cleopatra slot game Outbrain Shareholders Vote to Support Teads AcquisitionNew Delhi: Ahead of the farmers’ march to Delhi scheduled for Friday, security has been tightened at the Shambhu border on NH-44, with both Haryana and Punjab police deploying significant resources to manage the swelling crowds of protesters. Over 100 farmers are preparing to march towards Delhi on Friday to press for their demands. On Thursday, Haryana police reinforced the barricades near the border, adding three new layers, including a wire mesh and movable traffic barriers, to the already extensive seven-layer setup featuring walls, iron nails, and barbed wire. A tent was also erected as part of the preparations. Multiple unions, including Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ekta and others from Haryana, are rallying under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) banners to push their demands during the march. The protest site at the Shambhu border continues to swell with farmers arriving from Punjab districts like Taran Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Sangrur, and Patiala, as well as Haryana districts such as Ambala and Sirsa. Dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the issues of farmers, who should hold talks with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan said on Thursday, as he extended an olive branch to the farmers protesting on the Punjab-Haryana border. “No other government has done as much for farmers as the Modi government. We have helped them in every sector,” Paswan told reporters at a press conference here. “I would urge them (farmers) that our Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is very accessible, anyone who wants to discuss some issue, there can be no better place for discussion,” he said. Protests that disturb other people will not help, Paswan said, adding that the farmers’ issues can only be “resolved through talks”. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference on the Shambhu border, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that farmers will move towards Delhi. Farmers, gathered under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had earlier announced a foot march to the national capital. They have several demands, including seeking a legal guarantee for the minimum support price of crops. A ‘jatha’ (group) of 101 farmers will embark on a foot march to Delhi at 1 p.m. on Friday from the Shambhu border protest site, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. However, the Ambala district administration has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting any unlawful assembly of five or more persons in the district. According to the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, taking out any procession on foot, vehicles, or other modes has been prohibited till further orders. The police in Ambala also sounded an alert on Thursday over the farmers’ plan to march to Delhi, and sent senior officers to the border to assess the security situation there. Central paramilitary forces have also been deployed on the Haryana side of the border along with multi-layer barricading. The Ambala district administration on Wednesday asked the farmers to reconsider their march and contemplate any action only after obtaining permission from Delhi Police. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at the Shambhu border on Thursday, Pandher said, “The jatha will march towards Delhi (on Friday). What the government will do is for them to decide. We will begin our march towards Delhi at 1 p.m. from the Shambhu border.” He also said if the government stops them from carrying out their march, it will be a “moral victory” for the farmers. “Their leaders at the Centre and in states have been regularly saying that if the farmers do not bring tractor-trolleys, there should be no objection. So if we go to Delhi on foot, there should be no reason to stop the farmers,” he added. The farmers gathered under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha earlier announced a foot march to the national capital seeking legal guarantee for minimum support price of crops, among several other demands. They have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Invoking Section 163 of the BNSS, the Ambala deputy commissioner-cum-district magistrate in an order dated November 30 prohibited unlawful assembly of five or more persons, and taking out any procession on foot, vehicles or through any other mode. “It is apprehended that a large number of protesters are likely to come from Punjab and Haryana and assemble at Shambu border to move towards Delhi. Hence, appropriate steps need to be taken at the border points and within the district, including issuance of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS so as not to allow movement of any such person without prior permission,” the order said. “Any individual or group on foot or vehicles which can be used to damage public/private property and/or to confront law enforcement agencies, thereby creating hindrance in maintaining peace and public order, has been prohibited,” it added. The order will not apply to police and other public servants on duty for maintaining law and order, it added. “This order shall come into force from November 30, 2024, and continue till further order,” it said. “There are inputs that the agitators may gherao Parliament or camp permanently on the national highways leading to the national capital territory,” the order said, adding that the agitators have not obtained any permission under Section 69 of the Haryana Police Act. Talking to reporters in Ambala on Thursday, Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria appealed to all the farmers to maintain peace and obtain permission to march to Delhi. “I want to assure all that the district police have made adequate arrangements to maintain law and order,” he said. When told that farmer leaders have said that 101 of them will march to Delhi in a peaceful manner, Bhoria said, “As I have told you, it is our collective responsibility to follow the law. Whatever may be the provisions of law, they should be followed.” Pandher, on his part, told reporters, “This does not look like a Punjab-Haryana border, but an international territory. If they (authorities) have their way, they will not even allow a bird to cross the border. They are treating us like we are enemies from some other country, whereas we are citizens of this land who want to peacefully march to the national capital to press our demands.” “The first jatha which will leave from Shambhu border has been named ‘Marjeevda Jatha’. It will consist of 101 farmers who will march to Delhi on foot from the Shambhu border,” Pandher said. Referring to a recent meeting between a farmers’ delegation and Ambala SP, Pandher said, “A proposal for talks came from the government side to which we said the farmers are open to a dialogue only if the proposal comes from either the Centre or the Chief Minister’s office in Haryana or Punjab.” Replying to a query, Pandher said after the first ‘jatha’, other ‘jathas’ will also move towards the national capital in subsequent days. To another question, he said if the Haryana government uses force to stop the first ‘jatha’ of 101 farmers from marching towards Delhi, “it will only expose the government”. “If they have deployed Central forces, drones or are testing water cannons, it shows they intend to stop us,” he added. “Tomorrow Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day will be observed at both Shambhu and Khanauri border points. The jatha will be dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji,” Pandher said. Earlier on Thursday, Punjab DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu and SSP (Patiala) Nanak Singh met Pandher and Surjit Singh Phul at the Shambhu border. Sidhu said the farmers have assured the police that they will maintain peace and not involve tractor-trolleys in the march. The farmer leaders had earlier announced that the first ‘jatha’ of farmers would be led by Satnam Singh Pannu, Surinder Sinhgh Chautala, Surjit Singh Phul, and Baljinder Singh. Meanwhile, SKM leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point on Thursday. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding farm debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases (against farmers), and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.

States are rational beings, what about the presidents?

NetApp earnings beat by $0.09, revenue topped estimatesClimate change poses a serious threat to global food security. Rising mean temperatures and more frequent and severe extreme weather events could push hundreds of millions of additional people into hunger or leave them suffering undernutrition if the international community does not immediately implement effective corrective measures. Future food security risks are often cited to underpin the need for concerted climate action. But a food security crisis is already unfolding due to rising global temperatures. Last year was the hottest year since global temperature records began, and 2024 has reportedly been hotter. Heat waves, droughts, tropical cyclones, floods and landslides are just a few of the phenomena that many parts of the world are more frequently facing today. These extreme weather events claim lives and harm human health in various ways. They also destroy critical infrastructure and human livelihoods. The impact of extreme weather events on agriculture has been especially devastating because agriculture is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Climate change is already reducing crop yields, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, with the African continent suffering the most. Recent studies show that the average crop yield in some African countries today is 40 percent lower than what it would have been without climate change. In parts of Asia and Latin America, the average crop yield is 20-30 percent lower, and the situation could get worse. Productivity in the livestock and aquaculture sectors, too, has reduced. Climate change has also made pest control increasingly difficult in the agricultural sector, as insects, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens are evolving and spreading to new areas. Rising sea levels are also contributing to the increasing loss of fertile farmlands. Agricultural production losses mean a shortage of sufficient food in some areas. Shortage leads to rising food prices, making nutritious food less affordable. Many poor people in Africa and Asia are smallholder farmers or agricultural labourers, which means loss of jobs and incomes due to crop failures. Food security is not only about calories. Rising food prices and shrinking incomes prompt poor people to eat less nutritious food and shift to cheaper staples to satiate their hunger. As a result, some people may get enough calories but still suffer from a deficiency of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Even temporary micronutrient deficiency can seriously affect people, especially children. To make things worse, many crops contain lower levels of micronutrients due to rising global temperatures. Progress in the fight against hunger has stagnated since 2015, and the number of undernourished people in Africa has increased in recent years. To prevent the food insecurity problem from worsening, actions should be taken in five areas on a priority basis. First, the world has to take bolder climate action. Every effort to curb global warming is crucial for reducing the likelihood and frequency of catastrophic weather events. Hence, all sectors, including agriculture, that contribute in no small measure to climate change should take immediate measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Second, food systems need to be made more climate-resilient by further diversifying crops and cultivating harder crops and animal breeds with the help of new genomic breeding technologies. To achieve this, advanced technologies should also be made accessible to smallholder farmers in Africa. Third, the functioning of food markets needs to be improved, and measures should be taken to better connect poor households to the markets. Since some regions of the world are more vulnerable to climate change, efficient international exchange is key to preventing food scarcity at the local level. Policies that impede trade need to be abandoned to ensure efficient international exchange. Fourth, poor people in many rural areas of Africa and Asia depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihoods. In case of crop failures, these households lose their source of income. So, new channels for generating employment in non-agricultural rural sectors should be explored to reduce poverty and help people adapt to climate change. Fifth, there is also a need to strengthen the social safety nets in low – and middle-income countries. Extreme weather events and related shocks are becoming more frequent, hurting poor people the most, so safety nets need to be strengthened to stabilise the dietary intakes of the most vulnerable sections of society. In other words, more investment is needed to enable rapid action in these five areas, while low – and middle-income countries should take measures on a priority basis to make food systems more resilient. Not to mention that high-income countries are obligated to shoulder their international responsibility to help low – and middle-income countries deal with the climate challenge. With strong global cooperation, a world without hunger remains a realistic goal to achieve. The author is a professor of Agricultural Economics and executive director of the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn, Germany.None

NoneNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 24, 2024-- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds investors that a shareholder filed a class action on behalf of all purchasers of stock of Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s initial public offering conducted between February 9 and 13, 2024 (the “IPO”). Metagenomi describes itself as a “genetics medicine company.” For more information, submit a , attorney Phillip Kim, or give us a call at 866-767-3653. The Allegations: Rosen Law Firm is Investigating the Allegations that Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Operations. According to the lawsuit, Metagenomi introduced itself to investors during its IPO as a “genetic medicines company” having a long-standing business relationship with Moderna, one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine companies. Integral to Metagenomi’s collaboration with Moderna was the claim that the two companies had entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement on October 29, 2021, which included multiple four-year research programs and a subsequent licensed product-by-licensed product agreement. Metagenomi completed its initial public offering on February 13, 2024, selling 6.25 million shares at $15 per share. However, less than three months later, on May 1, 2024, Metagenomi announced that it and Moderna had “mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration” agreement. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Metagenomi, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must file their motions with the court by November 25, 2024. 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 . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Rosen Law Firm: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions. Rosen Law Firm does. is a recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improving corporate governance structures, and holding company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since its inception, Rosen Law Firm has obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: , on Twitter: or on Facebook: . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on : CONTACT: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/24/2024 09:37 AM/DISC: 11/24/2024 09:35 AM

Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner has filed to run for a seat on the New York City Council, launching a potential political comeback after his once-promising career was destroyed by sexting scandals and later a criminal conviction for having illicit online contact with a child. Campaign finance records list a campaign committee that was set up on Friday for Weiner called Weiner 25, in addition to listing him as a candidate for a council seat in lower Manhattan. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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World News | Significant Milestones in Life and Career of Jimmy Carter

CNN wants the North Carolina lieutenant governor's defamation lawsuit against it thrown out

