Most Single Americans Look for Partners With These Career Values and Passions: New Dating Poll - Good News Network

A survey of 2,000 single Americans revealed that 56% of respondents agreed it’s important that their partners have the same career values that they do.

In terms of ambition, 44% would prefer someone whose career ambitions were the same as their own, while 34% are looking for someone who is even more ambitious.

Regarding salary, 39% of all respondents—which were equally divided between men and women—said they would prefer to be an equal “breadwinner” with their partners. Unsurprisingly, this was much more common for women, with 45% of females preferring salaries to be equal, compared to 33% of men.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of the dating app The League, the survey also looked at the most desirable careers for 2025.

29% of men and women agreed that those in the health care field make the best partners, while careers in education ranked as the second most attractive for the men surveyed (28%).

21% of women are interested in dating an entrepreneur, 19% were interested in an educator, while finance guys and artists were desirable for 18%.

Also ranking in the top most dateable jobs for both genders are lawyers (24%), scientists (16%), and careers in tech, like web or software developers (14%).

The poll also explored the ideal time to have “the career conversation” with potential partners. Nearly a quarter of respondents (22%) said that, ideally, they’ll have a conversation about goals and aspirations before going on a first date—but most will bring up the conversation by the end of their first date.

“Transparency is more attractive than ever,” said Rachel DeAlto, a dating expert at The League. “While there may be no perfect time to talk about careers and ambitions, bringing it up in conversation sooner than later in the dating process allows singles to determine if they share similar values and life goals from the start.”

Despite many respondents being eager to speak with potential partners about their career, that doesn’t mean single Americans are “all work and no play.” 40% of singles surveyed want their potential partners to have a passion for what they’re doing but also prioritize a work/life balance.

Gabriella Clare Marino

Additionally, over one in five respondents are looking for partners who have a desire to leave a positive impact on society or other people.

64% are willing to date someone in graduate school, further demonstrating the appeal of having drive and goals, no matter where your career is at the moment.

“When partners share similar aspirations and value the same things in life, they’re better equipped to support and understand each other. The key is to stay open to finding that alignment,” said DeAlto.

On the flip side, constant burn-out (32%), long overtime hours (29%) and switching jobs every year (25%) are some of the top career “red flags.” Interestingly, being an “influencer” was also a “red flag” for more than one in five respondents (22%).

WHAT CAREER VALUES ARE IMPORTANT IN A POTENTIAL NEW PARTNER?

• Passion for what they’re doing — 40%
• Prioritizing work/personal life balance — 34%
• Understanding that there is always more to learn/ways to improve — 28%
• Ability to work well with others and build relationships with colleagues — 25%
• Desire to leave a positive impact on society or other people — 21%
• Competitiveness or wanting to be successful — 19%
• Desire to leave a positive impact on the environment — 15%
• Desire to be a good manager or leader — 15%
• Commitment to pushing the boundaries and paving new roads — 15%, Most Single Americans Look for Partners With These Career Values and Passions: New Dating Poll - Good News Network

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AI regulation around the world

Countries and economic blocs around the world are at different stages of regulating artificial intelligence, from a relative "Wild West" in the United States to highly complex rules in the European Union.

Here are some key points about regulation in major jurisdictions, ahead of the Paris AI summit on February 10-11:

- United States -

Returning President Donald Trump last month rescinded Joe Biden's October 2023 executive order on AI oversight.

Largely voluntary, it required major AI developers like OpenAI to share safety assessments and vital information with the federal government.

Backed by major tech companies, it was aimed at protecting privacy and preventing civil rights violations, and called for safeguards on national security.

Home to top developers, the United States now has no formal AI guidelines -- although some existing privacy protections do still apply.

Under Trump, the United States has "picked up their cowboy hat again, it's a complete Wild West", said Yael Cohen-Hadria, a digital lawyer at consultancy EY.

The administration has effectively said that "we're not doing this law anymore... we're setting all our algorithms running and going for it", she added.

- China -

China's government is still developing a formal law on generative AI.

A set of "Interim Measures" requires that AI respects personal and business interests, does not use personal information without consent, signposts AI-generated images and videos, and protects users' physical and mental health.

AI must also "adhere to core socialist values" -- effectively banning AI language models from criticising the ruling Communist Party or undermining China's national security.

DeepSeek, whose frugal yet powerful R1 model shocked the world last month, is an example, resisting questions about President Xi Jinping or the 1989 crushing of pro-democracy demonstrations in Tiananmen Square.

While regulating businesses closely, especially foreign-owned ones, China's government will grant itself "strong exceptions" to its own rules, Cohen-Hadria predicted.

- European Union -

In contrast to both the United States and China, "the ethical philosophy of respecting citizens is at the heart of European regulation", Cohen-Hadria said.

"Everyone has their share of responsibility: the provider, whoever deploys (AI), even the final consumer."

The "AI Act" passed in March 2024 -- some of whose provisions apply from this week -- is the most comprehensive regulation in the world.

Using AI for predictive policing based on profiling and systems that use biometric information to infer an individual's race, religion or sexual orientation are banned.

The law takes a risk-based approach: if a system is high-risk, a company has a stricter set of obligations to fulfil.

EU leaders have argued that clear, comprehensive rules will make life easier for businesses.

Cohen-Hadria pointed to strong protections for intellectual property and efforts to allow data to circulate more freely while granting citizens control.

"If I can access a lot of data easily, I can create better things faster," she said.

- India -

Like China, India -- co-host of next week's summit -- has a law on personal data but no specific text governing AI.

Cases of harm originating from generative AI have been tackled with existing legislation on defamation, privacy, copyright infringement and cybercrime.

New Delhi knows the value of its high-tech sector and "if they make a law, it will be because it has some economic return", Cohen-Hadria said.

Occasional media reports and government statements about AI regulation have yet to be followed up with concrete action.

Top AI firms including Perplexity blasted the government in March 2024 when the IT ministry issued an "advisory" saying firms would require government permission before deploying "unreliable" or "under-testing" AI models.

It came days after Google's Gemini in some responses accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of implementing fascist policies.

Hastily-updated rules called only for disclaimers on AI-generated content.

- Britain -

Britain's centre-left Labour government has included AI in its agenda to boost economic growth.

The island nation boasts the world's third-largest AI sector after the United States and China.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer in January unveiled an "AI opportunities action plan" that called for London to chart its own path.

AI should be "tested" before it is regulated, Starmer said.

"Well-designed and implemented regulation... can fuel fast, wide and safe development and adoption of AI," the action plan document read.

By contrast, "ineffective regulation could hold back adoption in crucial sectors", it added.

A consultation is under way to clarify copyright law's application to AI, aiming to protect the creative industry.

