Rivian ( RIVN 0.08% ) hasn't had the best year in 2024. The stock has lost around half its value year to date as of this writing. But it wasn't because the company didn't try. In fact, the problems are more likely growing pains than anything else, given that the upstart electric vehicle (EV) company is focused squarely on reaching profitability as soon as possible. But investors need to tread cautiously -- buying Rivian comes with material risks. However, if Tesla ( TSLA 3.69% ) is any indication, there is material upside potential here, too. Is Rivian following Tesla's lead? Tesla shares are up around 1,500% over the past five years. That is an incredible advance in a very short period of time. But there was a lot that had to be done before Tesla's business was capable of turning a profit. In fact, Tesla suffered through years of losses building out its electric vehicle business before it was profitable, a transition that occurred just about five years ago. However, that really isn't shocking at all. When Tesla started out, it made a small number of high-end electric vehicles. It was, basically, trying to build out its manufacturing capabilities. It wasn't until the company had managed that feat that it could make the shift toward a profit focus. Tesla is a complicated business run by a polarizing figure in Elon Musk, so it isn't a one-to-one comparison with Rivian. But, in many ways, Rivian is moving down a very similar path, business-wise. Rivian started out by creating electric vehicle technology and then moved on to building a manufacturing facility for high-end trucks. Now it's working on its profitability, largely by focusing on reducing its production costs. This year started out fairly well, with a goal of matching 2023 production levels despite a plant upgrade that would allow Rivian to post a modest gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024. A modest gross profit is still the big goal, but the production target slipped because of supply constraints with key parts. That said, Rivian also expanded its relationship with Volkswagen , which will provide it with additional capital. So there's more leeway for delays and bottlenecks now then there would have been when 2024 got underway. Rivian is still just an upstart company, building its business from scratch, so it really isn't shocking that it would encounter some problems. That it continues to work toward its goals and has found the capital to support that effort is probably more important than what likely amounts to mere delays in the timing of some of its goals. The problem with the Tesla comparison Here's where things get far more complicated with the Tesla/Rivian comparison. Investors in Tesla have, clearly, made out very well. The huge gains in Tesla's stock price have probably set more than a few up for life. But Rivian isn't Tesla, even if it is following a similar playbook with regard to developing its business (for example, starting at the high end of the market and then working its way down into more affordable products). Indeed, Tesla was the first stand-alone EV maker, and it basically changed the auto industry by proving that EVs were a viable product offering. Rivian didn't really come along until Tesla had blazed a trail for it to follow. The problem is that it isn't only Rivian that has gone down the path Tesla cleared. Just about every major automaker is now making electric vehicles, too. Competition is much more fierce in the EV sector than it was when Tesla started its business. As an example, Rivian's trucks have to compete with an electric version of the most popular truck in America, the Ford F-150. So there's more to consider with Rivian than simply whether or not it can create a profitable business. Investors also need to consider whether or not it can compete in a now fairly crowded EV playing field. The combination of those two issues is what will determine just how much upside there is for Rivian's stock. Given the Volkswagen partnership, it seems highly likely that Rivian will eventually get into the black (a gross profit is a good first step, but it isn't the same as generating positive earnings). However, there are plenty of profitable companies that are middling investments because they don't have particularly impressive growth opportunities ahead of them. It's probably too soon to know if that's the fate Rivian will face or if, like Tesla, turning a profit will be just one more step it takes in an exciting long-term growth story. If you believe there's an attractive long-term growth story here, it would probably be worth adding Rivian to your portfolio. If you aren't quite certain of that future, which is in no way clearly visible yet, you'll probably want to tread carefully. Too soon to count your chickens It is most certainly an exciting time for Rivian as it continues to move its business forward. But expecting it to set you up for life, just like an early investment in Tesla has for many investors, is probably taking things a step too far. The auto industry has changed dramatically since Tesla started its business, and Rivian still has a lot of work to do before it posts positive earnings, as Tesla now does. Rivian remains a stock that's most appropriate for aggressive investors. Just go in knowing that it could still fall short of the huge upside opportunity that many investors may think exists because of the path that Tesla and its stock traveled.