For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter, with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that's the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it's going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn't seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There's reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He's also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal. His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers' coffers. Then there's Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. New York Yankees' Juan Soto, right, with the help of his agent Scott Boras, left, agreed to a $765 million, 15-year deal with the New York Mets on Sunday. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It's rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation's great players but didn't hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It's a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft. Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Juan Soto's deal comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn't been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn't been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto's deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn't in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that's what makes Soto so unique. And it's also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time. Stiliana Nikolova, of Bulgaria performs in the rhythmic gymnastics individuals all-round qualification round, at La Chapelle Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Cincinnati Reds' Jonathan India reacts as he collides with San Diego Padres catcher Luis Campusano during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Cincinnati. India was safe and Campusano was charged with an error. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Kimberley Woods of Britain competes in the women's kayak cross time trial at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Coco Gauff of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte) Noah Lyles, of the United States, jumps as he limbers-up ahead of the men's 100-meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) A member of the Seattle Mariners tosses a ball against a wall during drills at spring training baseball workouts, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia waits to receive serve during her first round match against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Czech Republic's Jiri Beran, left, competes with France's Yannik Borel in the men's team epee bronze final match during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) France's Adrien Truffert jumps over Argentina's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli during a quarterfinal soccer match between France and Argentina, at Bordeaux Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Bordeaux, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Italy's Sara Curtis splashes her face with water before a women's 50-meter freestyle semifinal at the Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Ivory Coast 's Seko Fofana, top, duels for the ball with Nigeria's Victor Osimhen during the African Cup of Nations final soccer match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) Costa Rica midfielder Jefferson Brenes, from left, Alvaro Zamora (21), Francisco Calvo (15) and Joseph Mora (8) are pelted with drinks and trash after celebrating a Brenes goal in the second half of a CONCACAF Nations League Play-In soccer match against Honduras, Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Gabrielle Thomas, of the United States, celebrates winning the gold medal in the women's 200 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Tyrrell Hatton, of England, reacts on the 11th hole during a practice round in preparation for the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Augusta, GA. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Quincy Hall, of the United States, celebrates after winning the men's 400-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Tim Tszyu, of Australia, hits Sebastian Fundora in a super welterweight title bout Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Workers peep through curtains to watch a match between France's Gael Monfils and Russia's Daniil Medvedev during the China Open tennis tournament held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Amy Yang, of South Korea, is doused after winning the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament at Sahalee Country Club, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Sammamish, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Workers remove snow from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday Jan. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes) United States' Mikaela Shiffrin speeds down the course during an alpine ski, women's World Cup slalom, in Gurgl, Austria, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti) Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, left, scores his side's second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue ) Czech Republic's Michal Kempny, right, punches United States' Brady Tkachuk during the quarterfinal match between Czech Republic and United States at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday, May 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) Turkey's Taha Akgul, left, competes with Georgia's Geno Petriashvili in a men's freestyle 125 kg category gold medal wrestling match during the European Wrestling Championships, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith cries after winning the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Carles Coll Marti of Spain competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke heat at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III and guard CJ McCollum in the second half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in New Orleans. The Lakers won 110-106. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) A man in a monk's robe waves the French flag as the peloton passes during the sixth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 163.5 kilometers (101.6 miles) with start in Macon and finish in Dijon, France, Thursday, July 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) Belgium's Jeremy Doku, left, challenges for the ball with Romania's Andrei Ratiu during a Group E match between Belgium and Romania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) A spectator walks through a water mist sprayer on her way to Eiffel Tower Stadium to watch a beach volleyball at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Gabriel Medina, of Brazil, kicks off of a wave as he warms up prior to the quarterfinals round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Rebeca Andrade, of Brazil, is reflected on a surface as she performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Wyndham Clark waits to hit on the 17th hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Kolkata Knight Riders' wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives to make an unsuccessful attempt to run out Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma during the Indian Premier League cricket final match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, India, Sunday, May 26, 2024.(AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the qualifying session of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) Serbia's Novak Djokovic embraces his daughter Tara after defeating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in the men's singles tennis final at the Roland Garros stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Spain's Dani Olmo clears the ball from the goal line during the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) A fleet of boats compete in the mixed multihull sailing race during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole) A horse watches from its stable ahead of the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race at Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Silver medalist Simone Biles, of the United States, left, and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles, of the United States, right, bow to gold medalist Rebeca Andrade, of Brazil, during the medal ceremony for the women's artistic gymnastics individual floor finals at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Denver celebrates after winning the championship game against Boston College in the Frozen Four NCAA college hockey tournament Saturday, April 13, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. Denver won 2-0 to win the national championship. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Washington safety Kamren Fabiculanan (13) and cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) break up a pass to Eastern Michigan wide receiver Terry Lockett Jr. (3) in the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Seattle. Washington won 30-9. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Milwaukee Bucks' AJ Johnson, right, goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers' Jared McCain, center, and Adem Bona during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Elise Mertens, of Belgium, serves against Naomi Osaka, of Japan, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Monday, March 11, 2024, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Italy's Giovanni Tocci competes in the men's 3m springboard diving preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani breaks his bat during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Wearing a device that measures his energy consumption, the Israel Amputee Football Team player, Ben Maman, left, fights for the ball with a young soccer player from a local team during a practice session in Ramat Gan, Thursday, April 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A soccer fan dressed as Spiderman watches Brazil play Uruguay in a Copa America quarterfinal match on a screen set up for fans on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, July 7, 2024. Brazil lost in a penalty shootout and Uruguay qualified for the semifinals. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Men dressed in traditional clothes try to pull the opponent over the table at the German Championships in Fingerhakeln or finger wrestling, in Bernbeuren, Germany, Sunday, May 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, kicks the ball after double faulting against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) Water is sprayed on the pitch as the ball boys and girls walk along the center line before the start of the men's Group A field hockey match between South Africa and Germany at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) Cleveland Browns defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) reaches for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Morocco's Widad Bertal celebrates after defeating Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong in their women's 54kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher) Brazil's Priscila eyes the ball during a women's semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Spain at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at Marseille Stadium in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr. signs autographs for a young fan before the start of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Real Madrid's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Mozambique's Deizy Nhaquile battles rough seas during a women's dinghy race, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Marseille, France. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) People watch the cauldron rise at sunset by the Olympic rings during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Locher) A light show is projected from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Kateryna Tabashnyk, a high jumper, sits for a portrait Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the athletics arena of the "Polytechnic" sports complex, which was destroyed by a Russian rocket attack, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!BBC host Lauren Laverne given the 'all clear' from cancerBMW praises Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology on social media

Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney Jason Bassett Releases Article on Aggravated Identity Theft in New York 11-21-2024 11:14 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Long Island criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett ( https://jbassettlaw.com/aggravated-identity-theft-in-new-york/ ), of the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., provides insight into the complex matter of aggravated identity theft under New York and federal law. Bassett's article clarifies the intricate legal framework surrounding aggravated identity theft, a heightened offense that has garnered attention due to its severe penalties and the increasing sophistication of identity-related crimes. Aggravated identity theft, as Bassett explains, involves an individual not only using another's personal information without consent but also committing further offenses that amplify harm to the victim. This offense, which can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, brings severe consequences to those convicted. Under New York law, aggravated identity theft is a Class D felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to seven years, depending on factors such as prior criminal history and the offense's severity. Federal law similarly imposes harsh penalties, with mandatory consecutive prison terms for those convicted. The Long Island criminal defense attorney notes, "Aggravated identity theft is not simply about accessing someone's personal data; it often involves using that information in a broader scheme that carries significant penalties." In the article by Long Island criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett, New York Penal Law 190.80-A outlines specific conditions that elevate identity theft to an aggravated status, such as the impersonation of a deployed military service member. The law holds that impersonation under these conditions - particularly if it results in over $500 in damages to the impersonated individual - constitutes aggravated identity theft. This law emphasizes the protections afforded to those serving in the armed forces, helping ensure that individuals who exploit such vulnerabilities face heightened charges. Federal legislation, namely 18 USC 1028A, addresses aggravated identity theft with specific and rigid guidelines. According to this statute, a mandatory two-year sentence must be served consecutively to any other sentences imposed, underscoring the severity with which the federal system treats identity-related offenses. Bassett explains that federal courts are restricted from allowing these sentences to run concurrently, meaning those convicted must serve additional time in prison. The article discusses potential defenses that may be available to individuals facing such charges. A critical component in defending aggravated identity theft charges often lies in proving the accused did not have the knowledge or intent to misuse another's identity. Defense attorneys may also argue that the victim gave consent for the use of personal information, that mistaken identity played a role, or that misconduct during police investigation compromised the integrity of the case. Aggravated identity theft carries other significant repercussions beyond incarceration. The law provides for substantial financial penalties that may include fines up to $5,000, or even a doubling of profits gained from the illegal use of someone's identity. "Identity theft can destroy lives. The law rightly imposes substantial penalties to discourage and punish this behavior," Bassett notes. These financial penalties underscore the New York and federal commitment to not only punishing offenders but also deterring future violations. As Bassett emphasizes, the complexity of aggravated identity theft cases can be overwhelming, particularly given the various defenses available, each of which requires an in-depth understanding of both state and federal law. For those accused, a strong legal defense is vital, as consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, leading to long-term incarceration, substantial fines, and a significant loss of reputation. For individuals facing aggravated identity theft charges, consulting a qualified criminal defense attorney can provide essential guidance. Jason Bassett is dedicated to offering experienced representation, helping clients understand their rights and explore their legal options. Bassett encourages those involved in such cases to seek legal assistance promptly, recognizing that the stakes are exceptionally high and legal strategy can be complex. A focused defense can involve challenging the prosecution's ability to prove intent, negotiating alternative sentences, and addressing any procedural missteps during arrest or investigation. Bassett's article highlights that the right legal guidance can potentially impact the outcome of these cases, underscoring the importance of legal advocacy in the criminal justice system. About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.: The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., are well-versed in criminal defense, serving Long Island and surrounding areas. Led by experienced attorney Jason Bassett, the firm can provide strategic legal solutions, working to protect clients' rights through dedicated legal advocacy and a commitment to justice. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ7U6hUjYc8 GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=695024758410642184 Email and website Email: bassettlaw@live.com Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. Contact Person: Jason Bassett Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=long-island-criminal-defense-attorney-jason-bassett-releases-article-on-aggravated-identity-theft-in-new-york ] Phone: (631) 259-6060 Address:320 Carleton Ave Suite 4200 City: Central Islip State: New York 11722 Country: United States Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 24, 2024-- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds investors that a shareholder filed a class action on behalf of all purchasers of stock of Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s initial public offering conducted between February 9 and 13, 2024 (the “IPO”). Metagenomi describes itself as a “genetics medicine company.” For more information, submit a form , email attorney Phillip Kim, or give us a call at 866-767-3653. The Allegations: Rosen Law Firm is Investigating the Allegations that Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Operations. According to the lawsuit, Metagenomi introduced itself to investors during its IPO as a “genetic medicines company” having a long-standing business relationship with Moderna, one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine companies. Integral to Metagenomi’s collaboration with Moderna was the claim that the two companies had entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement on October 29, 2021, which included multiple four-year research programs and a subsequent licensed product-by-licensed product agreement. Metagenomi completed its initial public offering on February 13, 2024, selling 6.25 million shares at $15 per share. However, less than three months later, on May 1, 2024, Metagenomi announced that it and Moderna had “mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration” agreement. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Metagenomi, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must file their motions with the court by November 25, 2024. 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 Rosen Law Firm: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions. Rosen Law Firm does. Rosen Law Firm is a recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improving corporate governance structures, and holding company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since its inception, Rosen Law Firm has obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124410010/en/ CONTACT: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/24/2024 09:37 AM/DISC: 11/24/2024 09:35 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124410010/enElon Musk's Tesla is providing appealing remote employment opportunities and opening doors for talented people all over the world Tesla is now accepting applications for a number of fascinating positions, including well-paying ones like Senior Engineer and some involving artificial intelligence These new positions, which serve professionals from a variety of fields, demonstrate Tesla's dedication to flexibility and competitive perks PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market. Tesla has posted job openings with competitive pay levels. Elon Musk's company pays teleworkers between $79,000 and $270,000, depending on their skills and position according to Tododisca. The job offering is opened to high-paying positions such as Senior Engineer and AI-related opportunities. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! For anyone who is looking for work and has a passion for technology , these job opportunities offer flexibility and convenience, regardless of where they live. By offering attractive benefits, Report stated that Tesla hopes to draw in a diverse range of professional profiles to join one of the world's most inventive firms. Read also Nvidia crushes earnings expectations on AI chip demand Working at Tesla For a number of reasons, working at Tesla offers a special professional opportunity. It provides a creative workplace where staff members work together on cutting-edge technological and renewable energy projects. Furthermore, Tesla encourages adaptability by offering worldwide remote work options with sporadic travel contingent on project requirements. Another notable aspect of Tesla is its competitive pay, which includes generous benefits like health insurance and stock options in addition to high salary. In order to promote professional development, Tesla gives employees access to cutting-edge instruction and demanding assignments. Similarly, joining Tesla entails supporting a global mission: quickening the global switch to sustainable energy. Interested parties can view open positions and submit an application directly on Tesla's official careers page. Elon Musk’s wealth hits all-time high Legit.ng reported that the world’s wealthiest person, Elon Musk, has seen his wealth skyrocket to an all-time high after Donald Trump emerged as the US President-elect. Read also Japan ramps up tech ambitions with $65 bn for AI, chips On Friday, November 8, 2024, Musk gained $17.4 billion, taking his wealth to $314 billion as the billionaire continues his giveaway to voters after the US presidential election. Data from the Bloomberg Billionaire Index shows that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has gained over $80 billion this year, surpassing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

