777jogo vip
Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of material from 11 contributing columnists , along with other commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• Thanksgiving has always been a time to gather around the table, share a hearty meal, and express gratitude with loved ones. Yet in recent years, the holiday can sometimes feel more like navigating a minefield of political debates and family tensions, especially after a divisive election season. So how can we transform this cherished tradition back into a harmonious celebration? One unconventional ingredient might just do the trick: cannabis. Cannabis has long been recognized for its calming properties. With recent legalization, it’s now legal in Minnesota and many other states, and is more socially accepted. Mindfully incorporating cannabis into your Thanksgiving festivities — through infused recipes, pre-meal edibles or discreet tinctures — can help create a more mellow atmosphere, potentially easing the stress that often accompanies large family gatherings. The cannabis plant’s active compounds, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), work synergistically to promote relaxation in unique ways. CBD is non-psychoactive and known for its calming effects, making it ideal for those who want to manage anxiety without feeling “high.” THC, on the other hand, provides a mild euphoria and can enhance sensory experiences, making shared moments feel more enjoyable and connected. Cannabis can also enhance the sensory delights of the holiday. Flavors, smells, and laughter all become richer, transforming the meal into an immersive experience. When thoughtfully dosed and responsibly shared, cannabis can remind everyone of the true essence of Thanksgiving: gratitude, connection and joy. Cooking with cannabis doesn’t mean just tossing it into any dish. It requires a thoughtful approach to flavors and effects. From infused butters and oils to delicate desserts, cannabis can elevate the culinary experience when used responsibly. Imagine a pumpkin pie with a subtle hint of cannabis-infused spice or a savory gravy that not only delights the palate but also soothes the soul. From canna-cranberry Brie bites to infused pecan pie bars, here are some of my favorite cannabis-infused recipes for Thanksgiving. Bridging generational and political divisions Introducing cannabis into the Thanksgiving menu might also open doors for intergenerational conversations. For older family members who remember the stigma surrounding cannabis, this could be an opportunity to discuss its evolving legal status and medicinal benefits. Such dialogues can foster understanding and perhaps even dispel long-held misconceptions. Cannabis has been a central topic of discussion in my family for years, especially since I earned a Ph.D. in cannabis molecular genetics and genomics and started working in the hemp industry. All of the younger adults in our family openly consume cannabis, embracing it as a way to relax, enhance social connections or manage holiday stress. Interestingly, some members of the older generation have also started exploring cannabis, often for medicinal purposes. This shared interest across generations has sparked meaningful conversations and even served as common ground during family gatherings, bridging generational divides. When it comes to politics, family members might find themselves on opposite ends of the political spectrum. After a polarizing election, cannabis could serve as a neutral ground — a shared experience that shifts focus away from divisive and contentious topics to more lighthearted or reflective moments. Its ability to promote relaxation can also help lower emotional defenses and reduce the intensity of disagreements. Ultimately, the goal is to focus on what truly matters: togetherness, love and understanding. While cannabis alone won’t resolve deep-seated differences, it can act as a catalyst for a more peaceful and enjoyable post-election season. By prioritizing relaxation and goodwill, families have an opportunity to nurture bonds and celebrate their commonalities rather than dwelling on divisions. Mindful consumption It’s important to approach this idea with caution and respect for all guests. Not everyone may be comfortable with cannabis and dietary preferences vary. Clearly label any cannabis-infused dishes and offer plenty of non-infused options as well. Open communication is essential — inform your guests ahead of time so they can make informed choices. When it comes down to deciding how much to consume, here are some guidelines to consider: 1-2.5 mg THC: This is ideal for those new to cannabis or those looking for a mild, relaxing effect without getting too high. This dosage is great for a light, social buzz during the holiday meal. 2.5-10 mg THC: This range is suitable for moderate users who want stronger effects like enhanced euphoria, creativity or pain relief. It’s perfect for those who want to fully enjoy the festive spirit. 