The global technology market has turned its attention to Brazil. This time, a company from Anápolis, specialized in marketing and communication solutions, has been acquired by a British investment group based in Singapore, with a solid track record in the sector.

Founded by Gabriel Matheus de Andrade Pereira, the company has stood out in recent years for developing technologies that enhance the connection between brands and consumers. With the deal, the company joins TechNova and AIConnect, other Brazilian startups that will now also operate under the fund’s management.

The group, which already coordinates campaigns for companies such as John Deere and Philips, has a strong focus on strategic acquisitions in the areas of technology, artificial intelligence, and marketing.

Regarding the transaction, Fernando Linhares of AIConnect stated that the move will help “expand the global reach of Brazilian innovation.” Meanwhile, Marcos Oliveira of TechNova believes that “the fund’s support is a turning point to reach strategic markets and enhance the developed technology.”

Now, Gabriel Matheus, who leads innovation across the three companies, highlights the benefits of this merger: “This is a transformative opportunity to explore new markets and expand our global vision, especially with Singapore emerging as one of the most promising hubs for technology and innovation.”

The investment will enable accelerated growth and help the company solidify its presence in both the national and international markets, elevating Anápolis to the status of a technological innovation hub.

Jennifer Crumbley Found Guilty of Negligence in Allowing Son Access to Gun in Landmark Case

In a landmark ruling, a jury has convicted Jennifer Crumbley, 45, of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the 2021 mass shooting carried out by her son, Ethan Crumbley, at Oxford High School in Michigan. This makes her the first US parent to be convicted of manslaughter in connection to a shooting carried out by their child.

Crumbley was found guilty of failing to prevent her 15-year-old son from obtaining a firearm, which he used to kill four students and injure seven others on November 30, 2021. Prosecutors argued that Crumbley was negligent by allowing Ethan to have access to the weapon and ignoring the warning signs regarding his deteriorating mental health.

In a separate trial, Ethan’s father, James Crumbley, has pleaded not guilty to similar charges. Their son, now 17, is currently serving a life sentence in prison for the shooting.

The jury’s decision was described by the judge as likely one of the hardest they had ever faced. As the verdict was read in Oakland County court on Tuesday, Jennifer Crumbley stood with her head bowed.

Crumbley was convicted of four counts of involuntary manslaughter, each carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Some of the victims’ relatives expressed relief following the verdict. Buck Myre, the father of 16-year-old victim Tate Myre, stated, “The People spoke! You can agree or disagree with the people, but this is how the system is supposed to work.”

The shooting claimed the lives of Hana St Juliana (14), Tate Myre (16), Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling (17). In the court hearings, it was revealed that the Crumbleys had purchased the gun just days before the tragedy.

Jennifer Crumbley claimed that she had attempted to address her son’s mental health issues but had been met with resistance. Furthermore, an independent investigation conducted last year highlighted numerous failures by the school system, including allowing Ethan Crumbley to return to class after being flagged for unusual behaviour, without checking his backpack.

Prime Minister Calls Morgan’s Mother Following A&E Wait, Sending Flowers and Offering Support

Piers Morgan has revealed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak personally reached out to his 79-year-old mother after she had a difficult experience in A&E, which he had discussed during a TV interview. The broadcaster challenged Sunak over the state of the NHS, sharing the details of his mother’s lengthy wait in an A&E corridor, following a heart attack.

Morgan described how, despite being driven to the hospital by ambulance, his mother was left on a trolley for nearly seven hours before being seen. He compared the situation to a “war zone.” In response, Sunak called the account “shocking” and admitted that performance in A&E and ambulance waiting times were “not good enough.”

However, Sunak maintained that the NHS challenges stemmed from the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, denying that the Conservative Party had failed the NHS since taking power in 2010.

In a follow-up on his TalkTV show, Morgan disclosed that the Prime Minister had reached out to his mother after the interview. While initially reluctant to share the details, Morgan felt it was important to counter some of the criticism Sunak had received, especially from journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

Morgan explained: “He called her for 10 minutes and had a really lovely chat with her.” He also mentioned that Sunak had sent a large bouquet of flowers to his mother, which she was very touched by. The flowers and phone call were greatly appreciated by Morgan’s mother, who was moved by the Prime Minister’s personal gesture.

Further Disruption Expected for Travelers as Snow and Ice Conditions Worsen

The Met Office has broadened its snow and ice weather warning to cover additional areas of Scotland, anticipating travel disruptions for those venturing across affected regions. Initially issued on Tuesday afternoon, the yellow warning for snow and ice was set to last until midday on Wednesday, encompassing parts of the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, and central Scotland.

By Tuesday evening, the Met Office extended the alert to include Glasgow and Aberdeen, as further accumulations of snow, up to 3cm, were expected throughout the affected areas. In the north-west Highlands, snow depths could rise to 5-8cm, while icy conditions present an additional hazard for both pedestrians and drivers.