'I used maternity leave to launch my mug business'Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouse

genie slot game BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel on Sunday, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months, in response to deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut while negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. Some of the rockets reached the Tel Aviv area in the heart of Israel. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike on an army center killed a Lebanese soldier and wounded 18 others in the southwest between Tyre and Naqoura, Lebanon’s military said. The Israeli military expressed regret, saying that the strike occurred in an area of combat against Hezbollah and that the military’s operations are directed solely against the militants. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon’s military has largely kept to the sidelines. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the latest strike as an assault on U.S.-led cease-fire efforts, calling it a “direct, bloody message rejecting all efforts and ongoing contacts” to end the war. Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones into Israel after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack out of the Gaza Strip ignited the war there. Hezbollah has portrayed the attacks as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Hezbollah, and in September the low-level conflict erupted into all-out war as Israel launched airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon and killed Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated seven people, including a 60-year old man in severe condition from rocket fire on northern Israel, a 23-year-old man who was lightly wounded by a blast in the central city of Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, and a 70-year-old woman who suffered smoke inhalation from a car that caught fire there. In Haifa, a rocket hit a residential building that police said was in danger of collapsing. The Palestine Red Crescent reported 13 injuries it said were caused by an interceptor missile that struck several homes in Tulkarem in the West Bank. It was unclear whether injuries and damage were caused by rockets or interceptors. Sirens wailed again in central and northern Israel hours later. Israeli airstrikes without warning on Saturday pounded central Beirut, killing at least 29 people and wounding 67, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Smoke billowed above Beirut again Sunday with new strikes. Israel’s military said it targeted Hezbollah command centers in the southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, where the militants have a strong presence. Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. The fighting has displaced about 1.2 million people, or a quarter of Lebanon’s population. On the Israeli side, about 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by bombardment in northern Israel and in battle following Israel’s ground invasion in early October. Around 60,000 Israelis have been displaced from the country’s north. The European Union’s top diplomat called Sunday for more pressure on Israel and Hezbollah to reach a deal, saying one was “pending with a final agreement from the Israeli government.” U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in the region last week. Josep Borrell spoke after meeting with Mikati and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally who has been mediating with the group. Borrell said the EU is ready to allocate 200 million euros ($208 million) to assist the Lebanese military. But Borrell later said that he did not “see the Israeli government interested clearly in reaching an agreement for a cease-fire” and that it seemed Israel was seeking new conditions. He pointed to Israel’s refusal to accept France as a member of the international committee that would oversee the cease-fire’s implementation. The emerging agreement would pave the way for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon below the Litani River in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the monthlong 2006 war. Lebanese troops would patrol with the presence of U.N. peacekeepers. One year since the only hostage-release deal With talks for a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza stalled, freed hostages and families of those held marked a year since the war’s only hostage-release deal. “It’s hard to hold on to hope, certainly after so long and as another winter is about to begin,” said Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas, who is held along with her husband and two young sons. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Most of the rest of the 250 who were abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack were released in last year’s cease-fire. Talks for another deal recently had several setbacks, including the firing of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who pushed for a deal, and Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation. Hamas wants Israel to end the war and withdraw all troops from Gaza. Israel has offered only to pause its offensive. The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 44,000 this week, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. On Sunday, six people were killed in strikes in central Gaza, according to AP journalists at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The biggest question facing the Baltimore Ravens right now has little to do with Lamar Jackson or even a defense that started the season poorly. It's about a kicking conundrum that has turned into a crisis. Can the Ravens make it to the Super Bowl with Justin Tucker? One of the more surprising subplots of this NFL season has been Tucker's decline from one of the greatest of all time to a week-in, week-out liability. Sunday's loss to Philadelphia might have been the nadir — he missed two field goals and an extra point in a game the Ravens ultimately lost 24-19 . “Points were at a premium in the game. They have been in a few of these games. Sometimes we haven't made the most of our opportunity to score points,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "We're racking our brains, talking to Justin, looking at what we're doing. I'm very confident that it's going to get fixed. I believe it will. It has to. “And he's the guy to get it fixed.” Harbaugh has given every indication that he's standing by Tucker, who is in his 13th season and is under contract through 2027. When he's at his best, he's the type of kicker that gives his team a clear advantage in close games, but this season he has missed eight field goals. Sunday showed that against a good defensive team, the Ravens (8-5) can't simply assume their excellent offense will pile up points. There almost certainly will be close games in the weeks to come. Tucker's ability to come through will be tested again, and it's hard for Baltimore to feel too confident at the moment. “When he was hitting, three or four years ago, hitting bombs, we were going 57, 58, 56 pretty regularly," Harbaugh said. “That's tightened up a little bit.” The Ravens continue to do a good job stopping the run. Although Saquon Barkley did eventually surpass the 100-yard mark late in the game, Baltimore held the Eagles to 140 yards on the ground, well below their usual output. Even beyond Tucker's problems, Sunday wasn't a great showing by Baltimore's special teams. Tylan Wallace was shaky returning punts, and the Ravens had to start four drives inside their own 20 and two inside their own 10. “They had great bounces, and they downed right down in there,” Wallace said. "I’m pretty sure we’ll come back and talk about those and see what we can do to avoid those.” The Ravens' defense continued to show signs of improvement, holding Philadelphia to 252 total yards. “I think we’ve just locked in on some things, and we’re playing our deep coverages better, bottom line,” Harbaugh said. "You watch the coverage, you watch the guys’ spacing, positioning, eyes, the communication, the checks that get made, and you just keep chasing doing the right things. It’s not (that we) changed the defense. We’re just playing it a lot better.” Harbaugh was vague on receiver Diontae Johnson's situation. He was active Sunday but didn't play, and he has only one catch in four games since the Ravens acquired him in a trade from Carolina. “I’m going to have to wait just to clarify it,” Harbaugh said. "There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.” The Ravens were missing pass-rushing ace Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) on Sunday, and WR Rashod Bateman was dealing with knee soreness. Through his first 12 seasons, Tucker made field goals at a 90% clip. That's dropped to 70% this season. He had a 95% success rate from under 50 yards, and that's dipped to 83%. The Ravens have this week off before a Dec. 15 road game against the New York Giants. Then comes a home matchup with Pittsburgh that may determine whether Baltimore has any shot to win the AFC North. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Leadership Ohio presents ‘Join or Die’ on Dec. 5 at Lorain Historical Society

EDITOR'S NOTE: On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. No one wants to see any player take a vicious hit like the one that knocked Trevor Lawrence out of the game. It’s easy to agree on that point. Eliminating violent shots is the hard part. The NFL has instituted several rules to protect quarterbacks but football is a physical sport and players have to react instantly and make split-second decisions going at high speeds so injuries keep occurring. Lawrence was carted off the field in the first half of Jacksonville’s 23-20 loss to Houston on Sunday after Azeez Al-Shaair leveled the defenseless quarterback with a forearm to the facemask. The late hit put Lawrence in the fencing position — both fists clenched — and he stayed on the ground for several minutes, while a brawl ensued. Lawrence didn’t require hospitalization for his concussion but it’s unknown when he’ll return. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out/been praying for me,” Lawrence wrote on X. “I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all.” Al-Shaair was ejected from the game and faces a fine and potential suspension after his latest unsportsmanlike penalty. The Texans' linebacker was flagged and later fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard last week. He was fined earlier this year after he punched Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. That occurred during a scuffle that started after his hard shot on quarterback Caleb Williams near the sideline that wasn’t flagged. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Lawrence was injured on the play. Al-Shaair once got away with grabbing Tom Brady by the throat on a pass rush in a game between the 49ers and Buccaneers. Outraged Jaguars players called Al-Shaair’s hit “dirty” and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans made it known he didn’t condone it. “It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, get a penalty there. Have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down. Unfortunate play. Not representative of who Azeez is. He’s a smart player, really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there. His loss really affected us on the defensive side. Just not what we’re coaching. Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath. That’s not what we’re about. Not representative of us. I’ll talk to Azeez, address him personally, and we’ll move forward from it.” Fox Sports color analyst Daryl Johnston, a former fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, didn’t hold back his criticism, calling it a “cheap shot.” “It’s everything you’re not supposed to do,” Johnston said. “Everything. You’ll see this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair does everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation. It’s reckless. It’s disrespectful. There’s an honor that you give to your opponent on the football field and you respect him. And there’s opportunities to be physical and give big hits and play this game in that manner. And there’s other times when there’s a respect that you grant to your opponent.” Some former NFL quarterbacks blasted Al-Shaair on social media. “There is no place in the game of football for dirty hits like this one,” Robert Griffin III wrote on X. Chase Daniel called it “one of the dirtiest hits” he’s ever seen on a quarterback. Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram, right, jumps on Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after his late hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, bottom, during the first half of a game on Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla. Even defensive players struggled to defend Al-Shaair. “That was uncalled for,” Hall of Fame defensive lineman Michael Strahan said on Fox’s studio show while fellow Hall of Famer Howie Long agreed. But the play also sparked debate about the quarterback slide. Lawrence slid feet first, which signals that he’s giving himself up on the play. The NFL rulebook states: “A defender must pull up when a runner begins a feet-first slide.” But defensive players aren’t automatically penalized if they make contact with a sliding quarterback if they already committed and the contact is unavoidable. The rules state it’s a foul when “the defender makes forcible contact into the head or neck area of the runner with the helmet, shoulder, or forearm, or commits some other act that is unnecessary roughness.” Al-Shaair did that so he was penalized and will face other repercussions. Still, given the hard-hitting nature of the sport, it won’t be the last time this happens. When Caleb Williams took the field for the Chicago Bears' first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans, the anticipation for the rookie's debut game—possibly the most ever—was on full display. Despite a tough debut for the quarterback, the Bears secured a 24-17 win, a notable feat for the rookie. The victory made Williams the first #1 overall pick with a Week 1 win in over 20 years. Going forward this season, Williams is expected to eclipse C.J. Stroud's record-breaking 2023 rookie campaign with the Houston Texans. However, Stroud's success is an anomaly. Drafting a successful quarterback, especially one who is effective right away, is difficult. When teams have a high first-round draft pick, and they're coming off an unsuccessful few seasons, it's assumed that they will use their first pick on a quarterback . That player will assume the title of "the face of the franchise" and will get the central attention, win or lose. To see which quarterbacks have faced that challenge and triumphed, ATS.io compiled a ranking of the 10 best rookie quarterbacks since 1960 using data from StatHead . Rookies were defined as players who are in their first season of professional football and have not been on the roster of another professional team. Quarterbacks were ranked according to adjusted net yards per pass attempt, which quantifies efficient passing skill. Ties were broken using passer rating. Only rookie quarterbacks with at least 10 games played and 200 total passing attempts were considered. Since 1967, 130 quarterbacks have been drafted in the first round. Of those drafted, only 61 have won a playoff game as a starter, according to The Athletic, which used data from NFL Research . The biggest reason this success rate is not guaranteed is because there are differences between college and pro offensive systems. In the collegiate game, the ball is snapped at different points on the field, passing windows are wider, and defenders and linemen are not as quick, making the adjustment to the pro level more difficult. NFL scouts and general managers are gambling on what skills can be transferable and how long those adjustments might take, which is why some teams prefer redshirt quarterbacks to ease the transition. However, just because a team may not want to use their first-round pick on a quarterback, doesn't mean they can't find a diamond in the rough later in the draft. Think about Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Dak Prescott, all of which were not first-round picks, but have gone on to make a name for themselves in the NFL. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.44 - Passer rating: 91.2 - Season stats: 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions Coming out of college, Gardner Minshew was not a highly sought-after quarterback for NFL teams. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft—a draft that was headlined by Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and Daniel Jones. Nonetheless, Minshew's rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars was filled with many accomplishments. He won Rookie of the Week seven times despite not winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Minshew also had the highest passer rating of any rookie quarterback that started in 2019. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.77 - Passer rating: 93.7 - Season stats: 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions Pressure was high for Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. When he joined the Cleveland Browns, there was an expectation that once the team figured out the quarterback position, it could be playoff-ready. After trading for Jarvis Landry, a young wide receiver from the Miami Dolphins, in the offseason, the Browns were on their way. Mayfield's rookie season was filled with many firsts, and the Landry-Mayfield connection filled the stat sheet. Mayfield set the record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in 2019 with 27 surpassing prior marks from Payton Manning and Russell Wilson. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.84 - Passer rating: 98.3 - Season stats: 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Justin Herbert was the third quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL draft behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. As the No. 6 overall pick, expectations were high, but there was also an assumption that it would be a few years before Herbert's development would take shape. Then, Chargers starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was accidentally punctured in the lung by a team doctor administering a painkiller before the second game of the season, and it wasn't clear what Taylor's status would be moving forward. When Herbert was given the nod to start minutes before the game, fans didn't know what to expect. Herbert shocked viewers when he threw for over 300 yards and only one interception in that game. He continued his strong rookie showing throughout the season and went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 6.93 - Passer rating: 98.1 - Season stats: 2,621 yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions Ben Roethlisberger was the third quarterback selected in his draft class behind the likes of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers—though fans wouldn't have been able to tell. From the moment Roethlisberger was called up by the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in his first game—Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens—it was clear he had a special arm, gaining the nickname "Golden Arm." While the next several games were bumpy for Steelers fans, it was clear that Roethlisberger was the future of the franchise. The Steelers had a solid running game and its receiving core, led by Hines Ward, was one of the best in the league . Once Roethlisberger gained his footing a few games in, he was unstoppable. He led Pittsburgh to its best record ever: 15-1. He also started the season on an eight-game winning streak, becoming the first rookie to do so. Additionally, Roethlisberger became the first quarterback to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 87.7 - Season stats: 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, there were high expectations on Matt Ryan's shoulders heading to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were coming off back-to-back losing seasons and off-the-field legal troubles with its starting quarterback Michael Vick overshadowing the team's play. Ryan was expected to pick up the pieces. He did that immediately, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 record in his rookie season and becoming the clear favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year halfway through the season, which he went on to win. The tag team of Ryan and running back Michael Turner was one of the best offensive forces in the sport that season. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.01 - Passer rating: 100 - Season stats: 3,118 yards, 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions Russell Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Considering Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck headlined the NFL Draft that year, it was not believed that Wilson would be a starter come Week 1, but that quickly changed. Going into the 2012 NFL Draft, Tarvaris Jackson was the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback, and the team signed NFL veteran quarterback Matt Flynn as an insurance policy on the injury-prone Jackson . It was assumed in the short term that either Jackson or Flynn would lead the franchise. Once training camp arrived, however, the Seahawks' quarterback position was uncertain. Jackson was traded to the Buffalo Bills, and Flynn was underwhelming at camp, forcing Head Coach Pete Carroll to take a gamble on his rookie quarterback, Wilson, in Week 1. Carroll, nor Wilson, ever looked back. Wilson was one of the best passing quarterbacks that season. He led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record and went on to win NFL Rookie of the Year. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.39 - Passer rating: 96 - Season stats: 2,210 yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions When Dan Marino was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983, the NFL looked very different. Running the ball was the name of the game. The quarterback would either run the football himself at the line of scrimmage or hand it off to the running back, and the offensive linemen would claw and push the pile forward as the runner powered his legs. It was not a pretty sight. However, Marino took a different approach, throwing the ball with a unique quick release for that era. He led the Dolphins to a 9-1 record after replacing David Woodley midway through his rookie season, ending with a 12-4 record. He went on to win Rookie of the Year and was the first rookie to start a Pro Bowl. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 100.8 - Season stats: 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions When C.J. Stroud was drafted No. 2 by the Houston Texans last year, there were a lot of questions, not about his ability, but about the organization that he would be playing for. The Texans were coming off of a 3-13-1 season in 2022, finishing with the worst record in the league, and a lot of volatility in its front office. The team fired its head coach and a top executive before the draft. Weeks later, the team hired former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans as its next head coach. While Ryans is a defensive-minded coach, Stroud was seen as a key ingredient to the team's success since Ryans hired his coaching staff around the quarterback. Stroud led the NFL in yards and TD-to-interception ratio during his rookie season, which is an efficiency statistic considering he didn't get his first interception until his sixth regular-season game against the New Orleans Saints. While Stroud was a part of the league MVP conversation for most of the season, he didn't ultimately win the title. However, he was named 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and his rookie season is seen as one of the best in NFL history. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.47 - Passer rating: 102.4 - Season stats: 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions Leading into the 2012 draft, it wasn't a matter of whether Washington would pick a quarterback, it was a matter of who. After several seasons of mediocre quarterback play and losing seasons from the likes of Jason Campbell, Donovan McNabb, and Rex Grossman, it was time for a new face to lead the offense. At No. 2, Washington selected Robert Griffin III making him the second quarterback selected in the 2012 NFL draft behind Andrew Luck. Griffin started his rookie year campaign with one of the best performances football fans have ever seen. He completed 19 of his 26 pass attempts for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, beating the New Orleans Saints. That game earned him the highest passer rating by a rookie ever, 158.3. He now shares that record with Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota. Griffin III went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. - Adjusted net yards per pass attempt: 7.86 - Passer rating: 104.9 - Season stats: 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, 4 interceptions Dak Prescott is statistically the best rookie quarterback ever, racking up the best passer rating as a rookie. After losing his first game, he led the Cowboys on an 11-game winning streak. That season, he led the team to its fourth-best season ever with a 13-3 record. Prescott was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and became the first NFL quarterback to be drafted in the fourth round or later to start all 16 regular season games. Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Shanna Kelly. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter wasn't all that surprising to those who are familiar with the president's devotion to his family. But by choosing to put his family first, the 82-year-old president has raised new questions about his legacy. Biden has held himself up as placing his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns. It was part of an effort to draw a deliberate contrast with Republican Donald Trump. Now, both his broken promise and his act of clemency are a political lightning rod. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.Sins of a democracyTennessee 32, Houston 27