- International efforts -

The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) brings together more than 40 countries, aiming to encourage responsible use of the technology.

Members will meet on Sunday "in a broader format" to lay out an "action plan for 2025", the French presidency has said.

The Council of Europe in May last year adopted the first-ever binding international treaty governing the use of AI, with the US, Britain and European Union joining the signatories.

Of 193 UN member countries, just seven belong to seven major AI governance initiatives, while 119 belong to none -- mostly in the Global South.By Tom Barfield With Afp Bureaus AI regulation around the world

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Indian American says he’s solved the mystery behind 4,500 years old Egyptian Pyramids

Rajan Hooda. PHOTO: Rajan Hooda courtesy SAH

Indian American Rajan Hooda, PhD., a former McKinsey consultant and Senior Banker, has claimed to have unraveled the mystery behind the construction of Egyptian giant pyramids after dedicating over 50 years to the quest.

In his 20-page research paper, “How the Pyramids Were Built,” Hooda presents the “Theory of The Conjoint Solution and The Shrinking Dual L Notch Ramps,” which according to him offers fresh insights into the engineering marvels of ancient Egypt.

Hooda, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, with an MBA and Ph.D. from the Booth School of Business, at the University of Chicago, describes his work as providing “irrefutable evidence,” for his theory on the construction method, which he believes solves the ongoing mystery of Egyptian Pyramids.

About his findings, Hooda told South Asian Herald, “I remember being captivated as an eight-year-old when I first heard of ‘one of the great mysteries in the history of mankind – a puzzle unsolved for the past 4,500 Years.’ As a senior at Doon School, I remember spending hours in the large open library reading room, pouring over books on the pyramids and endlessly admiring the photos of these magnificent structures.”

Reflecting on his five-decade-long “labor of love and persistence,” Hooda, expressed satisfaction at finally piecing together what he describes as an “immense three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.”

“I first saw the pyramids during my Egypt visit in 1996. I had every fact, and all the physical dimensions of the pyramids at my fingertips, but I was not prepared for what I saw. Standing before the giant pyramid was an otherworldly experience for me,” Hooda explained. “The audacious scale, the perfect visual symmetry, the awe-inspiring presence were nothing that pictures and statistics of its size and shape can ever hope to even remotely capture. My fascination with, and passion to solve, its mystery, only multiplied.”

In his research paper, Hooda argues that the prevailing theories about pyramid construction, such as the use of an exterior ramp larger than the pyramid itself or a complex interior tunnel ramp are structurally “untenable.” He went on to say, “I realized after extensive analysis that the only solution had to have the advantages of both – i.e., simplicity of the exterior ramp as well as the benefit of efficiency of construction of the interior ramp – while not having the disadvantages of either.”

According to Hooda, this understanding led to the concept of the ‘L Notch Ramp,’ a design integrated into the pyramid’s structure. The ramp functioned as a cut-out notch within the footprint of each stone layer. Hooda describes the pyramid as being constructed like a “layer cake,” with 210 layers of stones.

He further elaborated that during the construction of the lowest layer, a small portion in one corner was left incomplete to form a rising ramp from the ground to the top of the first layer, a height of 4.5 feet. This ramp facilitated the transport of stones for the second layer. Similarly, a portion of the second layer was left unfinished to extend the ramp from the top of the first layer to the top of the second, and so on, throughout the construction process.

This was now used to transport stones to build the third layer. This process was repeated 209 times till the pyramid was finished. Then, starting from the top, the highest level of the ramp was removed, and the missing stones of level 209 were put into place to finish this level,” he added. “This reverse process of ramp removal and placement of missing stones was repeated 209 times ending in the lowest level being completed last. Because the ramp used is not an exterior ramp, nor an interior one, it is an ‘L Notch Ramp’ since it is built like a cut-out notch within the footprint of each layer of stones.”Hooda proposed that the ancient Egyptians likely used a dual “L Notch Ramp,” system for pyramid construction, with one ramp for moving stones upward and a smaller ramp for workers to descend. This method, which left no visible traces after the ramps were dismantled, helps explain the long-standing mystery of Egyptian pyramids logistics.His painstaking research also highlights evidence of this approach, such as the smaller stones used at the pyramid’s higher levels—a design compromise necessitated by the L Notch Ramp system. It also identifies eight interlocking components that form an integrated explanation for the construction, providing comprehensive proof of the method.

• Remarkable Efficiency: No external construction needed.
• Genius Simplicity: Requires only simple technology of small ramps.
• Innovative L Notch Ramp: A unique dual-purpose interior/exterior design.
• Elegant Logistics: Two ramps ensure one-way, efficient transport of stones and labor.
• Methodological Invisibility: This technique leaves no evidence of its use/methodology.
• Significant Design Compromise: Smaller stones at the top were essential; No other building method requires this compromise.
• Shrinking L Notch Ramps: A necessity for the highest levels, forcing the design compromise.
• Complete Problem Definition: The Conjoint Solution and The Shrinking Dual L Notch Ramps connect/resolve all the pieces of the pyramids puzzle.

“The solution cannot come together from a subset of these components. Since past researchers never recognized many of these components, they never saw the complete puzzle. By attempting to solve only part of the puzzle, the complete puzzle of the pyramid’s construction, as a result, became unsolvable,” emphasized Hooda.

The full paper, “How the Pyramids Were Built,” can be accessed at HTPWB.com.(Used under special arrangement with SAH) Indian American says he’s solved the mystery behind 4,500 years old Egyptian Pyramids

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‘India Blooms’ at The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Orchid Show India Blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden. PHOTO: CBG

The Chicago Botanic Garden is showcasing the beauty of India through “The Orchid Show: India Blooms” which starts February 8 and runs till March 23.

During those days, the Garden’s indoor galleries will be filled with more than 10,000 fresh, colorful blooms featured in displays that echo India’s diverse regions, landscapes, people, and cultures, a press release from the Chicago Botanic Garden says.

“We are honored to provide visitors with a glimpse into life and cultures in India, both past and present, as we celebrate orchids,” Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, Visitor Events and Programs, is quoted saying. “The vibrancy and rich variety of orchid species found in India will be highlighted throughout the Show.”

In its eleventh year, the Show will include blooming displays inspired by national symbols and celebrations of India such as a floor-to-ceiling peacock, a towering banyan tree with cascading roots, and the vivid hues of Holi in bursts of colorful powders.

On Valentine’s Day, Fridays, and select Thursday evenings, Orchids After Hours is an additional way to experience a the Show at nighttime.

The Orchid Show India Blooms floor-to-ceiling peacock at Chicago Botanic Garden. PHOTO: CBG

The following events will take place during the Show:

Library Exhibition – Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora – Saturday, February 8, through Sunday, March 23 (Wednesday – Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.)

