Change was the platform on which President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and later the National People’s Power (NPP) Government claimed power in the November 2024 elections. Change from the old ways of doing politics, of governance and in the way decisions are taken on behalf of the country and its people. And people fed up with the powers-that-be were seeking exactly that. Despite that, the NPP absolute majority was a bolt from the blue, even for the party itself. The NPP made pre-election statements, saying why it was not critical to get an absolute majority and why a simple majority would be enough to do its work. Yet the people spoke as one and by giving the party a full mandate to make changes, it gave AKD and his team a free hand to change the course of politics and governance in Sri Lanka. And the first impressions – 90 days or so after Anura Kumara Dissanayake became the 9th Executive President and barely 45 days after NPP secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament – is a theme – of Continuity in Change. A 22-member Cabinet is a departure from the 56-member Cabinet of the previous Government in 2019. Many of the cabinet members and deputy ministers are engineers, doctors and graduates or postgraduates with experience in academia. This is a distinct departure from previous Governments who were filled with battle hardened politicians. There were no big firecracker celebrations to celebrate such a big victory. A small yet significant marker that brings focus on the actions that are demonstrating the new political culture that’s envisioned. In the approach with the IMF and conversations about reducing the burden of taxes on the masses. There seems to be a conscious effort not to be overtly in the limelight. And an effort to tone down the previous efforts by politicians to hog it. Some sources speak of an over cautious approach in dealing with processes. Causing speculation if it’s due to the inexperience and therefore diffidence of the team. Yet the continuity is also there for all to see. In the way the Government engaged immediately with the IMF making it clear that they will be honouring all previous agreements and that there would be no earth shaking reviews that could cause alarm and concern among the larger international community. The Government has been nuanced in its pronouncements and has not gone on an instant witch hunt aimed at opponents, to placate voters, but clearly stated that any previous wrongdoing will be pursued in time and any guilty brought to book. The decisions not to replace the current central bank governor and secretary of finance are significant signals of the intent of the new Government – which is to retain those who are crucial in the rebuilding of the economy and for managing the monetary policy to prevent any crisis as seen in the past. There have been no vigorous ‘red flag’ waving metaphorically – no loud assertions of leftist ideology, but a pragmatic people oriented approach to policy and process. The Government’s theme of ‘Continuity in Change’ has been demonstrated clearly in the recent visit to India by the President. Over the decades it’s been a tradition of Sri Lankan presidents to first visit Delhi (before going anywhere else overseas). The President honoured this tradition but chose a date after the Parliamentary election to do so. Delhi rolled out the red carpet for the President of Sri Lanka, acknowledging the massive mandate he has received from the people of Sri Lanka and recognising that decisions he and his team take with regard to the bilateral relationship will determine its future. The change seemed in the way the President travelled to Delhi – by a regular UL commercial flight to Delhi. And returning taking selfies with other travellers in the airport. And the continuity was in the approach to India – appreciating its security concerns and assuaging any concerns that might exist in New Delhi therein. By acknowledging India’s key role in bringing Sri Lanka out of the economic crisis in 2021. And in the agreements signed and stating up front that India is going to be a key partner in Sri Lanka’s economic future. A leading news outlet ‘Tehelka’ reported on how the visit of the President resulted in a ‘lowering’ of apprehensions in India about the new Government. Indeed if this combination of powerful symbolic action to signal the change in political culture is combined by a pragmatic approach of continuing the wise things in terms of policy, Sri Lanka could be in for a period of sustained enduring stability and economic growth. And consequently, a popular Government backed by the grassroots. Of course the journey