Tyler man charged with murder after fentanyl overdose deathLANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Part of that was the play of backup Cooper Rush, who threw for 247 yards and two TDs in his third start in place of starter Dak Prescott. Part was also the defense forcing two turnovers, as Chauncey Golston ripped the ball out of Brian Robinson Jr.’s hands for what was called an interception of Daniels in the second quarter, and Donovan Wilson stripped John Bates midway through the fourth. KaVonte Turpin provided the fireworks with a spinning, 99-yard kickoff return TD seconds after Daniels found Zach Ertz in the end zone and scored on a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three with 3:02 left. In the final three minutes alone, the Commanders (7-5) scored 10 points and allowed Thomas' TD. All that after the score was 10-9 through three quarters before madness ensued. Washington's playoff hopes that looked solid not long ago are now in serious jeopardy after losing to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas. Before the scoring outburst late, much of this defeat had to do with Daniels and the offense not being able to find any kind of a rhythm. The Cowboys did, despite playing without their two best offensive linemen, top cornerback and starting tight end. Rush's 6-yard pass to Jalen Tolbert was Dallas' first third-quarter TD of the season, and his 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker came after Wilson's forced fumble. Daniels finished 25 of 38 for 274 yards, including his second interception of the game on a failed Hail Mary as the clock expired. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards to spring the upset for the Cowboys, who were 10 1/2-point underdogs on BetMGM Sportsbook. Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was injured on a kickoff return in the final seconds. ... Robinson left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflHow to invest in an IPO: A simple guide to capitalizing on new stock offeringsThomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with Brighton

Keeping your home and loved ones safe starts with preparation, and having a reliable smoke alarm is one of the simplest, yet most important steps you can take. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home safety, the X-Sense XS01-WR Interconnected Smoke Alarms offer a practical and affordable solution. This alarm set comes with six devices, all of which interconnect using wireless RF technology. If one alarm detects smoke and goes off, all will alert you. This ensures that every corner of your home is covered. Whether you’re in the basement, upstairs, or on the other side of the house, you’ll hear the alert loud and clear. You’ll also know where the danger is, thanks to its locating feature, which gives you extra seconds to act quickly. Additionally, you can interconnect up to 24 alarms if you own a bigger space. Installation couldn’t be easier. There’s no need for hardwiring, and the alarms in this pack are pre-interconnected, so they’re ready to go. The overall design is compact, so for those of you who prefer a discreet look, these alarms are perfect. X-Sense XS01 alarms are also going to last long. Each one features a replaceable battery with a five-year lifespan. Plus, the advanced photoelectric sensor is designed to last up to ten years. They even perform self-checks to ensure reliability and provide low-battery warnings. You will always be informed and protected. With the current 40% discount, you can grab this 6-pack for just $89.99 until December 2. This can be an affordable investment in your family’s safety. If six alarms don’t quite fit your needs, the 1-, 3-, and 12-pack options are also available at discounted prices during this promotion. You can choose the perfect setup for your home while still saving big. X-Sense XS01-WR Interconnected Smoke Alarms Make Tech Easier may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she's not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you'll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee, Pete Hegseth, is not qualified to be secretary of defense, even if we put aside unproven sexual assault allegations made against him. While Hegseth is a veteran, Senate confirmation of a nominee with no leadership experience in such a large and complex organization as the Department of Defense would be in stark contrast with the notion of our military as a merit-based, professional force. Leading millions of service members and civilian workers is not an entry-level or training opportunity. Also, Hegseth’s publicly-stated views do not inspire confidence that he would provide apolitical leadership. He has cast the political/social situation in the United States as a crusade between irreconcilable foes with the only option being total victory for his — and Trump’s — chosen side. The ultimate loyalty of our military is to the U.S. Constitution, not political parties. Hegseth’s nomination appears to be based on the idea that the military must stop being “woke,” but its current challenges have nothing to do with “wokeness.” They have to do with chronic congressional delays in passing appropriations bills; inadequate funding of maintenance and modernization; competition with private industry for recruits; and stress on equipment, personnel and logistics systems brought on by decades of overcommitment around the globe. The list goes on. This hyperattention on getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, and every other military program that promotes fair treatment and inclusion is a bogeyman that takes the spotlight away from the real problems affecting our military readiness. Mike Lontoc, Hainesport Note: The writer is a retired U.S. Navy commander. What Bernie had that Kamala didn’t When I asked my blue-collar Pennsylvania friends why they voted for President-elect Donald Trump, I got an astounding reply. They said, “...because Bernie Sanders was not on the ticket.” On the surface this makes no sense, with Sanders way on the far left, and Trump certainly way on the far right. But look a little deeper. Back in 2016, when Sanders, the independent Vermont senator, was running against Hilary Clinton in the Democratic primaries, he “got it” in connection with these voters. He got it in town hall meeting after town hall meeting in a way Clinton could never understand. She seemed aloof and elitist. It’s my belief that Sanders would have beaten Trump in that presidential election, although that’s still pure conjecture. Across the Atlantic back in 2019, the Labour Party’s Jeremy Corbyn lost the British working-class vote, and the Conservatives’ Boris Johnson became the United Kingdom’s prime minister. This year , Labour’s Kier Starmer got the working class back, becoming prime minister in a vote that bucked a recent European trend of movement to the right and populist politics. This year in America, Kamala Harris lost the blue-collar vote. The Democrats will need to do some serious house cleaning to get it back! Tony Grant, Newton Proposed law is for the birds So, some New Jersey lawmakers want to restrict the use of residential bird feeders to control interactions between back bears and humans? Proposed regulations contained in legislation include elevating the feeders to at least 10 feet above the ground, and taking them indoors every night between April 1 and Nov. 30. Really? My only conclusion is that recent articles about this bill were meant to be printed on April Fool’s Day. Ellen Rogers, Skillman Congressional pair should call it quits U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and Josh Gottheimer, D-5, recently won reelection to Congress. They suggested to the voters that they would work full time for them in the next session of Congress. But, now, they are both declared candidates for governor in next year’s Democratic primary. Running for governor and being a member of Congress should be considered to be two full-time jobs. It’s no secret that Gottheimer and Sherrill have each planned their gubernatorial runs for months. They should do the honorable thing and resign from Congress. Their ambitious power plays are one of the many reasons why people don’t vote. Fred Stein, South Brunswick Election over; stop dividing the country This letter was sent to the Star-Ledger, but it is directed to all of the left-leaning media: Stop dividing the country. A plurality of the voting public elected Donald Trump as president. Even with all of the hate speech that the left could spew, it did them no good for the result. Some of the things they did is compare Trump to Hitler and say that Trump’s supporters are “garbage.” Now, the liberals are directing all of their venom to Trump’s cabinet picks. Realize that Trump was elected a second time because the American people are tired of all of the retreads that the left parades around Washington. So, instead of giving Trump’s picks the benefit of the doubt, the left goes into attack mode. They will not give Trump or his programs or his cabinet choices a chance. The left finds fault with everything. These tactics did not work for the election and they won’t work now. Again, stop dividing the nation and help it come together. RECOMMENDED • nj .com Which Trump cabinet pick steps aside next? GOP has one in its crosshairs Nov. 22, 2024, 11:32 a.m. Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Nov. 21, 2024, 7:06 p.m. Don Montefusco, Maplewood Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion . Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion . Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion . Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. 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WASHINGTON , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Defense, a defense-technology company, has made a strategic investment in Federated IT, a trusted provider of mission-critical services to the U.S. government. Founded in 2002, Federated IT has built a reputation as a trusted partner to the U.S. Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. With expertise optimizing cloud computing, data center operations and migration, enterprise architecture, scientific research and analyses, and cybersecurity solutions, Federated IT consistently delivers technically excellent, secure, and reliable solutions that empower national security clients to achieve their objectives. "This investment represents a pivotal step in Bridge Defense's mission to create the next-generation systems integrator," said Jack Kilcoyne , co-founder of Bridge Defense. "We will combine the critical services Federated IT provides with in-house software development capabilities to build a hybrid organization capable of delivering exceptional services and developing innovative solutions that address our customers' most pressing challenges." Kyle von Bucholz , CEO of Federated IT, added: "For over 20 years, Federated IT has focused on solving our clients' most complex challenges with integrity and technical excellence. Partnering with Bridge Defense will enable us to take that commitment to the next level by leveraging cutting-edge development capabilities and delivering an even greater impact for the federal agencies we serve." About Bridge Defense Bridge Defense is focused on delivering mission-critical services and innovative software solutions to national security customers. A hybrid systems integrator, Bridge Defense combines excellence in technical services with native development capabilities to deliver comprehensive and transformative solutions to address the rapidly evolving needs of national security customers. Bridge Defense is led by a team of Special Operations veterans with deep expertise in technology and government services. The company is headquartered in the Northeast, with a growing presence in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit Bridge-Defense.com . About Federated IT Federated IT is a leading provider of mission-critical IT and cybersecurity services to the U.S. government. Federated IT enables defense, national security, and federal law enforcement clients to expand, improve, and strengthen critical IT infrastructure and mission system capabilities within the Tier Ill - IV Enterprise IT Operations and Cyber Security domains. Federated IT's project portfolio includes the customization and delivery of optimized cloud computing, data center operations and migration, enterprise architecture, scientific research and analyses, and cybersecurity solutions. Federated IT is headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit FederatedIT.com . SOURCE Bridge DefenseAdditionally, BlueStacks Air offers a range of customization options to enhance the gaming experience further. Users can adjust settings such as resolution, graphics quality, and controls to suit their preferences, ensuring a personalized and comfortable gaming experience. The emulator also supports keyboard and mouse input, giving users more precision and control while playing their favorite Android games on Mac.The Latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City

