All posts tagged: commits

John Arnold commits .6 million to study online sports betting risk

John Arnold commits $2.6 million to study online sports betting risk

Published by Sam Flores

John Arnold, founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures, speaks during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, March 20, 2024. Yi-Chin Lee | Houston Chronicle | Hearst Newspapers | Getty Images Billionaire philanthropist John Arnold says online sports betting has changed immeasurably since it became legal in the U.S. in 2018, thanks to the rise of online prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket and mobile apps like DraftKings and FanDuel. To better understand the potential risks, he’s awarding $2.6 million to researchers studying the evolving world of gambling on sports. The grants, which have not been previously reported, will go to researchers at universities and think tanks to look at the effect of gambling on financial well-being, household formation, mental health and consumer behavior. Arnold, who co-founded Arnold Ventures with his wife, Laura, told CNBC he wants lawmakers and regulators to wake up to the new reality of the booming sports betting market. “Being able to bet over the phone has dramatically increased access and lowered friction,” …

EU commits €1.07bn to new defence projects under EDF

EU commits €1.07bn to new defence projects under EDF

Published by skeptic

The European Commission has approved a major new round of funding for European defence projects, allocating €1.07bn to 57 initiatives under the European Defence Fund (EDF). The investment follows the evaluation of the 2025 EDF calls and is intended to reinforce the EU’s long-term defence strategy while accelerating technological development across the bloc. This latest tranche of funding aligns with the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 and supports four flagship programmes: the European Drone Defence Initiative, Eastern Flank Watch, the European Air Shield, and the European Space Shield. Together, these efforts form the backbone of the EU’s push to strengthen its strategic autonomy and defence capabilities. Record interest signals growing momentum The 2025 EDF calls drew unprecedented interest, with 410 proposals submitted – an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. This surge highlights growing engagement across Europe’s defence and research sectors, as well as rising demand for collaborative defence projects. Of the €1.07bn total, €675m has been earmarked for 32 capability development projects, while €332m will fund 25 research initiatives. These investments reflect a …

EU nuclear energy plan commits €330M to fusion and reactor research

EU nuclear energy plan commits €330M to fusion and reactor research

Published by skeptic

The European Commission has approved a new two-year research agenda to advance EU nuclear energy capabilities, with a strong emphasis on fusion energy, reactor safety, and technological independence. The 2026–2027 Euratom Research and Training Work Programme outlines more than €330m in funding to support nuclear power innovation as Europe prepares for rising electricity demand and long-term decarbonisation targets. The initiative forms part of a broader policy framework tied to the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality goal and aligns with recent industrial and energy strategies, including efforts to scale up clean technologies and reduce reliance on external energy sources. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, explained: “The EU wants to lead the world in innovative nuclear technologies, which will be key to securing our energy independence, competitiveness, and decarbonisation. “That is why we are working closely together with researchers, industry, startups, and regulators on small modular reactors (SMRs) safety and to accelerate fusion energy, with the ambition to be the first to take fusion from lab to grid. “For that, we need to ensure that our …

EastEnders spoilers next week: Zoe’s son arrives and Bea commits fraud

EastEnders spoilers next week: Zoe’s son arrives and Bea commits fraud

Published by Daniella Wilson

A big week lies ahead for the EastEnders – there’s fraudulent activity, dodgy deals and an estranged son turning up in Albert Square. After her dramatic first week at the car lot, Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) agrees to a potentially illegal scheme with Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), while Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) becomes desperate for cash and decides to take advantage of her current living situation. Meanwhile, Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan) and adoptive mum Sandra (Dawn Steele) arrive in Walford, but how long will it be before he comes face-to-face with birth mother Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)? Elsewhere, Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) is disapproving of Penny Branning’s (Kitty Castledine) pregnancy, and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) receives a huge shock when she tries to track down Max Branning (Jake Wood). What has she seen? Here’s a look at everything happening in EastEnders between Monday 16th and Thursday 19th March. 6 EastEnders spoilers for next week 1. Mark Fowler ropes Lauren Beale into a dodgy scheme Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) agrees to work with Mark Fowler (Stephen …

General Catalyst commits B to India over five years

General Catalyst commits $5B to India over five years

Published by skeptic

General Catalyst, a Silicon Valley-based venture firm with more than $43 billion in assets under management, has announced it plans to invest $5 billion in India over the next five years, sharply expanding its push into the country’s startup ecosystem less than two years after merging with local venture firm Venture Highway. The commitment, unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Friday, will target startups across artificial intelligence, healthcare, defense technology, fintech, and consumer technology. The announcement marks a significant increase from the $500 million to $1 billion the firm had previously earmarked for India. India, the world’s most populous country with more than a billion internet users, is positioning itself as a major AI investment destination. New Delhi aims to attract over $200 billion in AI infrastructure investments over the next two years as it hosts the India AI Impact Summit with participation from companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. “India will build the next generation of global platform companies,” General Catalyst CEO Hemant Taneja (pictured above) said, adding that …