of this Government has just begun and it’s too early to either celebrate it fully or to write an epitaph but it could be said that It’s been an engaging start. Let’s back it to fulfil its potential. (The author is an Indian businessman living in Sri Lanka and can be reached on .)The Nora Vargas announcement Friday that she’s departing the San Diego County Board of Supervisors instead of serving her final term is the biggest local political shocker since, well, only a couple years ago when Nathan Fletcher resigned his own supervisor seat. Aside from incumbent county supervisors either a) occasionally losing re-election, b) winning a different office midway through their term, c) simply deciding not to run again, or d) in more recent years being term-limited from office, I would be hard pressed to find even one other example of an abrupt departure like those of Fletcher and now Vargas since at least the 1970s or 1980s, if not earlier. Now two in two years. That’s definitely not the norm. The Vargas example is even more rare, maybe unprecedented. She won re-election overwhelmingly in November and would have taken the oath of office Jan. 6. Instead, she announced she won’t be sworn in at all, thus in a sense ignoring her own victory. Technically it’s not a resignation, even though many in the media are calling it that, probably because it looks like one. It’s not, but maybe only a wonk recognizes — or cares about — the nuance. Vargas is completing her current term, not exiting early before her four years are up. She’s simply not starting her next term. A resignation? Technically, no. A departure? That’s closer to it. A refusal to take office? Yep. Unprecedented? Yeah, pretty much. Vargas’ Reasoning But why exactly is she showing herself the door? It’s safe to say no one except maybe those closest to Vargas truly knows the reason. Political insiders love to be on the inside. If they’re not “in the room where it happens,” they very much love to be close enough to someone in the room, so they hear the news first. Let’s just say this one is really chapping the hides of the usual “in-the-know” echo chamber poli-geeks. Voice of San Diego did a superb job dissecting and assessing a litany of possible reasons behind Vargas’s decision. Whatever is behind it, I don’t care to digest it further. Vargas’ reason is forthcoming. Or it isn’t. In either case, it won’t fill a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors. On January 6, 2025, Joel Anderson and Terra Lawson-Remer will take their oaths for respective second terms. Vargas will not. Appointment or Special Election? One of the first orders of business for the four supes left standing will be to determine how to fill the immediately and instantaneously vacant seat — either by appointment or by special election. The Fletcher resignation in 2023 is a lesson in what might be expected. Although some of the supervisors at that time (including Vargas) may have desired to save the significant costs of a special election through an appointment process, the community demanded the right to select their own representative. Many believe this was instrumental in the supes opting for a special election. Monica Montgomery-Steppe ultimately won that contest. Even more so, the prospects of an appointment to fill the vacancy are further complicated by a split board, with two Democrats (Montgomery-Steppe and Lawson-Remer) and two Republicans (Anderson and Jim Desmond), the same partisan makeup numbers-wise as in 2023 following the Fletcher exit. How does anyone get three votes to fill a vacancy? Yet the argument for a special election is somewhat discounted by the glaring fact that Vargas just won re-election. As a result, some will argue the recent election was already at significant taxpayer expense. “Why should we now spend even more for a special?!” But most significantly, this is a full-term seat that’s commencing without an occupant. What do you reasonably do other than hand the decision back to the voters? Watch for a special election. Who’s In? Next, it’s a given that Vargas’ District 1 South County area was drawn as a “safe Democratic seat.” The registration shows about 45.6% Dem, 22% Rep, and 25.6% decline-to-state. There will be a host of Dem names floated, and potentially there may be at least a handful that enter the fray. Jim Hinch at Voice and others hashed through several of those names, including various city officials from Chula Vista and National City. Some big name Democrats include Assemblyman David Alvarez and San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno. Yet with Republicans sometimes bucking the odds in typically low-turnout special