks can be used to carefully dig dirt and debris out of crevices on some electronics, while cotton swabs can be used with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect similarly tiny spots. Disinfectant wipes are a quick way to kill a bunch of germs across the entire surface of a device. Though again, you'll want to make sure toothpicks, isopropyl alcohol, and disinfectant wipes will play well with something before you attempt to use them. Okay, yes, disinfectant wipes were already mentioned, but that was in reference to general all-purpose wipes. Like the kind you'd get at the end of a meal at a restaurant. However, cleaning wipes made specifically for electronics also exist, and are available from a multitude of brands. From a $26.90 4-pack of Weiman Electronic Screen Cleaner Wipes to a $4.77 25-count pack of Windex Electronic Cleaning Wipes , there are plenty of options available at a variety of price ranges. Electronic wipes are typically made to be static-resistant and soft enough to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. Beyond that, however, the cleaning formulas they're soaked in are less harsh and typically free of potentially damaging chemicals like ammonia while still purporting to kill most bacteria and germs they come into contact with. You'll still want to be careful when using electronic wipes, however. Not because they're potentially damaging, but because (as with all liquids) the cleaning solution could seep into ports or vents. If enough moisture gets in, it could cause water damage to your phone or other electronics, but as long as you're mindful and avoid getting the liquid from the wipes into any of the internals you shouldn't run into any problems. Cleaning sprays made specifically for electronics at least take the risk of chemical damage out of the equation — provided you make sure they're compatible with the device you want to clean first, of course. WHOOSH! Spray Cleaner , which typically sells for around $19.99, is supposed to be safe for cleaning everything from eyeglasses and car windshields to laptop and phone screens. Or, for $19.97 you can grab EVEO's Screen Cleaner Spray , which offers much of the same. Though just like with cleaning wipes, spray cleaners do require a bit of care to use. You never want to get too much moisture inside your electronics. So unless otherwise instructed, it's best to spray the solution onto a cleaning cloth and then wipe down the surface rather than spraying directly onto the device (less risk of particles finding their way inside that way). You also want to make sure the cleaner you're going to use doesn't contain any chemicals that could damage your device, such as ammonia, acetone, chlorine, or peroxides. When there's a particular kind of device you want to cleanse, dedicated kits are also a solid idea. You can find camera lens cleaning kits , $7.40 AirPods Cleaning Kits , portable anti-static Nylon Anti-Static Brush Kits for $13.97, and just about anything else you might be looking for. Kits are handy because they come with (or at least are supposed to come with) all of the tools and wipes and whatnot you'll need to clean the designated device. This should mean you won't need to purchase or go digging for any other items before getting to the disinfecting. You should still do a little research before using one of these kits with your electronics, though. It's better to verify that the kit does what it claims to do, and that the included items are, in fact, safe to use on your device — particularly if they include cleaning solutions (or wipes), or you're not familiar with the name of the company that makes them. Cans of compressed air are usually quite cheap — for example, it's just $16.83 for a Dust-Off Three Pack , or $17.99 for an Office Depot Cleaning Duster pack of three. They're also a useful way to deal with small particles like dust, and are one of SlashGear's go-to tools for cleaning your PC's motherboard . However, you do want to be mindful of exactly how you use a can of compressed air. If the components you're spraying are extremely delicate, the force behind the air could damage them. Also, if you hold the can upside-down, it's likely to end up spraying out some of the propellant liquid, which could lead to moisture damage. There are alternatives to disposable cans of air, too. Electric equivalents like the $58.99 CCCFFF Compressed Air Duster won't require refills or new cans of air, don't use chemicals so there's no risk of moisture, and often include vacuum functionality. So they can be used to blow dust and debris off or out of your devices, then clean up what was dislodged. Yes, the cleaning slime seen in viral videos — or gel, depending on what the brand calls it — is a real thing and yes, it does work. A lot of these cleaning goops are specifically marketed for car cleaning, but you can still use them on electronic devices. They're fairly inexpensive, too, with items like PULIDIKI Car Cleaning Gel selling for as little as $9.99 for two jars. These gooey substances are sort of like a much thicker version of the kinds of slime you'd find in a toy store or checkout line, but with more of a purpose than entertaining kids. The idea is that the substance seeps into some of the larger crevices to envelope or stick to things like dust, dirt, and crumbs. Then you pull the slime up and it takes the ickiness with it. Cleaning slime does have its limitations, though. For instance, slime cleaning isn't quite as thorough with very small nooks and crannies as something like a toothpick or small brush. Additionally, while slimes are reusable, you can't really clean the gunk you pick up out of them, so they'll eventually get too dirty to keep using and you'll need to switch to a fresh batch. Before getting into the specifics of ultraviolet (UV) sanitizers, we need to talk about potential risks. Not all of these devices are dangerous when used as instructed, but several models have been deemed unsafe by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). So if you do decide to go the UV route, please go over the FDA's list first. UV sanitizers are arguably the best way to clean a smartphone screen thanks to two primary factors — the UV rays being used have been shown to kill 99.99-percent of bacteria and viruses, and it poses no risk of damaging your phone in the process. Problem is, UV rays can damage your eyes, while long-term or overexposure can lead to other serious health issues — including cancer. For these reasons — and the previously-mentioned list of FDA no-nos — using an enclosed UV sanitizer is recommended over a wand. These small boxes, like the $79.95 PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer , completely encase the phone or other devices that are small enough to fit inside and keep the UV rays contained. Pop the device inside, close it up, wait about 10 minutes, and you're good to go.