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IGT, the global slot machine and gaming equipment manufacturer with a massive presence in Las Vegas, has been the victim of a cyberattack, according to a company Securities and Exchange Commission filing. In a statement, the company said the attack does not appear to be affecting any of the company’s public or customer-facing systems. London-based IGT on Tuesday said the attack, discovered Sunday, affected its internal information technology systems. IGT revealed no details of what systems were involved or how the breach was discovered. “On Nov. 17, 2024, International Game Technology PLC became aware that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain of its systems (sic), and the company has experienced disruptions in portions of its internal information technology systems and applications resulting from this cybersecurity incident,” the company’s SEC filing said. “Promptly after detecting the issue, the company activated its cybersecurity incident response plan and launched an investigation with the support of its external advisers to assess and remediate the unauthorized activity,” the filing said. “The company has also proactively taken certain systems offline to help protect them. The company’s ongoing investigation and response include efforts to bring its systems back online. The company has not yet determined whether this incident is material.” The filing also said the company is communicating with its customers and other stakeholders and, where possible, has implemented alternatives for some operations in accordance with its business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions and continue servicing its customers. Player systems unaffected In a statement from a Las Vegas-based IGT representative Friday, the company said it does not appear any player systems have been affected. “To date, there is no indication that customer or player-facing lottery and gaming systems have been affected,” the Friday statement said. “Out of an abundance of caution, IGT has temporarily suspended specific processes and services until this issue is resolved. The company has implemented alternatives for certain operations in accordance with its business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions and continue servicing its customers.” IGT provides thousands of cabinet and bar-top slot machines in Nevada casinos, taverns, supermarkets and convenience stores. It has manufacturing facilities in Las Vegas and Reno and the company also manages a number of lottery terminals and systems in other states and around the world. The company is in the midst of being split up with its gaming and digital business along with systems developed by Everi Holdings Inc. to be acquired by New York-based Apollo Global Management Inc. for $6.3 billion. The deal is expected to be completed toward the end of 2025 and the new company will retain the IGT name and be based in Las Vegas. IGT becomes the third high-profile gaming company to publicly acknowledge being the victim of a cyberattack. In August 2023, Caesars Entertainment Inc. was attacked and reportedly paid a ransom to retain control of its systems. A month later, MGM Resorts International was attacked and refused to pay a ransom in an incident that eventually cost the company an estimated $100 million, mostly recovered through insurance. It’s unclear whether the IGT attack included a ransom demand or extortion or what the goals of the hackers is. Federal law enforcement personnel have not indicated whether they are involved in an investigation.

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Report: Cougars OC Ben Arbuckle leaving WSU for same job at OklahomaORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. ("Abacus” or the "Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in leveraging longevity and actuarial technology to offer uncorrelated investment opportunities, today announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, including 10,000,000 shares of common stock to be sold by the Company and 2,500,000 to be sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders”). The Company and the Selling Stockholders also expect to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock from the Company and up to an additional 375,000 shares of common stock from the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds of the primary portion of the offering for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus will receive no proceeds from the secondary portion of the offering. The offering is subject to general market conditions, and there can be no assurances as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the size or terms of the offering. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters of the proposed offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 (including the accompanying prospectuses for each registration statement) relating to the proposed offering have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC”) and became effective on November 14, 2024. Copies of the prospectus supplements relating to the offering, when filed, may be obtained on the SEC's website located at https://www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the prospectus supplements related to the offering may also be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at [email protected] ; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at [email protected] ; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at [email protected] ; or SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at [email protected] . The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in the final prospectus supplements to be filed with the SEC. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company's common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buys, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus's financial and operational outlook; Abacus's operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus's ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe,” "project,” "estimate,” "expect,” ‎‎”intend,” "anticipate,” "goals,” "prospects,” "will,” "would,” "will continue,” "will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the ‎fact that Abacus's loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover ‎its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus's insurance policies; the ‎geographic concentration of Abacus's business; the cyclical nature of Abacus's industry; the ‎impact of regulation on Abacus's business; the effects of competition on Abacus's business; the failure of ‎Abacus's relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus's investment ‎objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the ‎effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus's control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with ‎the SEC from time to time, including the Annual ‎Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent ‎periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the ‎forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips - SVP Investor Relations [email protected] (321) 290-1198 David Jackson - IR/Capital Markets Associate [email protected] (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations [email protected]

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In the aftermath of this historic competition, one thing remains clear - the world of weightlifting has once again been shaken to its core by the incredible talents and unwavering determination of these athletes. As we look ahead to the future, one thing is certain - the battle for supremacy in weightlifting will continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world, as athletes strive for greatness and push the limits of human potential.None

The gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner.Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 women's basketball league launching this winter, signed LSU star guard Flau'jae Johnson to a name, image and likeness deal. Johnson is the second college player to ink an agreement with Unrivaled, following UConn's Paige Bueckers. They won't be participating in the upcoming inaugural season, but Johnson and Bueckers will have equity stakes in the league. Unrivaled dropped a video on social media Thursday showing Johnson -- who also has a burgeoning rap career -- performing a song while wearing a shirt that reads, "The Future is Unrivaled." The deal will see Johnson create additional promotional content for the league. Johnson, 21, was a freshman on the LSU team that won the 2023 national championship. Now in her junior year, Johnson is averaging career highs of 22.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game through 10 games for the No. 5 Tigers (10-0). She ranks eighth in Division I in scoring. Johnson has career averages of 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 82 career appearances (80 starts) for LSU. --Field Level MediaThe gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner.

California residents on edge as high surf and flooding threats persist on Christmas Eve

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Ukraine's 'Food for AI' Relies on Collecting War Data to Train Models in This New Age of Warfare

In a high-intensity Semi-Final 2 of the US Premier League (USPL) Season 3, the New York Cowboys displayed a commanding all-around performance, securing a resounding 47-run victory over the Carolina Eagles. This emphatic win catapults the Cowboys into the high-stakes Eliminator Round, setting the stage for a tantalizing rematch with the New Jersey Titans. Cowboys Set a Challenging Target Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the New York Cowboys set a competitive target of 148 runs. Despite losing all 10 wickets in 19.5 overs, the Cowboys’ innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Mukhtar Ahmed. Ahmed’s composed 68 runs off 50 balls, featuring deft stroke play and calculated aggression, laid the foundation for the Cowboys’ total. His innings came to an end when Jake Ball claimed his wicket, with Rajdeep Darbar completing the catch. Adding to the scoreboard momentum was Dilpreet Bajwa, who smashed a quickfire 35 off just 17 deliveries. His spirited knock included several boundaries and ensured the Cowboys had a respectable total to defend. Bajwa was eventually dismissed by Raj Nannan, with Gajanand Singh taking a sharp catch. The Carolina Eagles’ bowling attack put up a valiant effort to contain the Cowboys. Sunny Patel and Yasir Mohammad emerged as the most successful bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Jake Ball, Raj Nannan, Jasdeep Singh, and Derone Davis contributed with a wicket apiece, displaying discipline and strategic execution. Eagles Stumble in the Chase Chasing 149 for victory, the Carolina Eagles faltered early and never recovered. A disastrous start in the first over saw them lose two crucial wickets—Shayan Jahangir and Raunaq Sharma—while failing to score a single run, as the Cowboys’ bowlers struck with surgical precision. Sunny Patel tried to steady the innings with a gritty 22 off 23 balls, and Roshon Primus chipped in with 21 off 18 balls. However, the Eagles’ batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure of the Cowboys’ disciplined bowling. The team was bowled out for a mere 101 runs in 17.5 overs, falling well short of the target. Cowboys’ Bowling Dominates The Cowboys’ bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, with Praveen Kumar leading the charge. His fiery spell claimed 3 wickets, dismantling the Eagles’ top order and earning him the Player of the Match award. Usman Shinwari and Jack Jarvis also impressed with two wickets each, exploiting the conditions effectively and maintaining tight lines. Dilpreet Bajwa and Zia Shahzad chipped in with a wicket apiece, rounding off a near-perfect display of teamwork in the field. With their commanding win, the New York Cowboys advance to the Eliminator Round, where they will face the New Jersey Titans. The clash promises to be a riveting rematch, as the Titans look to avenge their Season 2 Finals loss to the Cowboys. For the Cowboys, the victory not only secures their place in the Eliminator but also reinforces their status as a formidable contender for the championship. Meanwhile, the Titans, reeling from their Semi-Final 1 defeat, must regroup and deliver their best performance to keep their title hopes alive. As the USPL Season 3 playoffs heat up, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in the Cowboys-Titans rivalry, with everything to play for and a spot in the grand finale on the line.Switch 2 Leak? New Tech Could Change Everything

AvidXchange CEO Michael Praeger sells $483,296 in stock

CBAK Energy Technology Stock Soars On Significant Order Win: Retail Chatter Shows OptimismTwo students wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California elementary schoolThe source of so-called dark money fueling the largest Democratic super PAC that supported Vice President Kamala Harris ’s presidential run passed off hundreds of thousands of dollars to companies partially owned by its leaders in 2023, newly released tax filings show . Future Forward USA Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that pumped north of $100 million worth of untraceable cash into Future Forward PAC, a political committee that spent over half a billion dollars unsuccessfully working to elect Harris. In addition to using its anonymously sourced war chest to boost the Democratic White House bid, Future Forward USA Action also shuffled just over $700,000 to firms its leaders either co-own or helped launch — adding on to prior payments. GCJ Research, which was founded by Future Forward USA Action Treasurer Gaurav Shirole, received $370,000 from the organization in 2023, documents show. PFB Media, a firm co-owned by Future Forward USA Action President Chauncey McLean and Secretary Jon Fromowitz, meanwhile, took in roughly $340,000. This is far from the first instance of self-dealing in the Future Forward nexus. Future Forward USA Action, for example, paid these same companies $1.1 million in 2022, according to tax forms. The Washington Examiner reported in late November that Future Forward PAC, which shares leadership with the affiliated 501(c)(4), paid at least $8.3 million to GCJ Research and PFB Media. Since then, the Federal Election Commission has released new campaign finance disclosures showing that the PAC doled out an additional $3 million to those two firms. The public likely won't know the full extent of Future Forward USA Action’s payments to GCJ Research and PFB Media until its 2024 tax forms are released next year. Following Harris's loss on election night, Democratic operatives have placed blame on a variety of factors. Some have argued that inefficient spending practices at major liberal organizations and the Harris campaign contributed to President-elect Donald Trump’s victory. “This is kind of an explanation for why Democrats are getting clobbered,” Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf previously told the Washington Examiner in reference to Future Forward’s finances. “They really don’t represent people at the bottom. They represent people at the top.” In addition to paying out lucrative contracts to their companies, Shirole, McLean, and Fromowitz all took home salaries of a quarter million dollars or more in 2023. “I don’t think any campaign makes perfect decisions across the board,” Democratic strategist Stefan Hankin said. “But I think in this case, questions should be asked, right?” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER “It’s like creating companies whose sole purpose is to give the money back to you,” he continued. Future Forward USA Action did not respond to a request for comment.

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INVESTIGATION ALERT (NASDAQ: SEZL): DiCello Levitt LLP Is Investigating Investor Claims Against ...