10-20 mg THC: For more experienced users, this dosage provides potent effects that could include deep relaxation and heightened sensory experiences, perfect for unwinding after a big meal. 20-50 mg THC: This high dosage is for seasoned cannabis users. It can induce intense euphoria, mood elevation and deep relaxation, but it also comes with a higher risk of anxiety or paranoia. These doses may be suitable for experienced users, but can cause discomfort if you are unaccustomed to THC. 50-100+ mg THC: These doses are considered high and can lead to significant psychoactive effects, including deep euphoria, altered perception of time, and strong physical relaxation. However, such doses can also be overwhelming, especially for novices. As always, start with a low dose and wait at least two hours before taking more to avoid overconsumption, especially when enjoying cannabis-infused dishes at a family gathering. If someone consumes too much THC and starts feeling overwhelmed, CBD (cannabidiol) can help counteract the effects. CBD has calming properties that can reduce THC-induced anxiety, helping bring someone back to a comfortable state. The idea of “Danksgiving” started out as a playful twist on Thanksgiving where people incorporate cannabis into their holiday celebrations. Over time, though, the concept has evolved beyond Thanksgiving to become a broader celebration of gratitude, community and cannabis, no matter the time of year. My friend Jerry Collins, the owner of Big Dream Organics in Albert Lea, has an exciting plan for Thanksgiving this year. He’s preparing two smaller turkeys to cater to his guests’ preferences. One turkey will be cooked using one of my products, Doctor Dabs Cajun THC seasoning, offering a unique, flavorful twist for those who partake, while the other will be prepared traditionally for underage guests or those who prefer non-infused dishes. He is also making a signature seasoned sour cream using Doctor Dabs Southwest Chile THC Seasoning, which promises to be a hit as a savory and infused dip or condiment. With these creative dishes, Jerry is ensuring that everyone at the table, whether they’re seeking traditional comfort or an adventurous culinary experience, will have a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all purchasers of Celsius Holdings, Inc. CELH common stock between February 29, 2024 and September 4, 2024. Celsius is a holding company that develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States and internationally. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (a) Celsius materially oversold inventory to Pepsi far in excess of demand, and faced a looming sales cliff during which Pepsi would significantly reduce its purchases of Celsius products; (b) as Pepsi drew down significant amounts of inventory overstock, Celsius' sales would materially decline in future periods, hurting the Company's financial performance and outlook; (c) Celsius' sales rate to Pepsi was unsustainable and created a misleading impression of Celsius' financial performance and outlook; and (d) as a result, Celsius' business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as indicated in defendants' class period statements. When the truth came out, the price of Celsius' stock dropped, harming investors. What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Celsius Holdings, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Celsius Holdings, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Aaron Dumas, Jr. Robbins LLP 5060 Shoreham Pl., Ste. 300 San Diego, CA 92122 adumas@robbinsllp.com (800) 350-6003 www.robbinsllp.com https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsLLP/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/robbins-llp/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fb87e61-c710-4cb7-b6ab-1c00be45ba08 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