elections, the seat isn’t necessarily as safely Dem as it may appear. The obvious Republican is Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, with his city making up roughly 46% of the supervisorial district. That provides for some interesting analysis, including whether the leading Democrats in a very busy and noisy primary prefer to face a Republican in a runoff, or one of their own. Polling firms are being hit up over the holidays, that’s for certain. When Will a New Supervisor be Seated? The San Diego County Charter speaks to the process and timing for special elections. Unless only two candidates qualify for the ballot or, in a larger field, one of the primary candidates achieves 50% of the vote, there will be both a primary and general election. In open-seat scenarios with multiple candidates, a contest ending in the primary is highly unlikely. The chance of only two candidates is slim, while multiple candidates makes it difficult for any to achieve a majority. Based on the charter, we should expect a longer-than-six-months process to hold both elections and seat a new supervisor. We have launched our year-end campaign. Our goal: Raise $50,000 by Dec. 31. Help us get there. Times of San Diego is devoted to producing timely, comprehensive news about San Diego County. Your donation helps keep our work free-to-read, funds reporters who cover local issues and allows us to write stories that hold public officials accountable. Join the growing list of donors investing in our community's long-term future. Board Officer Elections: Who’s in Charge? Which brings us to another important order of business to take up for the four remaining supervisors, now made even more fascinating with a 2-2 board. The supes have 30 days from the first meeting of the year to elect officers, including a chair, vice chair and chair pro tem. It’s typically done at the first meeting, known as the organizational meeting. Vargas is the current chair, wrapping up her second year in the position. It was anticipated that current Vice Chair Lawson-Remer would be the new chair in 2025, with the three Democrats (including Vargas) in alignment to support her. In recent years, when Vargas — and Fletcher prior to that — were selected as chair, Republicans Anderson and Desmond, in the minority on a 3-2 board, had no power to even consider themselves for the position. So what happens now, with Vargas out at the very moment of an officer election, leaving a 2-2 board? A stalemate? Would the supes go over six months without electing a chair? The charter doesn’t appear to speak to such a scenario, but even if it’s allowable, it might not be advisable. Agenda setting, internal board committees and regional, state and national board assignments are all potentially in play. This includes high profile positions such as SANDAG and the Metropolitan Transit System, among several others. The county also has in place policy indicating that officers remain in their positions until the board makes new appointments. It’s the common “continue to serve until replaced” rule. The charter further notes that “the vice-chairperson has full authority to act if the chairperson is absent or unable to act.” My understanding is the county clerk has already interpreted it to mean that in the absence of the chair being present, the vice chair would serve as chair. So Lawson-Remer. Ah, but there’s the rub. There’s also a very legitimate interpretation that when the board first meets in the new year, that no officers exist at all at the start of the meeting, including last year’s officers, Vice Chair Lawson-Remer and Chair Pro Tem Anderson. These are new terms, with both getting sworn in — as members of the Board of Supervisors, not as automatic officers of the board. If one or both hadn’t won re-election, would they continue to serve as officers until this gets figured out? Uh, no. The supervisors will likely need to find a way to navigate this dilemma, by selecting a chairperson, or finding a way to co-chair the meetings and proceedings. A coalition government may be in order. Weird times call for creative solutions. Happy New Year to the County of San Diego! Barry Jantz, a former La Mesa City Council member and former CEO of Grossmont Healthcare District, now runs Jantz Communications and is chairman of the Health Services Advisory Board for the County of San Diego. A version of this piece originally appeared on San Diego Rostra. Get Our Free Daily Email Newsletter Get the latest local and California news from Times of San Diego delivered to your inbox at 8 a.m. daily. Sign up for our free email newsletter and be fully informed of the most important developments.