Shettima Commends Moniepoint, Restates Commitment To Financial InclusionMan on trial in Ole Miss student's death lied to investigators, police chief says

Lakers' LeBron James away from team for 'personal reasons,' status for matchup vs. Timberwolves uncertain

Mark Mobius Advocates For Big Tech Investments In Emerging Markets: 'That's Where The Growth Will Be'Now that election campaign promises, shenanigans and peccadillos are over, it is a time to engage the Governor and Governor-elect of Ondo State on managing distractions from the so-called godfathers who would normally seek jobs for their people who ‘helped’ to secure victory the other day. In all modesty, I know our country enough to know how the greed of the elite has crippled the most populous black nation on earth, Nigeria. This may not be a time to talk about how the greed of the elite has also crippled the national electricity grid that is supposed to trigger industrial development. But it is a time to get our leaders at all levels to note that enough is enough of frivolities and mediocrity they celebrate on live television for self-glorification every day. And so let me appeal to the newly hired Governor of Ondo State not to allow members of his ‘kitchen cabinet’ to impute motives for solution articles at this time. The reason for this seemingly unnecessary appeal is not far-fetched: some of the media aides of political leaders have always had several drafts of how to lambast commentators who even advise their principals on how to set off legacy projects, let alone those who point out what they aren’t doing well. Some of the aides we have watched over the years at all levels have always concocted conspiracy theories about why certain writers, and even television anchors should be ignored by their principals. They don’t study the messages; they go for the jugular of the messengers for their “bad verses”. Most times, the perverted public relations officers keep evil files of even the problems they cause and seek ways of benefitting from crises by discrediting anchors and commentators. Political leaders should be aware of these crisis merchants and mediocrities in their public relations space. And so, the Governor-elect of Ondo state should pay attention to some inconvenient truths and deliverables here so that he can make some difference in Ondo state at this time. He should concentrate on the message for the public good of the people who have also just hired him for the next four years. This stuff is only a fact file that can assist the Governor in strategic planning for revival of institutions of governance of Ondo state that has suffered some reverses as a consequence of slipshod governance the state has been experiencing for some years. Mr. Governor, this isn’t an appraisal of your tenure since you took over from your principal who was called home on 27 December, 2023. This new mandate should be a difference maker of some sort without noise making. And so it should begin with strategic thinking and planning that will remarkably affect the health of the state. And here is the thing, let the new mandate reinforce your significance rather than your prominence. How do I mean that? A cleric and an iconic writer I have quoted several times here, Rick Warren argues in his classic, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ that there are some people in this life who are prominent but they may not be significant. He says at the same time, there are some significant people who may not be prominent, after all. He reinforces this point by pointing to the fact that God, the Almighty is seeking significant, not prominent people to shape His Kingdom on earth – for the public goods game that leaders play. All over the place, you see most of our even under-achieving leaders spending a lot of money to promote their prominence on the front pages of our news journals and prime time television programmes without any significant projects that can enhance humanity. You see vanity upon vanity as most leaders celebrate on live television, building of overhead bridges and provision of classroom desks and tables for teachers in dilapidated basic schools to showcase their prominence. Mr. Governor, election is over: it is a time to freeze politics and vengeance. It is a time for serious governance. It is a time to headhunt competent professionals and scholars who understand the technicality of rebuilding the broken walls all over Ondo state. It is a time for you to be a Nehemiah who will not care a hoot about the distractions of the discouragers –Tobiah and Sambalat who don’t like common-good projects. It is a time to shun partisan politics and visit some states in this same country where some progress has been made without noise in the media. If you do extra-ordinary things, citizen journalists in the area will post them to the public space for free at this time. Behold, visit states such as Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Ebonyi, Borno, and Enugu where you will find some exemplary spectacles. Don’t think about party affiliations at this time. It may not have been prominent in the media, but when you get to Akwa Ibom state that has used the model of public, private partnership (PPP) to run a flourishing airline, you will see the power of how state governments too can reform and run business as they do in Asia and most parts of the Middle East. I mean at the time our Federal Government, which exclusively oversees the Aviation industry and ministry could only unveil the fake airline (Nigeria Air) they promised for eight years on their last day in office, May 29, 2023, Akwa Ibom state floated Ibom Air within a four-year tenure of a governor. The Ibom Air is still running fruitfully till the present while the Federal Government’s fake airline has become a butt of jokes on dubious public sector enterprises. The state-supported Ibom Air is one of the preferred local airlines in Nigeria despite the inclement business climate in the aviation industry today. Go to Akwa Ibom where you will see on-going construction of a 10-lane road to the airport they had built before they established the airline. Governor Aiyedatiwa, go quietly to aforementioned states and see the difference between significance and prominence that define legacy and infamy, development and underdevelopment. Go to Oyo and see what the State Governor, Seyi Makinde has done about revival of Independent Power Project the regional government of Obafemi Awolowo left, but all former Governors abandoned inside Ibadan. Time to prioritise education: Mr. Governor, don’t get it twisted, you need to prioritise education quality in Ondo State. The state of public schools at all levels is quite unconscionable and that has resulted in the state’s poor results from national examinations bodies. Part of this tragic situation in basic and secondary schools was captured the other day by Otunba Sola Olatunji who wrote a piece on this debacle before the election campaigns. It isn’t beyond redemption. Mr. Governor, reviving education facilities in Ondo State requires a multi-faceted approach. Here’s a comprehensive plan for your team to consider: Infrastructure development Conduct a thorough assessment of all education facilities in the state to identify areas of need. Develop a phased plan to renovate and reconstruct schools, focusing on the most critical ones first. Invest in modern educational infrastructure, including smart classrooms, libraries, and laboratories as the Enugu state government is doing with education management experts in the state. Besides, ensure that all schools have access to basic amenities like electricity, water, and sanitation facilities. Teacher training and development Provide regular training and capacity-building programmes for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Most of the teachers were drafted to the classrooms from even the Local Government Council Service Commission, etc long ago. There is a need to collaborate with reputable institutions to offer certification programmes in modern teaching techniques for teachers. Besides, the state’s education authorities need to encourage teachers to pursue higher education and provide incentives for those who do. That is another way of fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development among teachers. You can recruit first class graduates as teachers and train those that didn’t have teaching certificates. To retrain them, pay them as consultants and specialists. Curriculum review and development This is 21st century where innovative technologies drive development. It should begin with education curriculum review. The state should conduct a comprehensive review of the current curriculum to ensure it is relevant and is aligned with modern educational standards. You don’t need to wait for Abuja to develop a new curriculum that incorporates STEM education, vocational training, and life skills. Ensure that the curriculum is inclusive and caters to the needs of students with disabilities. The state should sing a new song in education funding mechanism by providing resources and support for teachers to effectively implement the new curriculum. Technology Integration For the development goals to be sustainable in education, there should be investment in digital infrastructure, including computers, tablets, and internet connectivity, to facilitate e-learning. That is the only way we can face tomorrow as citizens, lest we become part of the huge population of the illiterate of the 21st century who can’t learn, unlearn and relearn as Alvin Toffler warns. In the main, the schools should be funded to develop online platforms and resources to support teaching and learning. There should also be provision for training for teachers to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices. The Education system should encourage the use of educational software and apps to enhance student learning. This is where the authorities should be intentional in employing computer and data science graduates and pay them well to retain them so that they can integrate technology into learning. Community engagement and partnerships There should be skillset of development experts in the system to foster partnerships with local communities, businesses, and organisations to support education initiatives. In the same vein, the education authorities should establish a mentorship programme that pairs students with professionals and entrepreneurs. There should be constructive engagements to develop a culture of volunteerism and community service among students and teachers. Funding and resource mobilisation To make the desired difference Mr. Governor should allocate a significant portion of the state budget to education. Politicians don’t want to do this because they feel it is intangible unlike over-head bridges and water boreholes. There can also be exploration of alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships and international grants. The state government can establish an education endowment fund to support scholarships, research, and infrastructure development. Modern governments in ‘glocal’ context encourage philanthropic donations and corporate social responsibility initiatives to support education. Do we need three universities in Ondo? There should always be needs assessment to determine whether the state can cope with three universities that have obviously been underfunded in Akungba, Okitipupa and Ondo City, in this regard. I was in Akungba by this time last year where I delivered the Convocation lecture of the oldest university. The premier university I saw there still needs robust funding for physical structures and equipment they need to live up to their billing as an ivory tower. The University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa and the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo require strategic funding to restore the ‘universe’ that they may have lost to under-funding. It is a time to revisit the feasibility reports on the three universities before it is too late. Do we need more or better universities? Over to you Governor Aiyedatiwa even as we say, congratulations!