KISS PR Brand Story Leads Innovation: Now Accepting Bitcoin Payments for Press Release ServicesRimini Street Announces New Management Console for Rimini ConnectTM Suite of Interoperability SolutionsEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Briony Douglas makes big things. The Toronto-based artist has built a life-sized Formula 1 car, a three-metre-high cowboy boot, and an elephant made from more than 225 kilograms of rope. Her latest big project — both figuratively and literally — is a goalie mask, which she's made out of sticks used by players in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Called "The Inaugural Six" — referring to the league's six founding teams — it stands four feet by six feet (1.21 metres by 1.83 metres). The giant mask will be unveiled at Toronto's Eaton Centre to help the PWHL celebrate the puck dropping on the league's second season, which starts this week. Art 101 The divide between art and sports can be vast, but sometimes art and sports have been friends CBC Arts spoke to Douglas about why she makes art about sports, how the sticks made her feel closer to the players, and why she's stoked to have her art in a mall. CBC: Why did you want to do this project? Briony Douglas: As a woman, I believe empowering women in sports is super important. Any way that I can do that through art is also very important to me. I think art is an unbiased way to begin a conversation and spark people's conversations about things that are important in the world. I loved the league already, and I'm super excited to help highlight them in this unique way. CBC: OK, but why this specific thing? Why a goalie mask made out of old hockey sticks? BD: I love creating art out of items that people wouldn't usually create art out of. I think finding beauty in things that have been discarded or upcycled speaks to a lot of things in our lives. And I love a challenge. I have ADHD, so something different every day is exciting for me. Learning how to navigate fibreglass hockey sticks into a giant goalie mask was definitely not not a challenge. Artist Briony Douglas (Justin Jasmins) CBC: Fibreglass hockey sticks, I'm assuming, are a new medium for you. What's that like and what was the learning curve like? BD: Everything has a learning curve. That's what makes it exciting. That's what thankfully ended up being pretty straightforward ... Do you remember the dinosaurs that we would make when we were children out of the wooden slats? CBC: Sort of? BD: We essentially did that well with the goalie mask. So we would have a very strong base, and sturdy as well. And then from there, we learned how to cut and drill into the sticks, and then adhered it all, and did a little welding. So it was a learning curve, but not the worst learning curve I've ever had. CBC: This feels like a very silly question, but also one that must be asked. How did you go about collecting the sticks, how many are there and how long did it take you to get all of them? BD: OK, this is not a silly question. It actually is my favorite part of this whole story. So [the project's corporate sponsor] Royale asked the league to send upcycled sticks from all six teams. What's really cool is that there's names on every single stick., so every time I laid down a stick, I knew whose stick it was. So, in a lot of different angles of the sculpture, you can see the different players' names on it ... I can't articulate enough just how cool that is. Even the way that the different sticks are taped at the top by each player, they're all so different and so unique. CBC: Do you feel like you know the players a little now, after spending so much time looking at their sticks? BD: It's funny, I was on the Toronto Life [Rising Stars] list last week , and [ Toronto Sceptres players] Sarah Nurse, Natalie Spooner and Blayre Turnbull were [at the launch party] , and in my head I wanted to be like, "Guys! We're best friends. I just made a sculpture out of your sticks." I feel close to them without actually knowing them that well. Group Chat The Professional Women's Hockey League is making history — and selling out arenas CBC: So this piece is going to be on display at the Eaton Centre. On one hand, technically, it's just a mall. On the other hand, it looms pretty large as a Toronto landmark. What's it like having your art displayed somewhere where it's super accessible to people who may not inherently be art people? BD: I love it. And I feel like, not to go back to the pandemic, but I feel like for years, we just sat behind screens, having to view art through screens. So people being able to stand there and see my art in real life is, like, my favorite, favorite thing ever. Watching a little kid walk up to the art and be like, "Wait, that's hockey sticks?" And then the parent explaining to them the story behind it, I don't think there's any better feeling in the world than that. CBC: This isn't the first time you've done art about sports . What speaks to you about sports as a theme? BD: I think that for myself, I didn't see women creating art in these categories before, so I want to be that for other people. Like, just last week, I had a mom and her daughter come by the shop to look at the different things we're working on. [Ser] daughter's excited about art. And I just think if I can even be that spark for one little girl, that's pretty friggin' cool. The Inaugural Six is on display at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) in Toronto until Nov. 28.