This rare book exhibition in the Lenhardt Library features lovely botanical illustrations of India’s flora with works by both European and Indian botanical artists that showcases their distinctive artistic styles. Free library talks will be held on Friday, February 21 and Sunday, March 8 at 1 p.m.

Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale – Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Displays of orchids from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids will be artistically arranged. Families can take part in orchid-based activities for children. Vendors will also be on-site to sell orchid plants and related products and Illinois Orchid Society members will offer repotting services.

Indian Community Marketplace – Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Meet and shop local small businesses selling Indian products, including spices, snacks, clothing, art, and home goods.

Post-Orchid Show Sale – Thursday, March 27 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

This sale is an opportunity to take home favorite orchids from the Show. Early access from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. is based on member level. All members and the public are welcome from 2 to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Please check our website and social media for updates; this event sells out quickly.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is renowned as a ‘living museum’ which aims to inspire Chicagoland and all people to connect with plants. For more information, visit chicagobotanic.org

‘ India Blooms’ at The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

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Anonymous $3.5 Million Gift to Milwaukee Art Museum Provides Free Admission for Children

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Art:Forward Gala in 2024 – Credit: Front Room Studios and courtesy of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Thanks to the kindness of a generous donor, children 12 and under will now be able to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) for free.

The gift of $3.5 million was given anonymously but with instructions to establish an endowment supporting child attendance at the museum.

The donor “shared fond memories of visiting the museum with their family throughout their life” and “expressed their wish for the endowment to foster similar experiences for future generations of families,” according to the museum’s Tuesday announcement.

“This wonderful gift is a celebration of the way that philanthropy can have a significant and lasting impact for generations,” MAM chief development officer André Allaire said in the news release.

“Every day, our youngest museum visitors will be able to access, engage with, and learn from world-class exhibitions and programs free of charge thanks to the generosity of an individual who believes in the power of art to strengthen our community.”

Children ages 12 and under will have free access not only to the museum’s collections, but also its exhibitions and youth and family programs.

At the moment, MAM’s exhibitions include a collection of photography, images, and videos from American image artist Robert Longo, entitled Acceleration of History, and a collection of woodblock prints from the Baltimore-based artist, wife, mother, and educator LaToya M. Hobbs.

“Since our earliest days as an institution, the Milwaukee Art Museum has provided free educational experiences for children,” said Marcelle Polednik, the MAM director. “The endowment established from this inspirational donation will keep that tradition alive for future generations of the communities we serve.” Anonymous $3.5 Million Gift to Milwaukee Art Museum Provides Free Admission for Children

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Boeing adds new manufacturing quality control checks

WASHINGTON - US aviation giant Boeing announced that it has implemented over a dozen new quality control checks as it looks to rebuild trust following several recent high-profile incidents.

The company has been under pressure from US regulators following several safety scares, including a mid-flight Alaska Airlines panel blowout that required an emergency landing in January 2024.

Boeing's new "Safety & Quality Plan" includes enhanced training for quality control inspectors and mechanics, and a new random quality audit when aircraft parts are removed and returned, it said in a statement posted on its website.

The company said it has also worked to "significantly" reduce defects in the 737 fuselage assembly at Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactured the faulty panel, "by increasing inspection points at build locations and implementing customer quality approval process."

Boeing's plan follows an audit by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) early last year, which gave the company 90 days to devise a plan to significantly upgrade its quality control processes.

"We're actively monitoring the results and keeping a close eye on work at key Boeing facilities," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker wrote in a blog post.

"But this is not a one-year project," added Whitaker, who is due to step down later this month.

"What's needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that's oriented around safety and quality above profits," he said. "That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part."

2024 was a tough year for Boeing, which also had to contend with a seven-week strike by some 33,000 workers that paralysed production at two crucial plants and slowed down the production of its aircraft.In October, Boeing unveiled plans to reduce its global workforce by 10 percent, and shortly afterwards posted its biggest quarterly net loss in four years. Boeing adds new manufacturing quality control checks

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Los Angeles wildfires rage out of control, testing firefighting resources

A U.S flag flies as fire engulfs a structure while the Palisades Fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu

By Jackie Luna, Joe Brock and Matt McKnight

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Raging wildfires in Los Angeles killed at least two people, destroyed hundreds of buildings and stretched firefighting resources and water supplies to the limit on Wednesday, as more than 70,000 people were ordered to evacuate.

Fierce winds were hindering firefighting operations and fueling the fires, which have burned unimpeded since they began on Tuesday.

A lack of water also hampered efforts, particularly in Pacific Palisades, an upscale coastal enclave where a wildfire has consumed nearly 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares).

The municipal water system there relies on three large tanks that hold approximately a million gallons (3.78 million liters) each, Janisse Quinones, chief executive of the city’s water and power department, said at a press conference. The demand for water to fight fires at lower elevations was making it difficult to refill water tanks at higher elevations.

The third and final tank hit empty around 3 a.m., she said, causing some hydrants to run dry. With winds and smoke limiting the ability to offer air support, firefighters were left without enough water to battle the flames.

“We pushed the system to the extreme,” Quinones said. “We’re fighting a wildfire with urban water systems, and that is really challenging.” Officials urged residents to limit water usage.

The fire in the Palisades, a picturesque neighborhood in west Los Angeles County home to many film, television and music stars, has burned more than 1,000 structures, making it one of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history. The wildfire had quadrupled in size between early Wednesday and midday.

Another blaze, the Eaton fire, east of Los Angeles near Pasadena, has also spread explosively since it was sparked on Tuesday evening, covering more than 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) as of late Wednesday morning. Two fatalities were reported there, though officials did not have further details.

The Hurst fire, in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles, had exceeded 500 acres. All three fires were 0% contained, officials said.

Officials said they were starting to run short of personnel.

“There are not enough firefighters in LA County to address four separate fires of this magnitude,” said Marrone, referring to a smaller fourth fire that has been contained.

Shaun Tate, 45, said he fled his home in Altadena, a Los Angeles suburb in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, at 4:15 a.m. when he saw flames rolling towards his house.

“I came out of the house because I heard something fly off the roof,” Tate said at an evacuation center in Pasadena.

“We packed up the SUV and drove down here,” he said. “I chose to save my laptop, my diabetic medication and a little bit of food.”

Officials warned that the gusty winds were forecast to persist throughout the day.

“We are absolutely not out of danger yet, with the strong winds that continue to push through the city and the county today,” Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.

The skies above Los Angeles glowed red in some areas and were blanketed by thick smoke.