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has notified bondholders of Sabuy Technology (SABUY) of four series to exercise their rights during bondholder meetings scheduled for Thursday. Bondholders are advised to review the provided information carefully and consult with the issuer or bond representatives to ensure they have sufficient details to make an informed decision on whether to approve or reject the proposals. Sabuy, the issuer of the SABUY24DA, SABUY254A and SABUY258A bonds, is scheduled to hold the second bondholders' meeting of 2024 at 10am, while the meeting for SABUY263A is slated for 1pm the same day, both conducted via e-meeting. Sabuy proposed to the bondholders of SABUY24DA and SABUY254A a request to extend the non-payment of interest on SABUY258A, due on Nov 18, 2024. The non-payment of principal and interest on the bonds would not be considered a default under the terms and conditions, according to the company. Sabuy will request bondholders approve the extension of the redemption period by an additional three years, with a reduction of the interest rate to 2-7% per year, effective from Nov 20, 2024 until the new redemption date. For SABUY258A and SABUY263A, the company requested bondholders approve the extension of debt restructuring negotiations with financial institutions. The company is also seeking approval to extend the redemption period by an additional three years as part of a debt repayment relaxation, which may include postponing or modifying the debt repayment schedule. This would ensure such actions are not considered a default under the terms and conditions. Sabuy also requests the cancellation of the obligation to maintain the net debt-to-equity ratio throughout the bonds' maturity. In addition, Sabuy seeks approval for the issuer or company to negotiate or enter into contracts with creditors to restructure the debt without it being considered a default under the terms and conditions, from Nov 20, 2024 to Dec 30, 2025. Moreover, Sabuy requests an extension for the non-payment of interest on the SABUY258A bond due on Nov 18, 2024. The non-payment of both principal and interest on the debentures would not be considered a default under the terms and conditions. This request includes the cancellation of the provision that would cause the SABUY258A bonds to become due immediately. Sabuy requested an extension of the collateral value for SABUY263A to a ratio of at least 1.5:1. In addition, it seeks approval to place additional collateral as replacement assets if the ratio falls below 1.5:1, effective from Nov 20, 2024 to Dec 30, 2025. Sabuy requested an extension of the SABUY258A maturity by another three years and a change in the interest rate for each period to 2-7% per year, effective from Nov 20, 2024 until the new maturity date. The company also requested a reduction in the interest rate for SABUY263A to 2% per year, effective from Dec 12 until the maturity date. The SEC instructed the bond representative to analyse the advantages, disadvantages, benefits and impacts that bondholders will experience from the resolutions to approve or reject each option, clearly outlining the reasons for each decision.