Trump's Pentagon nominee Hegseth gets tepid welcome from some Senate Republicans

List of warming centers open across Metro Detroit for residents to stay warm

If you happened to catch streaming coverage of the recently completed BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000, off-road racing’s newest technology was front and center for those knowing not what they were watching, but how it was possible in the first place. For hours, SCORE’s production group provided viewers real time live in-car coverage shot in the middle of Baja’s vast wilderness, all without a cell tower or relay helicopter in sight. At one point the production cut to a live shot from inside Rob MacCachren’s chase team located on a highway directly behind the race-winning McMillin Racing Trophy-Truck. The SCORE in-studio announcing team was able to speak directly with MacCachren’s wife Amber, who was giving updates in real time from the chase truck. In-car cameras are certainly not new, but the ability to connect cameras, voice and data from some of the world’s most remote locations is. All of it can be attributed to off-road racing’s increasing use of the Starlink satellite communications system engineered and marketed by SpaceX. First adopted by the marine and RV industries, the mobile Starlink units have seen a strong uptick in use by desert racing teams to greatly improve communications between race vehicles, chase teams and crew members. With direct internet access, all the old radio (with relays perched high on mountain tops or planes) and satellite phone technology is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The advent of installing the Starlink units on to the race vehicles themselves is a newer trend as advancements in products specifically made for this application come to market. PCI Race Radios, for example, now sells complete installation kits for the Starlink Gen 2, Gen 3 and the recently released Starlink Mini that includes custom mounts that house the dish itself and protects it from water, dust and vibration. The units can use a magnetic mount or incorporated into solid mounts on a steel chassis or roll cage. The key development in transforming Starlink connectivity into a live streaming service provider is the invention of the Star Stream system. Invented by California-based Star Stream company founder George Hammel, a patent-pending control unit named the StreamBox Pro takes input from two GoPro cameras and re-streams the feed to content production trucks or directly to social media platforms. Racers can use the StreamBox Pro to switch camera angles, add image overlays and provide their feeds to a dedicated profile on Star Stream to send private coverage links directly to team members, sponsors, friends and family. A primary example leading teams creating their own relevant content is 1Nine Industries, a top manufacturer of Trophy Trucks based in Fountain Valley, Calif. Formerly Herbst-Smith Fabrication, in recent years the rebranded company has expanded from a private operation for the legendary Herbst off-road family of Nevada to providing turn-key vehicles, maintenance and race support for a variety of customers. 1Nine Industries and the Herbst family is not only providing a testing platform to perfect the technology, but also important funding to create proof of concept. Together with cinematographer Bryan Moore, the team integrated the use of the Star Stream system and live helicopter coverage to provide real time coverage of 1Nine Industries’ racing desert racing efforts in Baja and the U.S. All the camera footage is streamed directly to Star Stream’s production studios and cut live with graphics for hours of streaming content. The result has been nothing short of impressive, producing 75,000,000 Terrible Herbst Motorsports social media views in 2024. As verified by sponsorship analytics company Hookit, the live Herbst Motorsports live racing experience and social media generated 63.8 million impressions on Instagram and 18.5 million on YouTube. “That’s a big number, isn’t it?” enthused 1Nine Industries and Terrible Herbst Motorsports President Ryan Arciero. “Now everything is in real time, and we have never had access like that before. It’s changed everything for the better, and our sport’s future has blown wide open.” As applicable as the system is to remote desert racing applications, Crandon International Raceway and its production partners at TRG Rennsport and Long Haul Productions successfully introduced Star Stream to short-course racing at the Labor Day weekend Polaris Crandon World Championships and Red Bull Crandon World Cup event. With the help of progressive race teams looking to advance the sport (and pay for their own systems) for the first time in the sport’s 56-year history viewers enjoyed real time in-car cameras as part of MAVTV network’s record-breaking 16 hours of live Crandon coverage. Hammel and his company have now started working with the promoters of offshore boat racing, as well as producing all the streaming for the Legacy Racing Association desert series as well. While all of this surely represents a way to greatly expand off-road racing’s footprint and audience, new technology also comes with growing pains. One issue is the interface with the race teams creating content within a sanctioned event in which the “broadcast” material is owned by the organizing body. Imagine the Ferrari F1 team producing live content from a race but having the ability to stream live footage on its own social media platforms. It would never happen. The counter-argument to that is certainly a relevant one. The off-road audience when juxtaposed to F1 or even IMSA for that matter is growing, but smaller. In the case of the Baja 1000 or Crandon, the race teams themselves pay for all the equipment and installation costs, not the promoter or sanctioning body. The costs for a single Starlink/Star Steam package starts at around $4500 per vehicle, plus a mobile subscription from Starlink. In the case of the Terrible Herbst Motorsports team, the agreement with SCORE International is that they have the rights to livestream on their channels only if SCORE’s production group has equal access to the same live footage. What is not allowed currently is for teams like Terrible Herbst to provide the footage to any of its sponsors for use on their social media channels unless they pay SCORE a substantial licensing fee. The argument, of course, is that expansion of the sport is better served with additional eyeballs, something that the Terrible Herbst team could provide via primary sponsors like Monster Energy and BFGoodrich. With off-road desert racing teams competing for little to no prize or championship money while also paying for the livestream production equipment, that argument is more than relevant. Another challenge lies in the sheer quantity of live content. At the Baja 1000, Hammel shared that Star Stream-equipped teams added 94 additional in-car cameras for coverage of the event. With that much coming in, there is no way to guarantee teams little to any coverage within the official SCORE livestream. A final challenge is one based in technology. This type of access to internet communication can also allow live telemetry (which Star Stream is currently working on) from the race vehicle to an engineer, and vice versa — thus opening the door for in-race engine, shock and transmission tuning from anywhere in the world. The wide-open unlimited rules package in desert racing’s fastest classes allows for this, but not in the much more controlled environment of short-course racing, for instance. No matter the outcome, thanks to SpaceX, Starlink and innovators like Hammel, the power of real time, in-car content and unlimited internet access has arrived to greatly impact off-road racing’s future. Given the environment, it changes this form of motorsports far more than almost any other on earth.

Who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson? What we know about the suspect on the run