As the flames spread and residents began evacuating after the fires broke out on Tuesday, roads were so jammed that some people abandoned their vehicles to escape the fire. Emergency responders were going door to door to press evacuation orders.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. President Joe Biden planned to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing from fire officials on Wednesday, the White House said.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in two weeks, blamed Newsom‘s environmental policies for the disaster in a post on his Truth Social website.

The Los Angeles region had been ripe for fire going into the fall, when seasonal winds arrive in the region, after consecutive wet winters created an abundance of grass and vegetation that turned to fuel during an intensely hot summer, climate scientists said.

‘THIS CLOSE’

Approximately 100 of the 1,000 public schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were shut down, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told the press conference.

Pacific Palisades resident Cindy Festa said that as she evacuated, fires were “this close to the cars,” demonstrating with her thumb and forefinger.

“People left their cars on Palisades Drive. Burning up the hillside. The palm trees – everything is going,” Festa said from her car.

David Reed said he had no choice but to leave his Pacific Palisades home when police officers showed up at his door.

“They laid down the law,” Reed said.

He gathered his most important possessions and accepted a ride from officers to the evacuation center at the Westwood Community Center.

“I grabbed my trombone and the latest book I’ve been reading, which is my Jack Kerouac anthology here, because I’m a beatnik,” he said, adding that he could see flames approaching his home.

Pacific Palisades is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country. A typical home was valued at $3.7 million as of the end of 2023, according to Zillow, more than all but four other zip codes in the United States.

The fleeing evacuees included Hollywood celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore and Mark Hamill.

Hand weights rest lined up amid debris at the remains of a burnt structure, as powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 8, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

‘HISTORIC NATURAL DISASTER’

In the Pasadena area, the Eaton fire engulfed homes, a synagogue and a McDonald’s restaurant.

Almost 100 residents from a nursing home in Pasadena were evacuated, CBS News said. Video showed elderly residents, many in wheelchairs and on gurneys, crowded onto a smoky and windswept parking lot as fire trucks and ambulances attended to them.

Around 400,000 homes and businesses in southern California were without power on Wednesday, data from PowerOutage.us showed.

“We’re facing a historic natural disaster. And I think that can’t be stated strong enough,” Kevin McGowan, director of emergency management for Los Angeles County, said at the press conference.

The fire singed some trees on the grounds of the Getty Villa, a museum loaded with priceless works of art, but the collection remained safe largely because nearby bushes had been trimmed as a preventive measure, the museum said.

Before the fire started, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions for much of Los Angeles County from Tuesday through Thursday.

With low humidity and dry vegetation due to a lack of rain, the conditions were “about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather,” the service said.(Reporting by Joe Brock and Matt McKnight Pasadena, California; Jackie Luna in Pacific Palisades, California; Jorge Garcia and Mike Blake in Los Angeles; and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Allen, Jackie Luna, David Ljunggren, Shubham Kalia, Gursimran Kaur and Kanjyik Ghosh; Writing by Joseph Ax; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Angus MacSwan, Mark Porter and Sandra Maler) Los Angeles wildfires rage out of control, testing firefighting resources

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Weight-loss drugs draw Americans back to the doctor

FILE PHOTO: Injection pens and boxes of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy are shown in this photo illustration in Oslo, Norway, November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Victoria Klesty/Illustration

By Deena Beasley

(Reuters) -Powerful weight-loss drugs are expanding use of U.S. health care as patients starting prescriptions are diagnosed with obesity-related conditions or take the drugs to become eligible for other services, health records and discussions with doctors show.

An exclusive analysis of hundreds of thousands of electronic patient records by health data firm Truveta found slight, but measurable, increases in first-time diagnoses of sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes within 15 days of an initial prescription for a GLP-1 weight-loss drug between 2020 and 2024.

In addition to obesity-related conditions, some patients are being prescribed the drugs to lose weight and become eligible for services, including organ transplants, fertility treatments or knee replacements, according to interviews with seven doctors and five other health experts.

Lung transplant patient Bensabio Guajardo and the team at UChicago Medicine’s ACTNOW weight loss clinic pose for a picture at the clinic, in Chicago, March 2023. Mark Black/UChicago Medicine/Handout via REUTERS

“This is a population that previously felt stigmatized by health care providers and often didn’t return. But now that they’re actually seeing themselves get healthier, asking clinicians questions and engaging more, I do think we’re seeing new patients,” said Dr. Rekha Kumar, a New York endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist.

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro have been shown to lead to average weight loss of at least 15%.

Andrew Friedson, director of health economics at the Milken Institute and three other experts said the impact of the drugs on overall healthcare use is not yet clear. The new diagnoses could mean higher initial spending, but early detection could save costs down the line, he said.

Dr. Courtney Younglove, an obesity medicine specialist and founder of Heartland Weight Loss clinic in Overland Park, Kansas, said she has referred obesity patients for long-delayed pap smears and other routine care, including colonoscopies. Many overweight patients avoid doctors and routine tests for years due to the stigma and bias they often encounter, she said. “A lot of people with obesity don’t do a lot of preventive health maintenance.”

‘THE COURAGE TO ASK’

Phil, a 43-year-old Chicago technology executive who asked for his full name to be withheld for privacy reasons, generally avoided doctors before receiving a GLP-1 prescription from a telehealth provider in early 2023.

He said he told his regular physician about the medication months later, after he had lost more than 30 lbs, and was taken aback by her supportive response. He decided then to advocate more for himself and ask for help with other conditions, including addiction and mental health.

“It gave me the courage to ask,” he said.

The Truveta analysis found that for every 1,000 patients with a first-time GLP-1 prescription, 42 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 15 days in 2024, up from 32 in 2020. Over the same period, the number of sleep apnea diagnoses per 1,000 patients rose to 11 from 8 and the number of cardiovascular disease diagnoses increased to 15 from 13.

The most obese patients were twice as likely as people who were less overweight to receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, and three times as likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, the Truveta data showed.

The analysis was based on 33,630 first-time GLP-1 prescriptions for overweight or obese patients in 2020 and 224,496 in the first 10 months of 2024.

Lilly declined to directly comment on the data, saying in an emailed statement “it is important that adults living with obesity receive appropriate diagnosis and access to evidence-based care.”

Novo Nordisk also declined to comment directly, noting its aim “to address unmet needs for a wider range of patients.”

QUALIFYING FOR SURGERIES

ResMed, which sells sleep apnea devices, had revenue growth of 11% for its fiscal year ending in June – a trend the company attributed in part to the GLP-1 drugs.

The medications are “bringing people into primary care like never before,” ResMed CEO Michael Farrell said at the company’s recent shareholder meeting.

A Truveta analysis earlier this year found that since 2020 people were being started on GLP-1s despite having less severe markers of disease, including BMI, which suggested the drugs are becoming more broadly used as preventative tools.