Pep Guardiola admits he is questioning himself after Man City lose to Juventus

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96A fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and nets

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- The Board of Directors of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.50 per common share, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. At this quarterly dividend rate, the annual dividend is equivalent to $2.00 per common share. The Board of Directors also declared the following: A regular quarterly dividend of $1,517.364 per share (equivalent to $15.173640 per depositary share) on the Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $352.508 per share (equivalent to $0.352508 per depositary share) on the Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $343.750 per share (equivalent to $0.343750 per depositary share) on the Series K Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $234.375 per share (equivalent to $0.234375 per depositary share) on the Series L Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $250.000 per share (equivalent to $0.250000 per depositary share) on the Series M Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $231.250 per share (equivalent to $9.250000 per depositary share) on the Series N Fixed Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. A regular quarterly dividend of $281.250 per share (equivalent to $0.281250 per depositary share) on the Series O Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock of U.S. Bancorp, payable January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2024. About U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $686 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210470741/en/ CONTACT: Investor contact: George Andersen, Director of Investor Relations, U.S. Bancorp Investor Relations george.andersen@usbank.comMedia contact: Jeff Shelman, U.S. Bancorp Public Affairs and Communications jeffrey.shelman@usbank.com KEYWORD: MINNESOTA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PAYMENTS TECHNOLOGY FINANCE BANKING PERSONAL FINANCE ACCOUNTING SOURCE: U.S. Bancorp Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 04:57 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 04:58 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210470741/en