Batties scores 16, Harvard takes down Iona 67-61

Risk adjusted net present value: What is the current valuation of Erasca’s Naporafenibum?AIR FORCE 82, MERCYHURST 48Iran says will hold nuclear talks with France, Germany, UK on Friday

CPEC Phase 2.0: Pakistan-China partnership enters new era with high-level engagements in BeijingThe Intel ARC B580, built on the Battlemage architecture, offers an affordable entry point for gamers seeking smooth 1440p performance. Priced at $249, it positions itself as a direct competitor to , combining modern features, AI-driven technologies, and a value-focused approach. With its balance of performance and price, the ARC B580 appeals to gamers who want high-quality visuals without overspending. This GPU is particularly suited for those looking to upgrade their gaming rigs without breaking the bank, making it a practical choice for mid-range setups. The Intel ARC B580, priced at $249, is a budget-friendly GPU designed for smooth 1440p gaming, competing directly with NVIDIA’s RTX 4060. Key specifications include 20 Xe2 cores, 20 ray tracing units, 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, and a 192-bit memory bus, with modest power requirements for mid-range PC builds. Performance highlights include solid 1440p gaming capabilities, AI-driven XCSS frame generation for smoother gameplay, and low-latency technology for esports enthusiasts. Innovative features like the Intel Graphics Control Center, AI-driven enhancements, and customizable profiles enhance the gaming experience, though XCSS adoption remains limited. While offering great value, limitations include weaker ray tracing performance compared to higher-end GPUs and restricted XCSS support, which may improve with broader developer adoption. The ARC B580 is powered by Intel’s Battlemage architecture, delivering a robust set of hardware specifications designed for modern gaming: 20 Xe2 cores, 5 render slices, and 160 vector engines 20 ray tracing units for enhanced lighting and reflections 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 192-bit memory bus Graphics clock speed of up to 2850 MHz These specifications ensure the GPU can handle demanding gaming workloads with ease, offering a solid foundation for both casual and competitive gamers. For connectivity, the card includes one HDMI 2.1a port and three DisplayPort 2.1 ports, supporting high refresh rates and resolutions for modern displays. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers using high-performance monitors. Its power requirements are modest, needing only a single 8-pin connector and a recommended 600W power supply, which simplifies integration into existing mid-range PC builds. The ARC B580 delivers solid performance in both benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. It competes closely with NVIDIA’s RTX 4060, particularly in 1440p gaming. Popular titles like , , and run smoothly, offering frame rates that meet the expectations of most gamers at this resolution. The GPU’s ability to maintain consistent performance across a variety of titles makes it a versatile option for gamers with diverse preferences. One of the standout features is Intel’s XCSS (Xe Super Sampling) frame generation technology. By using AI-based upscaling, XCSS boosts frame rates in supported games, providing a smoother experience without sacrificing visual quality. While its current availability is limited to a select number of titles, the potential for broader adoption in the future adds to its appeal. For esports enthusiasts, the ARC B580’s low-latency technology enhances responsiveness, making sure minimal input lag during fast-paced gameplay. Whether you’re into competitive shooters or real-time strategy games, this GPU delivers a seamless experience that caters to a wide range of gaming styles. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Intel ARC that you might find useful. The ARC B580 introduces several features aimed at improving your gaming experience: Offers customizable profiles for performance and visual settings, giving you greater control over your gaming setup. Reduces input lag, catering to gamers who demand precision and responsiveness. Beyond XCSS, the GPU uses AI to improve textures and details in supported games, delivering sharper visuals and more immersive environments. These innovations highlight Intel’s commitment to integrating innovative technologies into its graphics solutions. The ARC B580’s AI-driven capabilities not only enhance gaming performance but also future-proof the card for upcoming titles that may use these advanced features. This makes it a forward-looking choice for gamers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Intel’s Special Edition ARC B580 features a clean, minimalist design that appeals to gamers who prefer subtle aesthetics. Its compact form factor and understated look make it a good fit for a variety of PC builds, from sleek gaming rigs to more traditional setups. For those looking for additional options, third-party manufacturers like Acer, ASRock, and Sparkle offer their own versions of the card. These variants may include enhanced cooling systems, factory overclocks, or unique designs, providing more choices to suit different preferences and needs. Third-party models often cater to specific user demands, such as improved thermal performance for overclocking enthusiasts or quieter operation for those prioritizing a silent gaming experience. This variety ensures that the ARC B580 can meet the needs of a broad audience, further solidifying its position as a versatile and accessible GPU. While the ARC B580 excels in many areas, it does have some limitations: While capable, it falls short compared to higher-end GPUs. In demanding titles like , allowing Ultra ray tracing settings can lead to noticeable performance drops, which may affect the overall gaming experience. The effectiveness of XCSS depends on developer support, which is currently