In addition to treatment of things like sleep apnea, the weight-loss drugs could lead to more joint replacements, said Sara Mallatt, director of healthcare research at market analysis firm AlphaSense.

“As people’s BMIs come down, they’ll be eligible for surgeries they wouldn’t otherwise,” she said. “No one is saying this is happening in a meaningful way right now, but we think it will.”

University of Chicago Medicine last year launched a weight-loss clinic aimed at helping prospective organ transplant patients lose weight to qualify for surgery, with the GLP-1 drugs playing a key role.

“Before they had a place to send these patients, which is our clinic, the scheduler would just say, ‘hey, what’s your weight, what’s your height, what’s your BMI,’ and if they didn’t fit their criteria, they would just tell them to lose weight on their own,” said Anesia Reticker, the center’s clinical pharmacist specialist.

Retired Indiana steelworker Bensabio Guajardo, 68, was prescribed Ozempic at the clinic in 2023 when he was deemed too obese for a double lung transplant needed to keep him alive after pulmonary fibrosis made breathing increasingly difficult.

“It helped me a lot. It took my cravings away,” Guajardo said. After losing around 90 pounds and stopping the drug ahead of a successful surgery in May, his doctor put him back on it to control high blood sugar.

Reticker said the program has received about 100 referrals over the past year from transplant centers in the Chicago area.(Reporting By Deena Beasley; Additional reporting by Chad Terhune in Los Angeles and Patrick Wingrove in New York; Editing by Caroline Humer and Suzanne Goldenberg)Weight-loss drugs draw Americans back to the doctor

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India Community Center team wins 15 medals at 2024 US Open Table Tennis Championship

India Community Center Table Tennis Center team members who won medals at the 2024 Championships held in Las Vegas December 16-21. PHOTO COLLAGE: ICC

The reputed India Community Center based in California, known for its numerous services for the public and programs for children, announced its team of young table tennis players had secured 15 medals at the 2024 Championships held in Las Vegas from Dec 16 – Dec 21, 2024.

The medals and the winners are in various categories listed below, according to a December 24 press release from ICC. The Table Tennis Center at ICC also announced a new round of classes starting January 4, 2025.

Gold Medals

• U-1900 Adult Rating event : 1rst place – Yash Anand
• U-1500 Junior rating Event : 1rst place – Benjamin lam
• U-1400 Junior rating Event : 1rst place – Benjamin Lam
• U-1300 Junior rating Event : 1rst Place – Shreyan Modak
• U-1200 Junior rating Event : 1rst Place – Shreyan Modak

Silver Medals

• U-1400 Junior rating event : 2nd place – Shaarav Sunil
• U-1300 Junior rating event : 2nd place – Shaarav Sunil
• Hardbat Doubles : 2nd place : Ishaan Hingorani/Lalrin Puia

Bronze medals

• U-15 Girls Doubles : 3rd place – Dariah Feng
• U-1400 Junior rating event : 3rd Place – Krish Gupta
• U-1000 Junior rating event : 3rd Place – Shishir K Mahesh
• U-2200 Rating event : 3rd Place – Yasin Musthafa
• U-2000 Junior Rating event : 3rd place – Shloak Hiremani
• U-1600 Junior rating Event : 3rd place – Benjamin Lam
• U-1300 Junior rating Event : 3rd Place – Siddharth Kodaty

India Community Center team wins 15 medals at 2024 US Open Table Tennis Championship

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US announces return of over 1,400 looted artefacts to India

In a significant move to repatriate cultural heritage, the United States announced the return of over 1,400 looted artefacts valued at 10 million dollars to India. The items, part of an ongoing initiative to restore stolen art to South and Southeast Asia, include pieces recently displayed at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the returned treasures is a sandstone sculpture of a celestial dancer, illicitly transported from central India to London before being sold to a Met patron and subsequently donated to the museum.

Manhattan District Attorney’s Office revealed the recovery was the result of ‘several ongoing investigations’ targeting looting networks, including those run by convicted art traffickers Nancy Wiener and Subhash Kapoor. Kapoor, a former antiquities dealer, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for managing a multimillion-dollar looting operation through his New York gallery. After his arrest in Germany in 2011, Kapoor was extradited to India, where he awaits further legal proceedings and extradition to the US.

According to several media sources, William Walker, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations in New York, described the event as a milestone in the multiyear international effort to dismantle Kapoor’s vast network. A formal handover ceremony took place at the Indian consulate in New York, underscoring the strengthened cultural ties between the two nations. This development follows the US-India agreement signed in July to combat illegal trading of cultural property and expedite the return of stolen artefacts.

Just two months earlier, the US had returned 297 artefacts to India, spanning 4,000 years from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE. These items originated from across India, with many terracotta pieces from Eastern India, alongside stone, metal, wood, and ivory artefacts. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that since 2016, the US has repatriated 578 cultural items to India, the largest number returned by any single country. Notable instances include the return of 10 antiquities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit in 2016, 157 in 2021, and 105 in 2022. The restitution of these artefacts reflects a growing emphasis on cultural cooperation between India and the US, marking a positive chapter in the preservation of global heritage. US announces return of over 1,400 looted artefacts to India

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India’s Epsilon Advanced Materials to build $650-million EV battery materials plant in US

• (Reuters) – India’s Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) plans to open a $650-million battery materials and components plant in North Carolina in 2026 that could eventually supply up to 1.1 million electric vehicles in the U.S., the company said on Thursday. 
• Mumbai-based EAM, a unit of Epsilon Carbon, said it will make anodes, the negative electrodes in batteries, from both natural and synthetic graphite. EAM, which also plans to make synthetic graphite at the plant, said it is in discussions with suppliers about sourcing raw materials, including natural graphite.
• The manufacturing plant will be located in Brunswick County, southwest of Wilmington, and will be part of the EV battery hub developing in the state.
• EAM said it is in advanced talks with several battery manufacturers to buy its products, but did not name the companies. 
• The company’s move to create a new domestic source for anodes and synthetic graphite could ease reliance on imported Chinese materials and components. China recently curbed exports of graphite, the supply of which it controls.
• EAM’s U.S.-made battery components and materials likely qualify for incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act and related U.S. legislation aimed at building domestic supply chains for EVs and batteries.
• “We believe that limiting the amount of graphite exported from China – and likely the price increase for graphite that it will create – exacerbates the challenges (and) exemplifies the need to develop synthetic graphite for the U.S. locally,” said Chief Executive Sunit Kapur, in a statement to Reuters.
• EAM expects the North Carolina plant to reach full capacity by 2031, with a targeted annual production capacity of 50,000 standard tons of anode materials.China dominates synthetic graphite production, according to research firm Fastmarkets, which forecasts Chinese production of the material will grow from about 1.6 million metric tons this year to 2 million in 2030.India’s Epsilon Advanced Materials to build $650-million EV battery materials plant in US

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Indian American physicians announce Global Health Summit details, discuss action plan in US, India

President of AAPI Dr. Satheesh Kathula, speaking at the Indian Consulate in NY, Sept. 29, 2024, curtain raiser and press meet to announce the Global Health Summit in India, and action plans of AAPI in US and India. PHOTO: Kripa Prasad, ITV Gold

The American Association of Physicians from India held a preparatory meeting Monday, September 29, 2024 at the Indian Consulate in New York to discuss the upcoming AAPI Global Healthcare Summit to be held in New Delhi October 19 and 20, 2024, and to discuss AAPI’s vision and action plan in the US and in India.