World Monuments Fund Commits M. for Heritage Sites in 2026

World Monuments Fund Commits $7 M. for Heritage Sites in 2026

Published by José Betancourt

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has announced that it will commit $7 million in 2026 to support 21 new preservation projects. Founded in 1965 and originally known as the International Fund for Monuments, the New York–based WMF has for the last 60 years worked to preserve more than 700 heritage sites across the globe. The organization’s 2026 funding will go to projects at places included on the organization’s 2025 World Monuments Watch List—a biannual, nomination-based list of 25 sites worldwide that are being affected by climate change, natural disaster, unsustainable tourism, and conflict—as well as to programs at additional locations not on the list. Related Articles This year’s projects include physical interventions as diverse as preserving mural paintings at the Church of Saint-Eustache in Paris, restoring the gardens at Safdar Jang’s Tomb in New Delhi, and repairing earthquake-damaged buildings on Japan’s Noto Peninsula. The money will also support management, training, and community engagement programs, including one at Bear’s Ears National Monument in Utah that balances visitor access to its famed petroglyphs with Indigenous stewardship. Another …

NY Archbishop Hicks commits to missionary church at installation

NY Archbishop Hicks commits to missionary church at installation

Published by Sam Flores

NEW YORK (RNS) — Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks began his first homily as the leader of about 2.5 million New York Catholics by speaking Spanish, quoting from a hymn almost every Mass-going Latino knows. “Lord, take my life,” he began in Spanish, imperfectly quoting from “Alma Misionera,” or “Missionary Soul.” He continued, “I’m willing to do whatever you want, no matter what it is, you lead me to serve.” On Friday (Feb. 6), Cardinal Timothy Dolan formally stepped down after more than 16 years leading the Archdiocese of New York as Hicks became his successor. Hicks most recently served as bishop of Joliet, Illinois, and previously led an orphanage in El Salvador, was a Chicago priest and served as a seminary formation director. At age 58, he presumably will have almost two decades to lead the influential diocese before he is expected to submit his resignation at 75. At his installation Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Hicks made two things crystal clear: that he seeks to lead a church that will, at its heart, be missionary, …

Electric Macan outsold gas in 2025, but Porsche commits to gas for some reason

Electric Macan outsold gas in 2025, but Porsche commits to gas for some reason

Published by skeptic

Porsche’s all-electric Macan outsold its combustion-engined one in 2025, the only model where the company sells both gas and electric versions. And yet, the company still recently committed to delaying future EV models and extending availability of combustion ones, despite the weakness that combustion car sales are showing globally. Porsche released its full-year 2025 global sales numbers today, showing growth in electrified car sales that defied an overall drop in combustion car sales for the company. Porsche’s overall global sales of “electrified” models increased 7.4%, while sales of all models combined dropped 10%, showing strength in plug-in models and weakness in combustion-engines ones. 22.2% of Porsche’s global sales were fully electric, and 12.1% were plug-in hybrids. And in Europe, a majority (57.9%) of Porsche’s deliveries were electrified, with 1/3 of its European sales being fully electric. For models that have no fully electric version but do have a PHEV (Cayenne and Panamera), the plug-in hybrid version dominated sales. Advertisement – scroll for more content Of particular note, the Macan sold better with an electric powertrain …

US commits .7bn to revitalise uranium enrichment

US commits $2.7bn to revitalise uranium enrichment

Published by skeptic

The United States is making its most significant investment in uranium enrichment in decades. The Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a major $2.7bn plan to rebuild and expand domestic uranium enrichment capacity over the next ten years. The funding marks a decisive shift away from foreign uranium suppliers, signalling a renewed national push to strengthen energy security while accelerating what officials describe as a new era for American nuclear power. Rebuilding America’s uranium enrichment base At the heart of the initiative is the expansion of US capabilities to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU), the fuel used by today’s commercial nuclear reactors, alongside the development of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a next-generation fuel required for advanced reactor designs. By investing in both, the DOE aims to ensure that America’s 94 operating nuclear reactors continue to run reliably while laying the groundwork for future nuclear technologies. Companies selected for funding To advance this goal, the DOE has awarded task orders to three companies previously selected through competitive contracts. American Centrifuge Operating and General Matter will each receive …