No. 23 Texas A&M aims to hand Oregon first loss at Players EraSteven V. Roberts: Biden’s surprising pardon of his son helps Trump
BANGKOK — The order came from the top. China's leader Xi Jinping wants the recent spree of mass killings that shocked the country not to happen again. He ordered local governments to prevent future “extreme cases." The attacks, where drivers mow down people on foot or knife-wielding assailants stab multiple victims, are not new in China. But the latest surge drew attention. Local officials were quick to vow to examine all sorts of personal disputes that could trigger aggression, from marital troubles to disagreements over inheritance. However, the increasing reach into people’s private lives raises concerns at a time when the Chinese state has already tightened its grip over all social and political aspects in the East Asian nation. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . 'Revenge on Society Crimes' This is how people in China label these attacks. In November alone, three took place: A man struck people at an elementary school in Hunan province, wounding 30, after suffering investment losses. A student who failed his examination stabbed and killed eight at a vocational school in the city of Yixing. The most victims, 35 people, resulted from a man mowing down a crowd in the southern city of Zhuhai, supposedly upset over his divorce. A man lights a candle near flowers placed outside the Zhuhai People's Fitness Plaza, where a man deliberately rammed his car into people exercising at the sports center, killing some and injuring others in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Ng Han Guan While pinpointing the exact motive of such attacks can be difficult, there is an overwhelming feeling of being pressured within Chinese society, experts say. “On the surface, it seems like there are individual factors, but we see there’s a common link,” Wu Qiang, a former political science professor, said. “This link is, in my personal opinion, every person has a feeling of injustice. They feel deeply that this society is very unfair and they can’t bear it anymore.” Since 2015, Chinese police have targeted human rights lawyers and non-profit advocacy groups, jailing many, while keeping tight surveillance on others, effectively destroying the civil society that had been active from the early 2000s to 2010s. Wu was fired from Tsinghua University after conducting fieldwork during the 2014 Occupy protests in Hong Kong. He says police officers have been regularly stationed outside his home in Beijing since last year. A woman prays after incense were offered near flowers placed outside the Zhuhai People's Fitness Plaza, where a man deliberately rammed his car into people exercising at the sports center, killing some and injuring others in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Ng Han Guan Keeping a tight lid on the killings A decade ago, media outlets could report an incident as it developed and even share a suspect’s name. Nowadays, it's rarely possible. During the 24 hours before the death toll was released in the Zhuhai slaying, state censors were quick to remove any videos of the incident and eyewitness accounts shared online. In the case of the Hunan elementary school attack, authorities shared the number of the wounded only after the court sentencing, nearly a month later. A tally of violent attacks can be documented in other countries; notably, the U.S. had 38 mass killings so far this year, according to an Associated Press database. But in China, a lack of public data makes it hard to decipher mass killing trends. “From 2000 to 2010, there was a lot of discussions, including how do we help these people by making structural changes to reduce these risks, but now there’s not,” said Rose Luqiu, a well-known former journalist with state-owned Phoenix Television and an associate professor at Hong Kong Baptist University. Luqiu believes the government may be enforcing censorship thinking it will prevent copycats from imitating such crimes. “Things will only become more and more strict,” she predicted. For the Chinese state, “the only method to deal with it is to strengthen control.” Officials vow to ferret out hidden risks After the Zhuhai attack, Xi called on all local governments “to strengthen prevention and control of risks at the source, strictly prevent extreme cases from occurring, and to resolve conflicts and disputes in a timely manner,” according to the official Xinhua news agency. The AP found at least a dozen local government notices, from small towns to big cities, announcing actions in response. In eastern Anhui province, a ruling Communist Party leader inspected a middle school, a local police station, and even the warehouse of a chemical factory where he urged the workers to “ferret out any hidden risks.” He said they must “thoroughly and meticulously investigate and resolve conflicts and disputes,” including in families, marriages and neighborhoods. Police and prosecutors issued similar statements. The Ministry of Justice promised to curtail conflicts by looking into squabbles over inheritance, housing, land and unpaid wages. However, many expressed worry over how such disputes will be detected. “I think we’re at the beginning of a vicious cycle,” said Lynette Ong, a professor at the University of Toronto and author of “Outsourcing Repression: Everyday State Power in Contemporary China.” “If you nip the conflict in its bud, you’d imagine the system then would impose a lot of pressure ... on schools, enterprises and factories." The new announcements reminded Ong of China’s strict policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighborhood committees, the lowest rung of government, set up fences and barriers in front of buildings to control entry and exit and broke into homes in extreme cases to disinfect the apartments of people who had caught the virus. Eventually, people protested en masse. “If we see non-sensible measures being introduced, you’ll be met by resistance and anger and grievances from the people, and it’s going to feed into this vicious cycle where more extreme measures are going to be brought,” she said.