The press conference-cum-curtain raiser was led by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, president of AAPI, as well as Dr. Hetal Gor, trustee, and attended by other physician leaders including, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a veteran AAPI senior advisor, and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold.

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, president of AAPI, and Dr. Hetal Gor, member, Board of Trustees of AAPI, provide details about the upcoming Global Health Summit in India, and AAPI’s action plan for initiatives in India and US, September 29, 2024, at the Indian Consulate in New York. PHOTO: ITV Gold

Dr. Kathula and Dr. Hetal Gor, briefed the media on AAPI’s ongoing activities in the United States and India, and noted that the upcoming summit aims to bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the prevention of cancer and heart attacks in the Indian population with lifestyle modification and technology.

Dr. Kathula gave details about AAPI’s 3 main initiatives in the US this year – 1. Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Drive; 2. Raising awareness about increased physical activity and honoring veterans simultaneously through the ‘Million Miles of Gratitude’ initiative; 3. Preventing heart attacks in the Indian American community.

Dr. Kathula thanked the media for attending and for providing support for several decades to AAPI, urging them “to help to get the message out, in reaching out to the general public here, the Indian diaspora and in India, especially for providing health education on preventive measures.”

Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh gesturing as he speaks at the AAPI press meet, September 29, 2024, at the Indian Consulate in New York, as President of AAPI Dr. Satheesh Kathula looks on. PHOTO: Kripa Prasad, ITV Gold

Dr. Parikh offered the help of his media outlet, and gave additional recommendations for AAPI to initiate, maintaining that India’s needs in healthcare had changed over the decades.

Two or three decades ago, AAPI used to send Xray Machines and MRI Machines to India, but “Now India needs more than that. India needs an exchange program for the medical students,” Dr. Parikh said, as well as observers for the medical students. “AAPI can have some structured body that can provide observership to those students,” he recommended. Additionally, AAPI could organize exchange of the faculty from India and grow it into a global force. The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, GAPIO, was trying something similar with faculty exchange which will provide the younger generation state of art education from the Western countries. Dr. Parikh assured AAPI of his full support as a doctor and as a media person.

AAPI has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of India Droupadi Murmu as Guests of Honor at GHS 2024, as well as Health Minister J.P. Nadda.

AAPI leaders, President of AAPI Dr. Satheesh Kathula, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, with India’s Consul General in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, Sept. 29, 2024, during the curtain raiser for the Global Health Summit, and Leadership conference. PHOTO: ITV Gold

Earlier during the day, AAPI conducted an AAPI Leadership Retreat at the Indian Consulate in New York City, attended by Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan. The panel included several distinguished figures from various fields, including Dr. Sanjeev Kaul, Chief of Trauma; Sudeep Kapur, a magistrate; Manee Kamboji, owner of a highly successful IT company; Natalie McKenzie, a health and fitness coach and podcaster; Jyoti Soni, a catering and wedding planner with over three decades of experience in the culinary industry; and AAPI leaders.

AAPI leaders Dr. Satheesh Kathula, 3rd from left, and Dr. Hetal Gor, 3rd from right, and other attendees with India’s Consul General in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, 4th from left. PHOTO: ITV Gold

Consul General Pradhan, in his address highlighted his long association with AAPI since 2005. Highlighting the recent meetings India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with top CEOs from the United States during his recent visit, Pradhan emphasized that India’s potential is “not only appreciated by the ordinary people of the United States, but even by the industry, and that’s probably the reason why all these industry entities are now present in India in a much bigger way. So it’s going to be leading to bigger investment back within India.”

Pradhan lauded the contributions of “a strong Indian association of Doctors, AAPI. We feel so lucky that we have their strong presence, of this fraternity in this country. And I’m sure, going forward, you are going to be an anchor. You will be bringing the relationship between India and the United States much closer, especially in the healthcare sector.”

AAPI leaders meet the press at the Indian Consulate in New York Sept. 29, 2024. PHOTO: Collage provided by AAPI

Pradhan told AAPI that “My expectation, my request has been that, this is the time for you to rethink about how you contribute back home in India. I know all of you, individually and collectively, do a lot of good work back home in India.”

A section of the audience at the Sept. 29, 2024, AAPI curtain raiser at the Indian Consulate to announce Global Health Summit in India, and action plans of the organization. PHOTO: Kripa Prasad, ITV GoldNoting that India’s economy is undergoing a massive transformation today. “The Indian people are not looking for help in meeting their basic needs, but would expect a strong association like yours to help them to touch their aspirations. You have access to the best of the medical technologies in this country. You can think about what you can do to touch the aspirations of the people, by using the technology, and reach a much larger number of people in India.” Indian American physicians announce Global Health Summit details, discuss action plan in US, India

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Babe Ruth jersey breaks world record for sports item at auction

NEW YORK - A jersey belonging to American baseball legend Babe Ruth broke the world record for the most expensive sports object sold at auction -- and the sale has not even ended yet.

The highest bid for the New York Yankees jersey currently stands at $13.3-million, including commission and fees.

However, the sale will not end until August 24, according to organizer Heritage Auctions, with experts estimating the bidding could soar to as much as $30-million.

Heritage told AFP that the owner could still set a minimum price higher than the current highest bid, though it would run the risk of not selling the item at all.

As it stands, the jersey already exceeds all previous records for sports memorabilia set in recent years.

The previous record was for a baseball card featuring another Yankees great, Mickey Mantle, which sold for $12.6-million in August 2022.

In terms of sports apparel, the highest auction record was set in September 2022 when a jersey worn by basketball player Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA finals sold for $10.1-million at Sotheby's.

Prior to 2022, no sports item had ever passed the $10-million threshold, a sign of the market's increasing power.

Ruth's record-breaking jersey was worn by the Yankees slugger during a historic game against the Chicago Cubs during the 1932 World Series.