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be named the TIME Person of the Year, according to a new report. The official announcement will happen Thursday morning and could coincide with his first time ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. What Happened: TIME recently released a short list of finalists for the 2024 TIME Person of the Year, which included both Trump and his 2024 presidential election opponent Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump has emerged as the winner, as reported by Politico. The award would mark the second for Trump, who also won the award back in 2016. Trump would become the first president to win the award since Joe Biden, who shared it with Harris in 2020. Trump's win would also mark the first two-time win by a president since Barack Obama , who won the award in 2008 and 2012. A total of 14 U.S. presidents have won the award, which was first handed out in 1927. Musician Taylor Swift won the award last year beating out a short list of finalists that included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. TIME CEO Jessica Sibley rang the NYSE opening bell last year to mark the cover reveal. The timing of Trump's ringing of the bell and the award being officially announced by TIME on Thursday have now been linked by Politico. The short list for this year's Person of the Year award included Trump, Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu. Prior to narrowing the field to five finalists, Jerome Powell, Yulia Navalnaya, Joe Rogan, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Zuckerberg were also under consideration. TIME has also been handing out additional awards in recent years. Caitlin Clark was named the Athlete of the Year by the media outlet. Elton John was named this year's Icon of the Year and Advanced Micro Devices AMD Lisa Su was named CEO of the Year. Did You Know? Congress Is Making Huge Investments. Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool Why It's Important : The TIME Person of the Year has named politicians, world leaders, celebrities and CEOs winners of the annual award. The award is not always given to a good person, but instead to the person who had the biggest affect on the things that happened in the past year. Past wins by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin have often been used to show the lack of importance of the award. Trump has been critical of the award in the past and upset that he did not receive it on several occasions. In 2013, Trump said the annual award was "a joke and stunt of a magazine that, like Newsweek, soon be dead." Later in 2015 when he was a finalist on the list, Trump was critical for not making the cover over then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel . "It means a lot, especially me growing up reading Time magazine. And you know, it's a very important magazine," Trump said at the time. Coincidentally, the Trump prosecutors were among the finalists for last year's award, along with Altman, Swift, Vladimir Putin, Barbie, the Hollywood strikers, Xi Jinping , Powell and King Charles III. Trump was the betting favorite on prediction sites like Kalshi and Polymarket with odds of around 80% prior to the Wednesday report that he was the winner of the award. Trump's odds stand at 99% on Kalshi and 98% on Polymarket at the time of writing. Some may be upset that Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc TSLA , didn't win this year's award with the surge in Tesla's stock price and his soaring wealth thanks to other ventures like xAI and SpaceX. Musk won the award in 2021. The billionaire and his supporters will likely be pleased that the presidential candidate he endorsed in the 2024 election won the award, if it had to go to someone else. Read Next: Elon Musk First Person Worth $400 Billion As Tesla Stock Hits New All-Time Highs: How 2024 Election Helped, Could Lead To Future Gains Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Love Island couple fuel engagement rumours with sparkling ring snap

Journalist Protection Bill Blocked In Senate After Tom Cotton Objects To Speedy PassageFacepalm: Generative AI services are gaining immense popularity among both internet users and cybercriminals. According to the FBI, "synthetic" content is increasingly being exploited to carry out various types of fraud. However, with the right precautions, individuals can still effectively protect themselves online. The FBI has issued an alert about the criminal misuse of generative AI technology. In a recently published public service announcement, the bureau warns Americans that fraudsters are exploiting AI-generated content to make their illegal schemes more convincing and effective. According to the FBI, generative AI allows criminals to reduce the time and effort needed to deceive their targets. These AI tools take user inputs to "synthesize" entirely new content based on prompts. They can even help correct human errors that might otherwise raise suspicion, particularly in AI-generated text. Creating content with AI isn't inherently illegal, but it becomes a crime when that content is used in fraud or extortion attempts. The FBI's alert outlines several examples of how generative AI can be misused and offers practical advice to help users protect themselves online. AI-generated text can appear highly convincing in social engineering or spear-phishing campaigns. Fraudsters are leveraging generative AI to produce large amounts of fake content, create fake social media profiles, send messages, and translate languages with greater accuracy and fewer grammatical errors. Entire fraudulent websites can now be built in record time, and chatbots are being used to trick victims into clicking malicious links. AI-generated images are, unsurprisingly, at the forefront of current trends, and cybercriminals are taking full advantage of them. Fraudsters are using AI-generated visuals to enhance fake social media profiles and counterfeit ID documents that support fraudulent activities. According to the FBI, AI algorithms can produce "realistic" images that are being exploited in social engineering campaigns, spear phishing attempts, scams, and even "romance schemes." AI-generated audio and video content poses similar risks. Criminals can now impersonate public figures or even people personally known to their targets, requesting financial assistance or access to sensitive information like bank accounts. The FBI advises users to establish a "secret word" or phrase with trusted family and friends as a quick way to verify identities. Additional tips to guard against generative AI-enabled crimes include carefully inspecting images and videos for irregularities or inconsistencies, as well as minimizing the online availability of personal images or voice recordings. When dealing with financial requests, the FBI stresses the importance of verifying their legitimacy through direct phone calls rather than relying on text or email. Sensitive information should never be shared with individuals met exclusively online. While it may seem obvious, the FBI also reiterates that sending money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to strangers online is highly risky and often leads to fraud.