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has paid tribute to Ruben Amorim's impact at Manchester United ahead of the Cherries' match at Old Trafford on Sunday. Iraola's side are sixth in the table, seven places ahead of United but just three points clear of their opponents. Brought in after Erik ten Hag was sacked as United boss, Amorim's stint began with a draw against Ipswich. United have since won four games and lost three, with last weekend's derby defeat of Manchester City followed by a League Cup loss against Tottenham. "I think they are different," said Iraola, whose side won the equivalent game 3-0 last season. "I think they play in a different way, different system, different approach to the games," he also told a pre-match press conference on Friday. "I... AFPBJP's Resounding Victory in Maharashtra: A Mandate for Modi's Vision
WASHINGTON (AP) — A freelance photographer and local government official from Illinois has been arrested on charges alleging he joined a mob's on the U.S. Capitol and pushed against a police officer’s riot shield, according to unsealed on Friday. Patrick Gorski, 27, was arrested in Chicago on Thursday on charges including obstructing law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, a felony. A federal judge ordered him released on bond after his initial court appearance. Gorski didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. An attorney who represented him after his arrest declined to comment on Gorski's behalf. Authorities allege that during the attack, Gorski climbed scaffolding, breaching police lines, and took photos and videos inside the building. He yelled at officers, pushed against an officer's riot shield and was eventually forced out after being sprayed with a chemical irritant, authorities said. When the FBI interviewed him, Gorski did not claim that he was working as a photojournalist and said he didn't bring his professional camera to the Capitol. He told federal agents that he had worked as a photographer for the Chicago Fire Department and for Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. He has not professionally published any photographs of the Capitol riot, according to the FBI. An FBI agent’s affidavit says some of Gorski’s sports photographs are available through Getty Images and have been “picked up” by The Associated Press and USA Today. Authorities said Gorski has continued to take photos at some local sporting events in Chicago but hasn't published any political photographs in the last five years. Gorski is not an Associated Press journalist and has never been employed by the news organization, said Lauren Easton, AP's vice president of corporate communications. "We have distributed some photos he took for AP’s photo partners and member news organizations," Easton said in a statement. Gorski's resume says he works as a building commissioner for the Village of Norridge, Illinois, and graduated earlier this year from Southeastern Illinois University with a master’s degree in public administration. He attended then-President Trump's “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House on Jan. 6 before he marched to the Capitol in a group of people that included conspiracy theorist and , who has hosted a show on Jones' Infowars website. On the west side of the Capitol, Gorski climbed up a wall onto stairs, helped another rioter onto the wall and removed a tarp covering scaffolding, according to the FBI. He climbed up and down the scaffolding before he helped pass a bike rack to other rioters, the agent's affidavit says. Gorski pointed and yelled at police officers outside the building. He also clapped and chanted, “Let us in!” After rioters broke through a police lines and sent officers retreating, Gorski hung a flag over the edge of a balcony. Gorski used his phone to take photos or videos inside a tunnel entrance that police were guarding, according to the affidavit. He screamed at the officers, “This is our house!” as he pushed against an officer’s riot shield, the FBI said. Gorski left the tunnel after several minutes and entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing door, taking more photos or videos inside the building, the affidavit says. An officer had to forcibly move Gorski from a doorway in another part of the Capitol, according to the agent. Gorski retreated after police sprayed him with a chemical irritant. Approximately one year after the attack, the FBI received a tip that Gorski had posted photos of the riot in a group chat with friends. More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the Capitol riot.
Lemonade Car Insurance Review 2024: Pros, Cons, and AlternativesKanesatake app on the way
Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said.
None