The story of the famous "called shot" goes that Ruth pointed in the direction of where he wanted the ball to go and proceeded to hit a home run in the exact direction.The Yankees would go on to win the series in a four-game sweep. Babe Ruth jersey breaks world record for sports item at auction

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When Music Festival Ticket Holders Couldn’t Get a Refund, Another Festival Welcomed Them for Free

When a three-day music festival was called off and the organizers declined to offer a refund to pass holders, a totally different festival decided to welcome them all for free.

Now in its 12th year, the Lucidity Festival was set to kick off in Santa Barbara, California this September. But citing “unforeseen last-minute changes in requirements” imposed by Santa Barbara County, the festival had to be canceled.

To make matters worse, the circumstances lead “to a postponement that we can not financially recover from,” and so organizers announced there would be no refunds for the passes.

To be fair, Lucidity Festival’s official policy is that passes can only be transferred from one holder to another, but refunds are never offered. While hundreds of derelict pass-holders are incensed and considering a class-action lawsuit, Lucidity has warned that if they can’t find a solution for a place to host the event by April next year, they will declare bankruptcy and end the festival for good.

The end of that saga, no one can yet predict, but a totally unaffiliated festival called Same Same But Different (SSBD) heard what was happening and decided to welcome all Lucidity pass holders free of charge as a gesture of goodwill.

“We know how challenging these times can be, especially when the festival experiences we all cherish don’t go as planned,” reads a statement released by SSBD. “It’s never easy when something you’ve been looking forward to doesn’t work out, and we understand how much time, energy, and anticipation went into planning for Lucidity.”

“Featuring a big lineup of electronic music artists the likes of Big Gigantic, Ganja White Night, and LSDREAM, SSBD is making it known that they are well-positioned to welcome thousands of Lucidity ticket-holders from September 27-29,” writes EDM.com.

“The enchanting festival will also feature sunrise-to-sunset DJ sets, a Vegas-inspired casino pop-up experience, yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and much more.”

Holders of the Lucidity Pass can apply to have their’s converted to a SSBD pass here, while information on the event can be found here. When Music Festival Ticket Holders Couldn’t Get a Refund, Another Festival Welcomed Them for Free

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Justin Bieber, wife Hailey announce birth of their first baby: Welcome home Jack Blue Bieber

Los Angeles, (IANS): Global pop sensation Justin Bieber and his wife, model Hailey Bieber have welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

Justin took to Instagram and made this announcement on Saturday morning. He posted a close-up picture of his baby’s tiny foot and captioned it as “Welcome Home Jack Blue Bieber”.

His friend Kylie Jenner commented “I can’t handle this little foot Jack Blues Bieber”

Hailey shared the same picture on her Instagram stories.

Justin and Hailey Bieber, tied the knot in 2018, just two months after getting engaged. They later celebrated their wedding with a large ceremony, exchanging vows in front of family and friends.

In 2023 Hailey acknowledged to the Sunday Times that she is scared to have children as a celebrity.

In May the couple announced they were expecting a baby together. They have been sharing adorable videos and photos from Hailey’s pregnancy diaries.

A few months ago speaking to W magazine Hailey Bieber spoke about how she managed to hide her pregnancy for six months. She stated “I was honestly able to keep it quiet because I stayed small for a long time...I didn't have a belly, really, until I was six months pregnant, which was when I announced it. I was able to wear big jackets and stuff.”

Hailey, a supermodel has walked the ramp for top designers. She has been part of Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Milan fashion week.

The birth of their baby boy marks the beginning of a new chapter for Justin and Hailey. Fans are eager to see how parenthood will shape their lives, with many speculating that Justin's future music may be influenced by his experiences as a father. Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/justin-bieber-wife-hailey-announce-birth-of-their-first-baby-welcome-home-jack-blue-bieber

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US Open Tennis: Jannik Sinner wins second Grand Slam victory

In the US Open Tennis, Jannik Sinner clinched his second Grand Slam victory of the year by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. The world number one, who had previously triumphed at the Australian Open earlier this year, made history by becoming the first Italian man to win the US Open title. The victory marked Sinner’s 55th match win and sixth title of the season, further solidifying his position at the top of the rankings. Fritz, a home favourite, expressed deep disappointment after falling short against the top seed. The defeat marks the end of a breakthrough tournament for Fritz, who had yet to advance past the quarterfinals at a major final.US Open Tennis: Jannik Sinner wins second Grand Slam victory

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US open: Alcaraz suffers shock loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in Rd-2

New York, August 30 (IANS): No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock loss at the hands of Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in Round 2 of the US Open late on Thursday night.

The 21-year-old Alcaraz's 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 loss to world No. 74 Dutchman was his worst showing in four consecutive-year Flushing appearances as it broke the Spaniard’s 15-match winning streak at Grand Slam events.

Alcaraz suffered his first loss in the second round of a major since 2021 at Wimbledon, where the then-World No. 75 fell to second seed Daniil Medvedev. The 15-time tour-level titlist committed 27 unforced errors, 12 of which came on his forehand, several missing by a great distance.

In the second game of the opening set, the players engaged in two prolonged rallies featuring several net rushes, dizzying lobs, and even a tweener. Van de Zandschulp capitalized on his first break point against Alcaraz's serve, consolidated the break, and swiftly took a 4-1 lead. Van de Zandschulp kept his cool and won the first set, 6-1.

Alacaraz held his serve to open the second set. The Dutchman responded in kind. But the Spaniard simply wasn’t able to hurt his opponent, with just three winners to 12 unforced errors at that point in the match and dropped serve yet again.

At the contest’s 30-minute mark, Alcaraz was finally able to break it to level the second set at 2-2. After a few seesaw games, he stepped up to serve at 5-5. He proceeded to donate three forehand errors and, to lose the game, a double fault. When the Dutchman served next, he took the second set 7-5.

After being two sets down, Alcaraz dropped serve to go down 3-2 in the third set. But then van de Zandschulp failed to consolidate the break, hitting a double fault (his seventh in the match) to lose the game.

To level the set to 4-4, the Dutchman hit an ace and was putting pressure on the Alcaraz serve yet again. As the match turned two hours and 15 minutes old, the Dutchman had set himself up to serve it out. In a minute’s time, he was serving at 40-0. That serve was unreturned and Van de Zandschulp won the set, 6-4, and the match.

By defeating World No. 3, Van de Zandschulp earned the highest-ranked win of his career.

Alcaraz, who took the title here as a teenager in 2022, has advanced to at least the quarterfinal stage each year since his 2021 debut. Last year, he reached the semifinals as the No. 1 seed at age 20, the youngest top seed in the tournament’s history.