The Republican-led House Resolution 1612 , or Liberty in Laundry Act, would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy conservation standards for clothes washers or dryers that “are not cost-effective or technologically feasible.” Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., who introduced the legislation, said the move is a response to the “slew of woke, ‘environmental’ nonsense rulemaking attempts” by the Biden administration and U.S. Department of Energy. “I have spent much of my time in Congress fighting back the federal government’s vast overreach into the lives of hardworking Americans,” Ogles announced after the bill’s passage Tuesday. “Americans should be able to do their laundry in peace without the input of Big Brother.” Earlier this year, the DOE finalized new updated standards for residential clothes washers and dryers which aim to cut costs and pollution. It estimates the regulations will reduce nearly 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions–equivalent to the combined annual emissions of nearly 9 million homes–and up to $39 billion on Americans’ energy and water bills over the next 30 years. House Democrats opposed the legislation's passage, saying "absolutely no one" stands to benefit from the law and accused Republicans of trying to curry favor with special interest groups. "H.R. 7673 guts popular energy efficiency standards for laundry machines – standards that save Americans money on their utility bills and reduce dangerous greenhouse gas pollution at the same time," said Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J. "These efficiency standards create certainty for manufacturers and they protect consumers from rising costs. And, in the case of these laundry machine standards, they also reduce water use – a benefit that could greatly aid drought-prone regions around the nation." But the less electricity and water laundry appliances use, the less effectively they tend to perform, according to an Oct. 2024 report by the Institute for Energy Research. “Historically, appliances meeting Energy Department standards have often underperformed and have higher costs,” the report stated. “The Biden-Harris administration is imposing a series of regulations that are raising appliance prices and compromising quality for homeowners.” Unless the bill is signed into law, laundry appliance makers have until March 2028 to comply with the new rules.Nathan Cleary’s bizarre diet change secret stuns fans
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Hailey Bieber responds to Selena Gomez’s engagement news – and fans are divided over her ‘intentions’WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power in Damascus. “We think we can get him back,” Biden told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. “Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. “We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” he said. Tice, who is from Houston and whose work had been published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and other outlets. A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, “Oh, Jesus.” He has not been heard from since. that it was holding him. The United States has no new evidence that Tice is alive, but continues to operate under the assumption he is alive, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. will continue to work to identify where he is and to try to bring him home. His mother, Debra, said at a news conference Friday in Washington that the family had information from a “significant source,” whom she did not identify, establishing that her son was alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said. The Tice family met this past week with officials at the State Department and the White House. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Debra Tice said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media Sunday. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!”“Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker pressed President-elect Donald Trump on whether he will fire FBI Director Christopher Wray during a Friday interview which aired Sunday. Trump nominated Kash Patel to serve as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 30, despite the fact that Wray, who the president-elect appointed during his first term, has yet to end his appointment. Noting that, the NBC News host asked Trump whether he plans to fire Wray. “Well, I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home — I’m suing the country over it,” Trump responded. “He invaded Mar-a-Lago.” NBC: Will you fire Christopher Wray? PRESIDENT TRUMP: “It would sort of seem pretty obvious that if @Kash_Patel gets in, he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? That somebody is the man you’re talking about.” pic.twitter.com/dYQwfx5l5O — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 8, 2024 On Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI raided Trump’s Florida estate over the alleged mishandling of classified documents in a case since dismissed over the legality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment. “I’m very unhappy with the things he’s done and crime is at an all-time high. Migrants are pouring into the country that are from prisons and mental institutions, as we’ve discussed,” the incoming president told Welker. (RELATED: ‘They Came In Illegally’: Trump Clashes With’Meet The Press’ Host Over Deportation Promises) “I can’t say I’m thrilled. I don’t want to say — again,” Trump continued, taking a more stern tone of voice. “I don’t want to be Joe Biden and give you an answer and then go the exact opposite.” Trump was referencing President Joe Biden’s Dec. 1 pardoning of his son, Hunter, after repeatedly claiming he would never do it. Welker tried interjecting as Trump spoke undeterred, telling her again how dissatisfied he was with Wray’s conduct. He recalled the FBI director’s initial apparent downplay of the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania in July. “You take a look at what’s happened. And then when I was shot in the ear, he said, ‘Oh, maybe it was shrapnel.’ Where’s the shrapnel coming from?” Trump questioned. “Is it coming from heaven? I don’t think so.” Welker tried one more time and asked if Wray must be fired to make way for Patel, a question which Trump punted. “It would sort of seem pretty obvious that if Kash gets in he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? The somebody is the man you are talking about,” he answered.