limited to a small number of games. Broader adoption will enhance its value over time, but for now, its impact remains somewhat restricted. These limitations may not be deal-breakers for budget-conscious gamers but are worth considering if ray tracing or widespread XCSS support is a priority. Despite these drawbacks, the ARC B580 remains a strong contender in its price range, offering a compelling mix of features and performance. The ARC B580’s release has sparked interest in Intel’s broader plans for the Battlemage architecture. Rumors suggest the potential launch of higher-tier B700 series GPUs, which could target 4K gaming and further establish Intel as a serious competitor in the graphics market. This development indicates Intel’s commitment to expanding its presence in the GPU space, challenging established players like NVIDIA and AMD. For now, the ARC B580 remains a strong choice for gamers focused on 1440p performance at an affordable price. Its competitive pricing, innovative features, and solid performance make it a noteworthy option for those seeking a balance between cost and capability. As Intel continues to refine its GPU offerings, the ARC B580 serves as a promising indication of what’s to come, setting the stage for future advancements in gaming technology. Media Credit:

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks' 26 points helped Milwaukee defeat IU Indianapolis 88-81 on Sunday. Fulks also contributed five rebounds and five assists for the Panthers (10-4, 3-0 Horizon League). Kentrell Pullian scored 20 points while going 5 of 9 from the floor, including 4 for 7 from 3-point range, and 6 for 8 from the line. Erik Pratt shot 5 for 9, including 1 for 4 from beyond the arc to finish with 11 points. Sean Craig led the way for the Jaguars (5-10, 1-3) with 22 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Paul Zilinskas added 21 points and three steals for IU Indianapolis. Jarvis Walker finished with 12 points and four assists. Milwaukee's next game is Thursday against Oakland on the road. IU Indianapolis hosts Youngstown State on Wednesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressSurveys have continued to show many Kiwis aren’t comfortable with eating genetically modified (GM) food, despite studies supporting its safety. In a new paper, Otago University researchers delved into the factors behind that scepticism – finding emotional responses play a major part. It comes as the Government is looking to overhaul its regulatory stance on gene tech, while Food Safety Australia New Zealand has been consulting on a new definition for GM food. New Zealand might be softening its regulatory stance on genetic modification – but a new snapshot survey suggests there’s still some consumer unease about its use in food. Our supermarkets are full of imported processed foods that contain GM ingredients and must be labelled accordingly – but our shelves are essentially bare of GM meat, fruit and vegetables. In a new study, Otago University researchers sought to explore what shaped peoples’ perceptions around GM and another long-standing food technology, irradiation, which is often used in fresh produce to control insect pests like fruit flies. While there’s now a wealth of international studies to support the safety of both technologies, research has continued to highlight a degree of public scepticism about them.FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL Macron’s office has announced a new government, after the previous Cabinet collapsed in a historic vote prompted by fighting over the country’s budget. Newly named Prime Minister Francois Bayrou put together the government that includes members of the outgoing conservative-dominated team and some new figures from centrist or left-leaning backgrounds. Coming up with a 2025 budget will be the most urgent order of business. The new government enters office after months of political deadlock and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s colossal debt. No single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. France has been mired in deadlock since Macron gambled on snap elections this summer in the hopes of bolstering his authority. The move backfired, with voters returning a parliament fractured between three rival blocs. Bayrou’s decades of political experience are seen as key in efforts to restore stability. Marine Le Pen’s far-right party helped bring down the previous government, and Bayrou’s Cabinet will seek to rely on moderate politicians from right and left to stay in power. Banker Eric Lombard will be finance minister, a crucial post when France is working to fulfil its promises to European Union partners to reduce its deficit, estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product this year. Lombard briefly worked as an adviser to a socialist finance minister in the 1990s. Bruno Retailleau stays on as interior minister, with responsibility for France’s security and migration policy. Sebastien Lecornu, who has been at the forefront of France’s military support for Ukraine, remains defence minister, while foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who has travelled extensively in the Middle East in recent weeks, also retains his post. Among the new faces are two former prime ministers. Manuel Valls will be minister for overseas affairs, and Elisabeth Borne takes the education ministry. The unexpected comeback of Valls, premier from 2014 to 2016, as the head of the overseas territories ministry indicates the importance of the post after authorities were strongly criticised for their response to the deadly cyclone on the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, which killed at least 35 people. The announcement came as France observed a day of mourning for the victims in the cyclone-hit Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, France’s poorest overseas territory.

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