Body discovered in water off Shetland during search for a missing wild swimmer who disappeared two days after Christmas By JONATHAN BROCKLEBANK Published: 20:14 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 20:26 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments A body has been found in the water off Shetland in the search for a missing wild swimmer. It was discovered on Saturday by emergency services looking for 58-year-old Ian Napier who had not been seen or heard from since early the previous day. Although formal identification had yet to take place, Mr Napier’s family have been informed of the find. The Shetlander was last seen heading off for what police think would have been a walking or swimming session around Scousburgh Bay at 9am on Friday. A search involving the RNLI’s lifeboat from Lerwick and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Sumburgh was launched on Friday and the body was found at about 11.40am on Saturday. Police Scotland said the death was not being treated as suspicious. Dr Napier, who was senior fisheries policy adviser at further education college UHI Shetland, was a keen swimmer and paddle boarder. A body has been found off the coast of Shetland after a wild swimmer disappeared days after Christmas (file photo) Ian Napier (pictured) was last seen heading off for what police think would have been a walking or swimming session around Scousburgh Bay He was an Aberdeen University graduate and had worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food before returning to his native Shetland in 1995. Dr Napier was closely involved in establishing Shetland’s local shellfish fisheries management system and was a former chair of the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation. He was a well-known figure in the local community and many expressed their shock at the news on social media. ‘Gut wrenching,’ said one. ‘Ian is a good man. His life cut short far too soon.’ Police said a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Share or comment on this article: Body discovered in water off Shetland during search for a missing wild swimmer who disappeared two days after Christmas e-mail Add comment
Leyton Orient will attempt to claim a second straight victory when they travel to the Brick Community Stadium for Saturday's away clash with Wigan Athletic . The O's are sitting outside the League One relegation zone on goal difference, while the hosts are just two points better off in 17th position. © Imago Wigan currently find themselves in a relegation battle, with the Latics sitting two points above the drop zone after winning five, drawing five and losing seven of their 17 league matches this season. The Latics did at least enjoy a strong end to November, recording a 1-0 away win against Barnsley before claiming a narrow 2-1 home victory against Northampton Town. Wigan then fought back from a goal down to clinch an extra-time victory in their meeting with Cambridge United in the FA Cup second round. Unfortunately for Wigan, their encouraging run of form was brought to an end in Tuesday's away clash against Huddersfield Town, with Ollie Turton scoring the only goal of the game to condemn the Latics to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Their failure to find the net in midweek demonstrated why they are the league's lowest scorers, although they can take confidence from the fact they boast the second-best record in the third tier. © Imago Leyton Orient may be hovering just above the drop zone, but they will head into the weekend in a positive mood after losing just one of their previous seven matches in all competitions. After beating Boreham Wood on penalties in the FA Cup, the O's went on to record comfortable victories over Blackpool and MK Dons in the league and EFL Trophy respectively. Leyton Orient had to settle for a point from their next two matches, before they claimed an extra-time victory in their FA Cup clash against Oldham Athletic, setting up a third-round tie against Championship side Derby County. The O's enjoyed another successful outing in Tuesday's home league game against Bristol Rovers, with Dan Happe , Ollie O'Neill and Dan Agyei all finding the net in a 3-0 victory, representing their third win in four home league matches. However, they have struggled to produce similar results in recent road trips, having taken just one point from their four away games in the third tier. © Imago Wigan midfielder Tyrese Fornah is likely to be out for around four months after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday. Dion Rankine is pushing for a starting spot after featuring as a half-time substitute in Tuesday's away defeat to Huddersfield. Callum McManaman came off the bench to play over half an hour in midweek, putting him in the frame for a place in Saturday's lineup. As for the visitors, they recently confirmed that winger Jordan Graham has ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee - the same injury which saw him miss the majority of the 2023-24 campaign. Darren Pratley will have to be assessed after he was forced off in the early stages of the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers. Happe is also a doubt for Saturday's away trip after he picked up an injury issue in the second half of Tuesday's victory. Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup: Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Aimson, Robinson; Rankine, Weir, M. Smith, Aasgaard, McManaman; Taylor Leyton Orient possible starting lineup: Keeley; James, Beckles, Simpson, Currie; Ball, Brown; Forde, Sotiriou, Sinclair; Martin Wigan have won four of their previous five competitive matches against Leyton Orient, including each of their last three home encounters, and we think they will make full use of home advantage to claim another win over the O's on Saturday. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .For the second time in as many years, the Board of Regents has approved a request to plan to shuffle around the University of Montana’s schools into new colleges. The plan approved last year, spearheaded by former provost Pardis Mahdavi, focused on interdisciplinarity, such as adding a new School of Emerging and Applied Technology. The most recent plan is the opposite, and sorts similar disciplines together. The College of Humanities and Sciences will be split between the W.A. Franke College for conservation and forestry programs, a new Science College for mathematical, physical and biological sciences, and the Phyllis J. Washington College for humanities and education. For the second time in as many years, the Board of Regents has approved a request to plan to shuffle around the University of Montana’s schools into new colleges. UM Provost Adrea Lawrence told the Board at their Nov. 21 meeting that this new structure will improve the visibility of UM’s science programs, letting it stand out as a STEM college. She said the new structure will also make collaboration easier. Each proposed new college has a task force set up to help shape its implementation, Lawrence said, and her office has consulted with faculty, staff and students. Lawrence said that curricular changes will take place over the next three to five years in accordance with a portfolio review done last year. The Board unanimously approved the request along with all its other action items on Nov. 22. Andy Tallman is the education reporter for the Missoulian. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.Hundreds of trans patients admitted to hospital as women despite having conditions only suffered by MEN
ATLANTA, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Depot Inc. ("Bitcoin Depot” or the "Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM ("BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today celebrates a landmark moment in the cryptocurrency as Bitcoin surpasses its all-time price peak of $100,000. This industry milestone reflects growing global confidence in Bitcoin as a financial asset and highlights the increasing demand for accessible crypto solutions. "Bitcoin reaching $100,000 is an example of its resilience, staying power, and growing role in the financial ecosystem," said Brandon Mintz, CEO and founder of Bitcoin Depot. "This moment shows the growing trust millions place in Bitcoin and further establishes Bitcoin Depot's commitment of 'Bringing Bitcoin to the Masses ® ' by providing secure, user-friendly access points that bridge traditional finance and the digital economy." 2024 has been a defining period for the crypto industry, marked by significant advancements such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of the first Bitcoin spot ETFs and continued growing institutional adoption. These achievements, coupled with increased regulatory clarity and rising global interest in Bitcoin, further demonstrate cryptocurrency's expanding role in the financial landscape. Bitcoin Depot, with over 8,300 Bitcoin ATM kiosks deployed across North America and Puerto Rico, has cemented itself as a key player in facilitating crypto adoption. As the largest BTM operator in North America, the Company has built significant momentum in the last year, marked by key milestones such as bringing its BDCheckout Program to six new states, expanding into Puerto Rico , and introducing strategic retail partnerships with multiple major convenience and grocery store retailers. "Bitcoin's momentum is driving new users to enter the market, and many are choosing BTMs for secure and convenient access to cryptocurrency,” said Scott Buchanan, COO of Bitcoin Depot. "At Bitcoin Depot, we've always believed in providing everyone with easy access to Bitcoin, and as we grow, our focus remains on delivering a simple and reliable way to buy Bitcoin quickly and securely. This is just the beginning for the cryptocurrency industry and Bitcoin Depot as a leading provider.” Bitcoin Depot BTMs are designed to provide a seamless user experience, allowing customers to quickly convert cash into Bitcoin and access the broader digital financial system for payments, transfers, remittances, and investments. About Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with approximately 8,486 kiosk locations as of December 05, 2024. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, the anticipated effects of the Amendment, and the closing of the Preferred Sale. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "anticipate," "appears," "approximately," "believe," "continue," "could," "designed," "effect," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "initiative," "intend," "may," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "priorities," "project," "pursue," "seek," "should," "target," "when," "will," "would," or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Contacts: Investors Cody Slach Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 [email protected] Media Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 [email protected]
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesiaAre Hedge Funds Banking on Novartis AG (NVS)’s Core Income Growth?
One of the country’s largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from “significant widespread misinformation” about the policy. “To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services,” the statement said. “The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used "physician work time values," which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it's unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to “reverse the proposal immediately,” saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It's not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the “nuanced, unpredictable human element” of surgery and was a clear “money grab.” “It’s incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care,” he said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we’re delighted that they came to their senses.” Prior to Anthem's announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the “concerning” policy wouldn't affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant’s policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Devna Bose, The Associated PressWhenever the Broncos (7-5) need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns that sparked the Broncos' come-from-behind 29-19 win at Las Vegas. “Courtland played tremendous,” coach Sean Payton said. Again. “He’s just reliable,” Nix said. “He's just always there when you need him.” Sutton's size (6-foot-4 and 216 pounds) and experience (he's in his seventh NFL season) make him an ideal target and safety valve for the rookie QB whose confidence is growing by the week. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air,” Nix said. “You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.” Nix's first touchdown toss to Sutton was an 18-yarder that allowed the QB to break Marlin Briscoe's 1968 Denver rookie record of 14 TD passes, and the two connected again with 5:30 left to make it a two-score game. The Broncos trailed 13-9 at halftime and Nix said they knew they had to get the ball into Sutton's hands more in the second half after he had caught the only pass thrown his way in the first half (for 17 yards). “Didn’t target him (much) in the first half,” Nix said. “We come out and say, ‘Look, Courtland, this is your half.’ We take over the game. He goes for two touchdowns. That just kind of speaks for what he means to our team.” Sutton has been on a tear after since he wasn't targeted a single time in Denver's 33-10 win at New Orleans on Oct. 17. (Payton mentioned as recently as last week what an anomaly that game was because there was a heavy diet of plays for Sutton that just didn't pan out for various reasons.) In his six games before that goose egg, Sutton had 21 catches on 49 targets for 277 yards and a touchdown. In the five games since, he's caught 36 of the 48 balls thrown his way for 467 yards and three TDs. Plus, he threw a touchdown pass to Nix on a “Philly Special” at Baltimore in Week 9. “I think we're just scratching the surface,” Sutton said. Thanks in part to the chemistry between Nix and Sutton, the Broncos are in position for the seventh and final playoff spot entering December. The passing game, thanks to the Nix-Sutton connection. The running game. Javonte Williams had just 2 yards on eight carries and Audric Estime ran three times for 15 yards against the Raiders' run-heavy fronts and a steady diet of blitzes. Jaleel McLaughlin saved the day with seven carries for 44 yards. OLB Nik Bonitto. His 10 sacks make him the first Denver defender with double-digit sacks since 2018, when Von Miller did it. Once again, the Broncos' special teams, with the exception of K Wil Lutz, who hasn't missed a field goal attempt or extra point since his protection unit cratered at Kansas City three weeks ago and allowed the Chiefs to block what would have been the game-winning kick as time expired. On Sunday, the Raiders had a successful fake punt and a 59-yard kickoff return. Payton isn't saying much about the injuries to DE Zach Allen (heel) and CB Riley Moss (knee) except that to him they're not serious setbacks for either player. 2 — The Broncos are two games above .500 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with three wins. The Broncos host Cleveland (3-8) on Monday night ahead of their bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflFine Gael turns to ‘Prudent Paschal’ as polling day looms
Top 10 movies of 2024: In a time of scoundrels, ‘Brutalist,’ ‘Challengers’ and the movie about the exotic dancer
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Leyton Orient will attempt to claim a second straight victory when they travel to the Brick Community Stadium for Saturday's away clash with Wigan Athletic . The O's are sitting outside the League One relegation zone on goal difference, while the hosts are just two points better off in 17th position. © Imago Wigan currently find themselves in a relegation battle, with the Latics sitting two points above the drop zone after winning five, drawing five and losing seven of their 17 league matches this season. The Latics did at least enjoy a strong end to November, recording a 1-0 away win against Barnsley before claiming a narrow 2-1 home victory against Northampton Town. Wigan then fought back from a goal down to clinch an extra-time victory in their meeting with Cambridge United in the FA Cup second round. Unfortunately for Wigan, their encouraging run of form was brought to an end in Tuesday's away clash against Huddersfield Town, with Ollie Turton scoring the only goal of the game to condemn the Latics to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Their failure to find the net in midweek demonstrated why they are the league's lowest scorers, although they can take confidence from the fact they boast the second-best record in the third tier. © Imago Leyton Orient may be hovering just above the drop zone, but they will head into the weekend in a positive mood after losing just one of their previous seven matches in all competitions. After beating Boreham Wood on penalties in the FA Cup, the O's went on to record comfortable victories over Blackpool and MK Dons in the league and EFL Trophy respectively. Leyton Orient had to settle for a point from their next two matches, before they claimed an extra-time victory in their FA Cup clash against Oldham Athletic, setting up a third-round tie against Championship side Derby County. The O's enjoyed another successful outing in Tuesday's home league game against Bristol Rovers, with Dan Happe , Ollie O'Neill and Dan Agyei all finding the net in a 3-0 victory, representing their third win in four home league matches. However, they have struggled to produce similar results in recent road trips, having taken just one point from their four away games in the third tier. © Imago Wigan midfielder Tyrese Fornah is likely to be out for around four months after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday. Dion Rankine is pushing for a starting spot after featuring as a half-time substitute in Tuesday's away defeat to Huddersfield. Callum McManaman came off the bench to play over half an hour in midweek, putting him in the frame for a place in Saturday's lineup. As for the visitors, they recently confirmed that winger Jordan Graham has ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee - the same injury which saw him miss the majority of the 2023-24 campaign. Darren Pratley will have to be assessed after he was forced off in the early stages of the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers. Happe is also a doubt for Saturday's away trip after he picked up an injury issue in the second half of Tuesday's victory. Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup: Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Aimson, Robinson; Rankine, Weir, M. Smith, Aasgaard, McManaman; Taylor Leyton Orient possible starting lineup: Keeley; James, Beckles, Simpson, Currie; Ball, Brown; Forde, Sotiriou, Sinclair; Martin Wigan have won four of their previous five competitive matches against Leyton Orient, including each of their last three home encounters, and we think they will make full use of home advantage to claim another win over the O's on Saturday. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .
Courtland Sutton's surge is helping rookie Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos make a playoff pushLimor Suss Gift Card Stocking Stuffer