konami slot game How to overcome the 'financial vortex' to save for retirementJoe Rogan has made a bold offer to replace MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow should Elon Musk purchase the liberal news outlet. In response to rumors on social media that MSNBC's parent firm, Comcast, was contemplating a sale, Musk, the owner of X (previously Twitter), raised eyebrows this week by implying that he would purchase the network. Rogan responded with a lighthearted offer to replace Maddow while sporting her trademark appearance. Rogan's comment followed Musk's post, in which he offered to take Maddow's place on the channel. "If you buy MSNBC I would like Rachel Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies," Rogan wrote. Musk responded by saying, "Deal." Musk Jokes About Buying MSNBC Eric Trump Jr. wrote a post on X on Comcast's move to spin off MSNBC, which has the potential to alter the media landscape. Later, Musk described the probable transaction as "ironic" and "the most entertaining outcome." The billionaire made a suggestion that he would buy the network and convert it to a conservative station, as per The Hill's report. Musk stated that he could turn MSNBC into a platform that focuses on news from X, with citizen reporting on cable television, and that the "most entertaining outcome" would be the most likely. Conservatives Respond to the Idea with Enthusiasm The conversation between Musk and Rogan has stirred curiosity and enthusiasm among certain conservatives. Comedian Tim Young said he hoped the sale would be completed, saying, "Please God make this happen." Jim Hanson, a conservative writer, also expressed his opinion, stating that if Musk went through with the acquisition, the left would probably be "freaking out." Conservative author Carol Roth, however, made light of the endeavor by remarking that she would want to participate on a new program named "The Normal View," which is a spoof to ABC's liberal chat show "The View." MSNBC's Struggling Ratings and Maddow's Declining Viewership In the midst of the speculation over Musk's possible acquisition, MSNBC has been dealing with serious issues, such as dwindling viewership. as Fox News reported. After President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, Maddow, who has been the host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" for years, noticed a dramatic decline in her viewership. Her show's ratings have been steadily declining in more recent times. "The Rachel Maddow Show" has had a roughly 41% decline in popularity since the 2024 presidential election, with an average of just 1.4 million viewers, the report by Fox mentioned. Her ratings have fallen by 50% among the important demographic of individuals between the ages of 25 and 54, making the issue worse. Since the election, her average viewership in this category has dropped from 236,000 to barely 118,000. Musk's Twitter Comments Spark Speculation Musk entertained the notion of buying MSNBC further on Sunday morning, sharing an image on X that showed him fighting the urge to buy MSNBC. This lighthearted gesture only served to stoke the flames as several journalists and analysts offered their opinions on the possibility of an MSNBC run by Musk. Musk's conversation with Trump Jr. is comparable to one he had in 2017 with a social media user who was urging him to buy Twitter, according to multiple reports. In December 2017, Musk commented, "How much is it?" He eventually paid $44 billion in 2022 to acquire the social networking site, which was then rebranded as X. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.NEW YORK — The brooding waltz was carefully composed on a sheet of music roughly the size of an index card. The brief, moody number also bore an intriguing name, written at the top in cursive: “Chopin.” A previously unknown work of music penned by the European master Frederic Chopin appears to have been found at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan. The untitled and unsigned piece is on display this month at the opulently appointed institution, which had once been the private library of financier J.P. Morgan. A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is held in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum on Nov. 13 in New York. Robinson McClellan, the museum curator who uncovered the manuscript, said it's the first new work associated with the Romantic era composer to be discovered in nearly a century. But McClellan concedes that it may never be known whether it is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. The piece, set in the key of A minor, stands out for its “very stormy, brooding opening section” before transitioning to a melancholy melody more characteristic of Chopin, McClellan explained. “This is his style. This is his essence,” he said during a recent visit to the museum. “It really feels like him.” McClellan said he came across the work in May as he was going through a collection from the late Arthur Satz, a former president of the New York School of Interior Design. Satz acquired it from A. Sherrill Whiton Jr., an avid autograph collector who had been director of the school. McClellan then worked with experts to verify its authenticity. The paper was found to be consistent with what Chopin favored for manuscripts, and the ink matched a kind typical in the early 19th century when Chopin lived, according to the museum. But a handwriting analysis determined the name “Chopin” written at the top of the sheet was penned by someone else. Born in Poland, Chopin was considered a musical genius from an early age. He lived in Warsaw and Vienna before settling in Paris, where he died in 1849 at the age of 39, likely of tuberculosis. A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is seen in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum, Nov. 13 in New York. He’s buried among a pantheon of artists at the city’s famed Père Lachaise Cemetery, but his heart, pickled in a jar of alcohol, is housed in a church in Warsaw, in keeping with his deathbed wish for the organ to return to his homeland. Artur Szklener, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Warsaw, the Polish capital city where the composer grew up, agreed that the document is consistent with the kinds of ink and paper Chopin used during his early years in Paris. Musically, the piece evokes the “brilliant style” that made Chopin a luminary in his time, but it also has features unusual for his compositions, Szklener said. “First of all, it is not a complete work, but rather a certain musical gesture, a theme laced with rather simple piano tricks alluding to a virtuoso style," Szklener explained in a lengthy statement released after the document was revealed last month. He and other experts conjecture the piece could have been a work in progress. It may have also been a copy of another's work, or even co-written with someone else, perhaps a student for a musical exercise. Jeffrey Kallberg, a University of Pennsylvania music professor and Chopin expert who helped authenticate the document, called the piece a “little gem” that Chopin likely intended as a gift for a friend or wealthy acquaintance. “Many of the pieces that he gave as gifts were short – kind of like ‘appetizers’ to a full-blown work,” Kallberg said in an email. “And we don’t know for sure whether he intended the piece to see the light of day because he often wrote out the same waltz more than once as a gift.” David Ludwig, dean of music at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in Manhattan, agreed the piece has many of the hallmarks of the composer’s style. “It has the Chopin character of something very lyrical and it has a little bit of darkness as well,” said Ludwig, who was not involved in authenticating the document. But Ludwig noted that, if it's authentic, the tightly composed score would be one of Chopin’s shortest known pieces. The waltz clocks in at under a minute long when played on piano, as many of Chopin’s works were intended. “In terms of the authenticity of it, in a way it doesn’t matter because it sparks our imaginations,” Ludwig said. “A discovery like this highlights the fact that classical music is very much a living art form.” The Chopin reveal comes after the Leipzig Municipal Libraries in Germany announced in September that it uncovered a previously unknown piece likely composed by a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in its collections. Christmas music has a long and storied history beginning centuries ago with pagan rituals. Those traditions evolved with St. Francis of Assisi’s Nativity plays in the 13th century, and survived Puritan rule when many Christmas traditions and celebrations were banned during part of the 17th century. Traveling minstrels spread original songs before the invention of the printing press in 1440 ushered in an era of texts that served as the foundation for some of the most beloved Christmas songs. These tunes would be shared in the form of poetry and hymns printed on broadsides . Today, Christmas music runs the gamut from silly to revolutionary. Songs range from grandmothers getting trampled by reindeer to those based on the work of a Romantic-period poet. Who knew that the catchy tune of Wenceslas, the king with the funny name, is a reverent song about the patron saint of the Czech Republic? Or perhaps it would surprise readers to discover that “Silent Night” was designated as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. These songs we know by heart and hear so often have rich histories rooted in things like war, religion, social reform, and slavery. Stacker compiled a list of Christmas songs released before 1920 and explored the origins of these pieces. This list includes Christmas carols, famous instrumentals, popular hymns, and spirituals from countries around the world. Many of these songs were created out of a chance collaboration between artists spanning time and space; a clergyman pens a hymn, and years later, a composer resurrects those words and sets them to a melody. It may come as no surprise, then, that what people consider to be Christmas classics are among the most-covered Christmas songs of all time . “Silent Night,” for example, had 137,315 recordings according to a 2017 Billboard report. Read on to learn about the rich histories of some of the most beloved Christmas songs that are more than a century old. You may also like: 71 years of Emmy history Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” “Jingle Bells” is one of the most beloved and ubiquitous Christmas carols in existence. In 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford made “Jingle Bells,” the first song heard from space as they orbited Earth aboard the Gemini 6. It may be surprising that this Christmas classic was written as a Thanksgiving song. This traditional English Christmas carol refers to the practice of wassailing, the definition of which has evolved over the years . In the song, wassailing is the practice of traveling door-to-door, wishing good health, and asking for a bit of hospitality and Christmas tidings in return, including a drink from a communal bowl filled with mulled cider or ale called wassail. Other familiar variants of the song include “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and “Here We Come A Christmasing.” Published by hymn writer John Mason Neale in 1853, this carol was based on the life of the virtuous ruler Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia . Wenceslaus I was revered for his piety, morality, and virtue. After his assassination, he was posthumously conferred as a king by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, which is why people don’t sing of good Duke Wenceslaus. Wenceslaus was elevated to sainthood immediately after his death, and he's considered the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The version of “O Tannenbaum” most of us are familiar with today was written in 1824 by Ernst Anschütz, a well-known organist and composer from Leipzig, Germany. Anschütz’s version was one of many based on a 16th-century German folk song that pays homage to the steadfast nature of the "Tannenbaum," the German word for a fir tree. The song’s association with Christmas began with Anschütz even though no explicit mention of Christmas was made in his original lyrics. Furthermore, most Christmas trees are spruce, not fir. Readers may be more familiar with the song’s English title, “O Christmas Tree.” If you’ve ever wondered what “God rest you merry” means, you’re not alone. This carol’s title is often misinterpreted, mispunctuated, and widely debated. The phrase “rest you merry” is used in the same way we use “rest assured.” It is not an address to merry gentlemen but rather an imperative statement to all gentlemen to be happy, citing the birth of Christ. It’s even referenced in Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol.” The earliest known print edition of the carol dates back to 1760, but its author is unknown. You may also like: 30 celebrities you might not know are LGBTQ Originally titled “Three Kings of Orient,” this carol was written by journalist-turned-clergyman John Henry Hopkins in 1857 for a Christmas pageant and published six years later. The carol chronicles the Christian gospel of Matthew in which three biblical magi, commonly known as the three wise men, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the birth of Jesus. Edmund Sears—a Unitarian pastor in Wayland, Mass.—wrote a five-stanza poem titled “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” in 1849. It was adapted by American composer Richard Storrs Willis in 1850 and set to a melody called “Carol.” The words of this poem-turned-carol are regarded as an account of the issues at the time. Topics referred to in the song include the end of the Mexican-American war and a call for peace among men. Proudly rejoicing the nativity of Jesus, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” was an African-American spiritual dating back to 1865. John Wesley Work Jr. was a composer and ethnomusicologist who compiled hundreds of spirituals and even composed a few, including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in his work: “American Negro Songs and Spirituals; A Comprehensive Collection of 230 Folk Songs, Religious and Secular.” Written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 and published in 1871, this carol explores what the shepherds present at the birth of Jesus must have been thinking when they encountered him. In gospel, hymns, and art, shepherds are central characters in the Nativity of Jesus. The song is set to the familiar melody of “Greensleeves,” a 16th-century English folk song. The exact origins of this popular carol are unknown, but it is most often credited to John Francis Wade. Originally written and printed in Latin as “Adeste Fideles,” it first appeared in Wade’s 1751 collection “Cantus Diversi.” You may also like: Exploring minority representation in the biggest box office winners ever What began in 1818 as a modest performance outside of St. Nicholas parish in Oberndorf, Austria, has become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Translated into over 300 languages, “Stille Nacht” was written by a priest named Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. The song became popular among traveling folk singers, and before long, it could be heard around the world. The English version we know today called “Silent Night” was not written until 1863. “Stille Nacht” was named an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011 . “Carol of the Bells” is no doubt familiar to you, if not by name, then by melody. The carol was based on an Ukranian folk chant called "Shchedryk,” which was traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve as it spoke of good fortune for the upcoming year. American composer Peter J. Wilhousky adapted the lyrics "Shchedryk” into a Christmas song in 1919 using the original musical arrangement by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych. Many artists have covered the carol over the last century, and one of its more popular variants is “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. “In the Bleak Midwinter” was based on a poem of the same name written by English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti in 1872. English composer Gustav Holst first set the poem to music in 1906. This particular carol was published by Cecil Sharp, a famous conservator of English folk tradition, in 1911. The song is packed with symbolism that dates back to pagan rituals. Holly, representing males, and ivy, representing females, used to be burned together during the pagan festival of Beltane to encourage a fruitful spring. In Christianity, holly is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion. With this rich history, evergreens like holly and ivy are viewed as symbols of rebirth and renewal, which are common themes celebrated at Christmas time. This carol was based on the poem "Christmas Bells," written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863. With an injured wife and a son who joined the union army against his father’s wishes, Longfellow lamented hearing bells on Christmas Day during the American Civil War. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness when goodwill and peace on Earth seemed impossible. The poem was set to music in 1872 by English composer John Baptiste Calkin. You may also like: Mistakes from the 50 best movies of all time “O Holy Night” is based on a French poem titled "Minuit, Chrétiens," written by Placide Cappeau at the behest of a parish priest. Composer Adolphe Adam set the poem to music that same year, and it quickly gained popularity throughout France. When Cappeau denounced the Catholic Church to join the socialist movement, the church responded by denouncing his beloved carol. The song made a resurgence after it was translated into English and introduced in America by John Sullivan Dwight. After visiting Bethlehem in the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem , Phillips Brooks was inspired to write about his experiences. Brooks, an Episcopal priest, shared the poem he had written with Lewis Redner, his church’s organist, and asked him to create a melody for it so they could perform it at an upcoming Sunday school service. In a single evening, Redner composed the tune that we know today. Reflecting on the success of the carol, Redner stated : “Neither Mr. Brooks nor I ever thought the carol or the music to it would live beyond that Christmas of 1868.” Mistakenly attributed, for many years, to Martin Luther—the seminal figure of Europe’s Protestant Reformation in the 16th century—and even titling early versions of this piece “Luther’s Cradle Song,” “Away in a Manger” is a relatively simple carol with unknown origins. The first record of the text being set to music with the title “Away in a Manger” is found in the 1885 publication “Little Children's Book for Schools and Families.” The carol we know as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was originally titled "Hymn for Christmas-Day,” published in 1739 by Charles Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement and brother to John Wesley, the movement’s founder. But it was George Whitefield who adapted the text in 1753 to give us that familiar opener “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn and later adapted by William H. Cummings in 1855 to create the song that's popular today. This numeric carol was originally published in England in 1780 in a children’s book called “Mirth Without Mischief.” It is believed to be a type of children's memory-and-forfeit game in which the singer must remember every verse or forfeit something if they make a mistake. You may also like: Best and worst Al Pacino movies Citing the gospel of Luke, this English carol is based on a French song called “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.” The lyrics were written by James Chadwick, a bishop in 1862. His words were set to the tune "Gloria," which was arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes. This Christmas ballad is believed to date back to the 15th century. Unlike many other carols that reference the gospels of Luke or Matthew, this story takes place sometime in between as Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem. It is one of the few depictions of Joseph struggling to accept Mary’s pregnancy, evidenced through lyrics such as “O then bespoke Joseph/ With words so unkind,/ Let him pluck thee a cherry/That brought thee with child.” The song was made popular again by Joan Baez’s rendition in 1961. The exact origins of this carol are unknown, but it is believed to be one of the oldest carols still sung today. Dating back to the 12th century, “The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional French carol about the animals present at the birth of Jesus and the gifts they bestowed on him. “Joy to the World” was originally written as a hymn by Isaac Watts. Watt’s adaptation of Psalm 98 interprets Christ as the king of the church and as the king of the world. “Joy to the World” is one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time . Perhaps the darkest song on this list, “Coventry Carol,” depicts the biblical event “The Massacre of the Innocents” in which King Herod ordered the killing of all male babies under the age of two in Bethlehem. The song takes the form of a lullaby recited to the persecuted children. In Christianity, “The Massacre of the Innocents” is an important part of the broader Nativity story and thus a relevant story in the Christmas narrative. “Coventry Carol” was originally part of a medieval mystery play performed in England called “The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.” You may also like: Best Grateful Dead albums of all time Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