The 28-year-old Dutchman has had strong prior results in New York, coming through the qualifiers to play in a quarterfinal match in 2021. He’ll take on England’s Jack Draper, the No. 25 seed, who looked dominant in his straight-sets win over Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta, in the third round. Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/us-open-alcaraz-suffers-shock-loss-to-botic-van-de-zandschulp-in-rd-2

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Dua Lipa recalls how she went through 'two years of humiliation' over her dancing

Los Angeles, (IANS) Singer Dua Lipa has opened up about enduring "two years of humiliation" following criticism of her dancing and revealed that it wasn't until her comeback with 'Future Nostalgia' that she regained her confidence.

The singer told the Guardian magazine: "When people took that snippet of me dancing online and just turned it into a meme, and then when I won the best new artist Grammy and people were like, ‘She’s not deserving of it, she’s got no stage presence, she’s not going to stick around.’ Those things were hurtful. It was humiliating. I had to take myself off Twitter."

She further explained, "The thing that made me the happiest -- performing and writing songs -- was also making me really upset because people were picking everything apart that I’d been working on, and I had to learn all that in front of everyone."

"In the public eye, I was figuring out who I was as an artist, as a performer. All that was happening while I was 22- 23 years old and still growing up. You have to build tough skin. You have to be resilient."

Lipa reflected on the duration of her struggle, stating, "(The humiliation lasted) until I finished writing 'Future Nostalgia' and did my first performance of 'Don’t Start Now', at the MTV Europe Music Awards. I want to say -- gosh, I don’t know -- two years."

"It never was like I couldn’t get out of bed because of what I thought people thought of me. I didn’t care to that degree. But that’s when it was most heightened for me."

Meanwhile, Lipa has released her third studio album titled 'Radical Optimism' and is set to headline Glastonbury later this summer.

Despite her success, she stated that she is "not surprised" because of her hard work, expressing more excitement about reaching such heights, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Dua Lipa recalls how she went through 'two years of humiliation' over her dancing | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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IsoEnergy reopens US underground uranium mine

The main decline at the Tony M mine in Utah was successfully reopened on 26 July, and work has begun to rehabilitate the underground workings.

The IsoEnergy team and Garfield County representatives in front of the main portal at Tony M (Image: CNW Group/IsoEnergy Ltd)

Initial observations of underground conditions indicate that the main decline and underground equipment shops are in good condition, IsoEnergy Ltd said. Rehabilitation of the underground, including scaling, installation of ground support and ventilation systems, is expected to take 8 to 10 weeks depending on the ground conditions encountered.

The underground rehabilitation work is being carried out by Tomcat Mining. IsoEnergy is also working with international mining consulting firms SRK Consulting Ltd, on the design and implementation of the ventilation plans, and Call & Nicholas Inc, on the design and implementation of the ground control plans.

As sections of the underground are made safe for entry, it is expected that exploration and geological work will begin to map out the orebody from underground. IsoEnergy is also in the process of contracting a surveying company to complete a LiDAR survey of the complete underground at Tony M. This will be the first time any such survey has been completed at the mine and will be an important tool in future mine planning.

The Saskatoon-based company has been working towards reopening the Tony M underground for access over the course of the last year. Site communications have been re-established, and electrical systems have been upgraded and refurbished where necessary, including the installation of "at least" one new generator meeting the US Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 4 emission standards, it said. Several new fans have been installed and will continue to be installed as part of the rehabilitation, and several existing fans are to be refurbished.

The company announced last February its strategic decision to reopen the past-producing mine during the first half of this year, with the aim of restarting uranium production operations in 2025, depending on market conditions. Energy Fuels Inc's White Mesa - the only currently operational conventional uranium mill in the USA - is within trucking distance to Tony M, and IsoEnergy has a toll-milling agreement which guarantees it access to the mill's capacity.

Garfield County Commissioner Jerry Taylor and IsoEnergy COO Marty Tunney underground at Tony M (Image: CNW Group/IsoEnergy Ltd)

IsoEnergy CEO and Director Philip Williams said: "The reopening of underground at Tony M is an important step in restarting production and establishing IsoEnergy as a near-term uranium producer. Long-term uranium prices have nearly doubled, from USD41/lb U3O8 to USD79/lb U3O8, since we acquired the Tony M, Daneros and Rim Mines in Utah, and with the exceedingly positive global outlook for nuclear power we expect that trend to continue. We believe that proven producing assets in tier one jurisdictions, like Tony M, will be highly coveted by end users making this an ideal time to pursue a restart."

The fully-permitted mine is in Garfield County and is about 66 miles (107 km) from the town of Blanding. It produced nearly one million pounds of U3O8 during two different periods of operation from 1979-1984 and from 2007-2008. It was acquired by IsoEnergy on the company's share-for-share merger with Consolidated Uranium Inc, completed last December. Tony M's current NI 43-101 estimated resources stand at 6.606 million pounds U3O8 (2541 tU) of indicated resources and 2.218 million pounds U3O8 in the inferred resources category.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News IsoEnergy reopens US underground uranium mine : Uranium & Fuel - World Nuclear News

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Country music star Jason Michael Carroll selected as Harvest Festival entertainer

The Donalsonville/Seminole County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that this year’s 2024 Harvest Festival featured entertainment is country artist Jason Michael Carroll. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 19th and make plans to tap your toes to the music and more in downtown Donalsonville.

Born in Houston, Texas and raised in Youngsville, North Carolina, Carroll has been adapting to the changing landscape in country music for almost two decades with no signs of slowing down.

Breaking out with success in 2006 thanks to the heart-wrenching ballad “Alyssa Lies”, Carroll followed that first chart-topping hit quickly with a flurry of hit songs that cemented his voice and his name among the elite performers from Nashville. Hits such as “Livin’ Our Love Song,” “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead,” “Where I’m From” and many others helped fuel a string of albums and sold out live shows. Couple that with an intense connection with his fans and you can see why Nashville calls Jason a triple-threat artist to be reckoned with: Singer. Songwriter. Entertainer.

Proud of his past success but always focused firmly on his next move, the country music star launched his first major independent release since 2016 with the new song “Pass It On Around” (Jan. 27, 2023). Delivered with powerful vocals accented at times by his signature growling lyrics and laser precision, “Pass It On Around” made Nashville once again turn and take notice of Carroll. Indeed, his best days still lie firmly ahead of him. He is so excited to bring his talent to Donalsonville!

In addition to the festival’s featured entertainment, the day’s festivities will kick off with the Rejoice Run & Mom’s Mile, the annual Harvest Festival parade, a performance from local Persnickety Studios, a fine arts show, a large variety of arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, and local shopping with numerous downtown shops.

Save the date of Saturday, October 19 for the 2024 Harvest Festival in downtown Donalsonville, Country music star Jason Michael Carroll selected as Harvest Festival entertainer

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