In addition to the Scottish warning, a separate yellow alert for snow has been issued for Northern Ireland, north Wales, and northern England. The warning, effective from 6am Thursday until 6am Friday, predicts up to 2cm of snow at lower levels and between 2-5cm at altitudes above 200 metres. The higher ground could see significant snowfall, with up to 25cm above 400 metres.

The Met Office has cautioned of potential power outages, travel delays, and the possibility of some rural communities becoming isolated. Snowfall may ease later in the day on Thursday, but rain or drizzle could replace it in the southern and eastern parts of the warning area.

Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick warned that Thursday would likely see the most disruption, including possible cancellations of air and rail travel. He highlighted that the easterly winds would bring the heaviest snow to the Pennines and the northern Welsh mountains.

Looking ahead, Eslick added that a cold spell is expected as high pressure moves in over the UK, bringing cooler conditions that could persist into late February.

Legendary Centre Departs Following Super Bowl Win and Iconic Career with Philadelphia

Jason Kelce has officially announced his retirement from professional football after an illustrious 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 36-year-old centre made the decision at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex on Monday, bringing an end to a legacy that not only solidified his status as one of the greatest centres of his generation but also made him an integral figure in the Eagles’ sole Super Bowl victory.

Throughout his career, Kelce was known for his leadership, remarkable skills, and unique personality, which endeared him to fans across the globe. Beyond his football achievements, Kelce has also found success outside the sport as a popular podcast host alongside his brother, Travis Kelce, who plays tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles’ official X account shared a tribute to their legendary centre, posting a highlight reel of his most memorable moments with the team, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “To the GOAT. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Joshua Dismisses Criticism of Ngannou’s Boxing Debut, Calling It a Legitimate Test

Anthony Joshua has firmly rejected the notion that his upcoming fight against MMA star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday is a mere spectacle. The former heavyweight champion insists that Ngannou deserves the opportunity and is a legitimate challenge in the ring.

This will be Joshua’s first appearance in the ring since his December victory over Otto Wallin, which saw him triumph in a five-round contest. With this fight, Joshua aims to move closer to securing a long-awaited title clash with Tyson Fury.

Ngannou, who gave Tyson Fury a tough challenge in their October bout, even knocking the WBC champion down in the third round before losing by a controversial split decision, is someone Joshua respects as a formidable opponent.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua stated: “This is not a gimmick. It’s not just a fight to attract broadcasters or for entertainment. This is a serious contest, and Ngannou is putting up a good fight against a fighter considered by many to be a generational talent.”

Joshua continued by praising Ngannou’s potential, acknowledging that for a fighter to be deemed world-class, they must remain at the top for a considerable time. “Ngannou is an athlete with immense potential,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his earlier views of MMA fighters crossing over into boxing, which gained attention following Conor McGregor’s loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2017, Joshua admitted that he initially saw it as a gimmick. However, he now believes that certain MMA fighters, like Ngannou, can transition effectively to boxing.

Joshua concluded, “It’s good for us fighters and broadcasters alike, as we’re about to see me and Ngannou clash in the ring.”

Khasha Smith, Missing for Six Months, May Have Come to Harm, Police Suggest

Police have raised concerns that Khasha Smith, a 35-year-old mother of three who has been missing for over six months, “may have come to harm”. Smith, from Calder in Edinburgh, was last seen on October 10, 2023, during a Facetime call with a friend. Her family, alarmed by her sudden disappearance and lack of contact, reported her missing on January 5, 2024.

Khasha Smith’s mother, Nicola Neil, and her daughter, 18-year-old Calley Smith, have issued emotional appeals for information, describing the pain of not knowing her whereabouts. Nicola expressed how unbearable the uncertainty has been, saying, “It’s hard to find the words to explain the ‘not knowing’ where she is and if anything has happened to her.”

Police Scotland has launched an extensive search, including the use of dog units, specialist teams, and underwater search resources, focusing on areas Ms Smith is known to frequent, such as Gorgie, Broomhouse, and Wester Hailes. Despite these efforts, there have been no significant developments.

The family is particularly distraught by the fact that Khasha missed her daughter’s 18th birthday, something her daughter describes as “unthinkable.” Calley said, “My mum would never miss my birthday. It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.”

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, who is leading the investigation, emphasised that while police remain hopeful Khasha will be found safe, they must consider the possibility of her coming to harm. “We have to consider all possibilities. Our focus is to build a picture of Khasha’s life in the months leading up to her disappearance.”

The police have asked anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. A public portal has been set up for people to send any information directly to authorities. “It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha,” said DCI Williamson.

Her family is pleading for answers, with Nicola urging, “Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I miss her so much.”