NEW YORK — The brooding waltz was carefully composed on a sheet of music roughly the size of an index card. The brief, moody number also bore an intriguing name, written at the top in cursive: “Chopin.” A previously unknown work of music penned by the European master Frederic Chopin appears to have been found at the Morgan Library & Museum in Manhattan. The untitled and unsigned piece is on display this month at the opulently appointed institution, which had once been the private library of financier J.P. Morgan. A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is held in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum on Nov. 13 in New York. Robinson McClellan, the museum curator who uncovered the manuscript, said it's the first new work associated with the Romantic era composer to be discovered in nearly a century. But McClellan concedes that it may never be known whether it is an original Chopin work or merely one written in his hand. The piece, set in the key of A minor, stands out for its “very stormy, brooding opening section” before transitioning to a melancholy melody more characteristic of Chopin, McClellan explained. “This is his style. This is his essence,” he said during a recent visit to the museum. “It really feels like him.” McClellan said he came across the work in May as he was going through a collection from the late Arthur Satz, a former president of the New York School of Interior Design. Satz acquired it from A. Sherrill Whiton Jr., an avid autograph collector who had been director of the school. McClellan then worked with experts to verify its authenticity. The paper was found to be consistent with what Chopin favored for manuscripts, and the ink matched a kind typical in the early 19th century when Chopin lived, according to the museum. But a handwriting analysis determined the name “Chopin” written at the top of the sheet was penned by someone else. Born in Poland, Chopin was considered a musical genius from an early age. He lived in Warsaw and Vienna before settling in Paris, where he died in 1849 at the age of 39, likely of tuberculosis. A previously unknown musical manuscript, possibly by Frederic Chopin, is seen in a display case after it was discovered at The Morgan Library & Museum, Nov. 13 in New York. He’s buried among a pantheon of artists at the city’s famed Père Lachaise Cemetery, but his heart, pickled in a jar of alcohol, is housed in a church in Warsaw, in keeping with his deathbed wish for the organ to return to his homeland. Artur Szklener, director of the Fryderyk Chopin Institute in Warsaw, the Polish capital city where the composer grew up, agreed that the document is consistent with the kinds of ink and paper Chopin used during his early years in Paris. Musically, the piece evokes the “brilliant style” that made Chopin a luminary in his time, but it also has features unusual for his compositions, Szklener said. “First of all, it is not a complete work, but rather a certain musical gesture, a theme laced with rather simple piano tricks alluding to a virtuoso style," Szklener explained in a lengthy statement released after the document was revealed last month. He and other experts conjecture the piece could have been a work in progress. It may have also been a copy of another's work, or even co-written with someone else, perhaps a student for a musical exercise. Jeffrey Kallberg, a University of Pennsylvania music professor and Chopin expert who helped authenticate the document, called the piece a “little gem” that Chopin likely intended as a gift for a friend or wealthy acquaintance. “Many of the pieces that he gave as gifts were short – kind of like ‘appetizers’ to a full-blown work,” Kallberg said in an email. “And we don’t know for sure whether he intended the piece to see the light of day because he often wrote out the same waltz more than once as a gift.” David Ludwig, dean of music at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in Manhattan, agreed the piece has many of the hallmarks of the composer’s style. “It has the Chopin character of something very lyrical and it has a little bit of darkness as well,” said Ludwig, who was not involved in authenticating the document. But Ludwig noted that, if it's authentic, the tightly composed score would be one of Chopin’s shortest known pieces. The waltz clocks in at under a minute long when played on piano, as many of Chopin’s works were intended. “In terms of the authenticity of it, in a way it doesn’t matter because it sparks our imaginations,” Ludwig said. “A discovery like this highlights the fact that classical music is very much a living art form.” The Chopin reveal comes after the Leipzig Municipal Libraries in Germany announced in September that it uncovered a previously unknown piece likely composed by a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in its collections. Christmas music has a long and storied history beginning centuries ago with pagan rituals. Those traditions evolved with St. Francis of Assisi’s Nativity plays in the 13th century, and survived Puritan rule when many Christmas traditions and celebrations were banned during part of the 17th century. Traveling minstrels spread original songs before the invention of the printing press in 1440 ushered in an era of texts that served as the foundation for some of the most beloved Christmas songs. These tunes would be shared in the form of poetry and hymns printed on broadsides . Today, Christmas music runs the gamut from silly to revolutionary. Songs range from grandmothers getting trampled by reindeer to those based on the work of a Romantic-period poet. Who knew that the catchy tune of Wenceslas, the king with the funny name, is a reverent song about the patron saint of the Czech Republic? Or perhaps it would surprise readers to discover that “Silent Night” was designated as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. These songs we know by heart and hear so often have rich histories rooted in things like war, religion, social reform, and slavery. Stacker compiled a list of Christmas songs released before 1920 and explored the origins of these pieces. This list includes Christmas carols, famous instrumentals, popular hymns, and spirituals from countries around the world. Many of these songs were created out of a chance collaboration between artists spanning time and space; a clergyman pens a hymn, and years later, a composer resurrects those words and sets them to a melody. It may come as no surprise, then, that what people consider to be Christmas classics are among the most-covered Christmas songs of all time . “Silent Night,” for example, had 137,315 recordings according to a 2017 Billboard report. Read on to learn about the rich histories of some of the most beloved Christmas songs that are more than a century old. You may also like: 71 years of Emmy history Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh,” “Jingle Bells” is one of the most beloved and ubiquitous Christmas carols in existence. In 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford made “Jingle Bells,” the first song heard from space as they orbited Earth aboard the Gemini 6. It may be surprising that this Christmas classic was written as a Thanksgiving song. This traditional English Christmas carol refers to the practice of wassailing, the definition of which has evolved over the years . In the song, wassailing is the practice of traveling door-to-door, wishing good health, and asking for a bit of hospitality and Christmas tidings in return, including a drink from a communal bowl filled with mulled cider or ale called wassail. Other familiar variants of the song include “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and “Here We Come A Christmasing.” Published by hymn writer John Mason Neale in 1853, this carol was based on the life of the virtuous ruler Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia . Wenceslaus I was revered for his piety, morality, and virtue. After his assassination, he was posthumously conferred as a king by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, which is why people don’t sing of good Duke Wenceslaus. Wenceslaus was elevated to sainthood immediately after his death, and he's considered the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The version of “O Tannenbaum” most of us are familiar with today was written in 1824 by Ernst Anschütz, a well-known organist and composer from Leipzig, Germany. Anschütz’s version was one of many based on a 16th-century German folk song that pays homage to the steadfast nature of the "Tannenbaum," the German word for a fir tree. The song’s association with Christmas began with Anschütz even though no explicit mention of Christmas was made in his original lyrics. Furthermore, most Christmas trees are spruce, not fir. Readers may be more familiar with the song’s English title, “O Christmas Tree.” If you’ve ever wondered what “God rest you merry” means, you’re not alone. This carol’s title is often misinterpreted, mispunctuated, and widely debated. The phrase “rest you merry” is used in the same way we use “rest assured.” It is not an address to merry gentlemen but rather an imperative statement to all gentlemen to be happy, citing the birth of Christ. It’s even referenced in Charles Dickens' classic “A Christmas Carol.” The earliest known print edition of the carol dates back to 1760, but its author is unknown. You may also like: 30 celebrities you might not know are LGBTQ Originally titled “Three Kings of Orient,” this carol was written by journalist-turned-clergyman John Henry Hopkins in 1857 for a Christmas pageant and published six years later. The carol chronicles the Christian gospel of Matthew in which three biblical magi, commonly known as the three wise men, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the birth of Jesus. Edmund Sears—a Unitarian pastor in Wayland, Mass.—wrote a five-stanza poem titled “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” in 1849. It was adapted by American composer Richard Storrs Willis in 1850 and set to a melody called “Carol.” The words of this poem-turned-carol are regarded as an account of the issues at the time. Topics referred to in the song include the end of the Mexican-American war and a call for peace among men. Proudly rejoicing the nativity of Jesus, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” was an African-American spiritual dating back to 1865. John Wesley Work Jr. was a composer and ethnomusicologist who compiled hundreds of spirituals and even composed a few, including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” in his work: “American Negro Songs and Spirituals; A Comprehensive Collection of 230 Folk Songs, Religious and Secular.” Written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 and published in 1871, this carol explores what the shepherds present at the birth of Jesus must have been thinking when they encountered him. In gospel, hymns, and art, shepherds are central characters in the Nativity of Jesus. The song is set to the familiar melody of “Greensleeves,” a 16th-century English folk song. The exact origins of this popular carol are unknown, but it is most often credited to John Francis Wade. Originally written and printed in Latin as “Adeste Fideles,” it first appeared in Wade’s 1751 collection “Cantus Diversi.” You may also like: Exploring minority representation in the biggest box office winners ever What began in 1818 as a modest performance outside of St. Nicholas parish in Oberndorf, Austria, has become one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Translated into over 300 languages, “Stille Nacht” was written by a priest named Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. The song became popular among traveling folk singers, and before long, it could be heard around the world. The English version we know today called “Silent Night” was not written until 1863. “Stille Nacht” was named an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011 . “Carol of the Bells” is no doubt familiar to you, if not by name, then by melody. The carol was based on an Ukranian folk chant called "Shchedryk,” which was traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve as it spoke of good fortune for the upcoming year. American composer Peter J. Wilhousky adapted the lyrics "Shchedryk” into a Christmas song in 1919 using the original musical arrangement by Ukranian composer Mykola Leontovych. Many artists have covered the carol over the last century, and one of its more popular variants is “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. “In the Bleak Midwinter” was based on a poem of the same name written by English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti in 1872. English composer Gustav Holst first set the poem to music in 1906. This particular carol was published by Cecil Sharp, a famous conservator of English folk tradition, in 1911. The song is packed with symbolism that dates back to pagan rituals. Holly, representing males, and ivy, representing females, used to be burned together during the pagan festival of Beltane to encourage a fruitful spring. In Christianity, holly is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore during his crucifixion. With this rich history, evergreens like holly and ivy are viewed as symbols of rebirth and renewal, which are common themes celebrated at Christmas time. This carol was based on the poem "Christmas Bells," written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863. With an injured wife and a son who joined the union army against his father’s wishes, Longfellow lamented hearing bells on Christmas Day during the American Civil War. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness when goodwill and peace on Earth seemed impossible. The poem was set to music in 1872 by English composer John Baptiste Calkin. You may also like: Mistakes from the 50 best movies of all time “O Holy Night” is based on a French poem titled "Minuit, Chrétiens," written by Placide Cappeau at the behest of a parish priest. Composer Adolphe Adam set the poem to music that same year, and it quickly gained popularity throughout France. When Cappeau denounced the Catholic Church to join the socialist movement, the church responded by denouncing his beloved carol. The song made a resurgence after it was translated into English and introduced in America by John Sullivan Dwight. After visiting Bethlehem in the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem , Phillips Brooks was inspired to write about his experiences. Brooks, an Episcopal priest, shared the poem he had written with Lewis Redner, his church’s organist, and asked him to create a melody for it so they could perform it at an upcoming Sunday school service. In a single evening, Redner composed the tune that we know today. Reflecting on the success of the carol, Redner stated : “Neither Mr. Brooks nor I ever thought the carol or the music to it would live beyond that Christmas of 1868.” Mistakenly attributed, for many years, to Martin Luther—the seminal figure of Europe’s Protestant Reformation in the 16th century—and even titling early versions of this piece “Luther’s Cradle Song,” “Away in a Manger” is a relatively simple carol with unknown origins. The first record of the text being set to music with the title “Away in a Manger” is found in the 1885 publication “Little Children's Book for Schools and Families.” The carol we know as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was originally titled "Hymn for Christmas-Day,” published in 1739 by Charles Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement and brother to John Wesley, the movement’s founder. But it was George Whitefield who adapted the text in 1753 to give us that familiar opener “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn and later adapted by William H. Cummings in 1855 to create the song that's popular today. This numeric carol was originally published in England in 1780 in a children’s book called “Mirth Without Mischief.” It is believed to be a type of children's memory-and-forfeit game in which the singer must remember every verse or forfeit something if they make a mistake. You may also like: Best and worst Al Pacino movies Citing the gospel of Luke, this English carol is based on a French song called “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.” The lyrics were written by James Chadwick, a bishop in 1862. His words were set to the tune "Gloria," which was arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes. This Christmas ballad is believed to date back to the 15th century. Unlike many other carols that reference the gospels of Luke or Matthew, this story takes place sometime in between as Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem. It is one of the few depictions of Joseph struggling to accept Mary’s pregnancy, evidenced through lyrics such as “O then bespoke Joseph/ With words so unkind,/ Let him pluck thee a cherry/That brought thee with child.” The song was made popular again by Joan Baez’s rendition in 1961. The exact origins of this carol are unknown, but it is believed to be one of the oldest carols still sung today. Dating back to the 12th century, “The Friendly Beasts” is a traditional French carol about the animals present at the birth of Jesus and the gifts they bestowed on him. “Joy to the World” was originally written as a hymn by Isaac Watts. Watt’s adaptation of Psalm 98 interprets Christ as the king of the church and as the king of the world. “Joy to the World” is one of the most recorded Christmas songs of all time . Perhaps the darkest song on this list, “Coventry Carol,” depicts the biblical event “The Massacre of the Innocents” in which King Herod ordered the killing of all male babies under the age of two in Bethlehem. The song takes the form of a lullaby recited to the persecuted children. In Christianity, “The Massacre of the Innocents” is an important part of the broader Nativity story and thus a relevant story in the Christmas narrative. “Coventry Carol” was originally part of a medieval mystery play performed in England called “The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.” You may also like: Best Grateful Dead albums of all time Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Listen and subscribe to Decoding Retirement on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. For many Americans, retirement planning often feels unrealistic. Instead of focusing on the future, many are consumed by what Chris Ceder, a senior retirement strategist with Goldman Sachs Asset Management , refers to as the "financial vortex" — the relentless day-to-day money issues that overshadow long-term planning. “With competing priorities, it's very difficult to save as much as we ultimately want to save,” Ceder said in a recent Decoding Retirement podcast (see video above or listen below). This embedded content is not available in your region. As a result, a significant number of Americans believe they will need to delay retirement. Although the adverse effects of the “financial vortex” are on the decline (see chart below), the competing demands on people's finances, from monthly expenses and financial hardships to the rising costs of caregiving, make it challenging to prioritize saving for the future. Working longer, however, is not always the best backup plan, according to Ceder. Over the past several years, the Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey and Insights Report , which served as the basis for the conversation with Ceder, showed that 50% of people end up retiring earlier than they had planned. "People think that they're going to be able to work longer to shore up their finances, but the reality is if you have to retire earlier, that has a really significant impact on your ultimate retirement savings," he said. Those saving for retirement can do more to avoid that break-glass action plan of having to work longer. Developing a personalized retirement plan is the best solution, according to Goldman Sachs' survey results. "When we looked at this, it was really the magnitude of all the different ways that the planning aspect helped,” Ceder said. “We actually asked people a fairly basic question: Do you have a personalized plan that tells you how much you need to save for retirement and how to save and invest to reach that goal?" The results were clear, he said. “Those who answered 'yes' consistently reported greater confidence in managing their savings, less stress, and an improved ability to balance competing priorities — all of which allowed them to reach retirement without delays. This highlights the significant benefits of having a personalized retirement plan.” Read more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide Some workers don’t have access to the planning resources and tools that can help them get on the right track. But that’s what workers want most from their employers. According to the Goldman Sachs report, retirement savings and investing advice are consistently valued by all investor types, from do-it-yourself and passive investors to advice-reliant investors. For those who have access to planning resources and tools, Ceder said it’s a matter of making sure the plans account for a worker’s unique circumstances. How do we factor in the various aspects of an individual's life? For example, do they have a spouse, other assets, or family members they’re responsible for? All of these elements play a role, according to Ceder. Ceder also mentioned that creating a plan is not a one-and-done exercise. If you're 25, starting with a basic plan might make sense. But as you move into the peak of your career, juggle family responsibilities, or find yourself in the sandwich generation caring for both children and aging relatives, it becomes crucial for that plan to adapt and grow with your changing circumstances. “What's most important, in my mind, is having that planning mentality,” Ceder said. “I almost view it as a behavior that really will sort of evolve and grow as your life changes, but always keep an eye toward what you need to do for the future.” Ceder noted that 401(k) plan sponsors often lack a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the worker’s overall financial situation — such as additional assets, accounts, liabilities, and related factors — beyond the basic details. “401(k) plans, as great as they are, are generally limited to what they know,” he said. “They basically know the account that [they] have access to.” Ceder said workers ought to learn more about alternative investment options, such as private equity, private credit, private real estate, and managed accounts. There’s a growing focus on personalization and diversification, he said, noting that target-date funds are helpful, but they’re designed for averages. Ceder explained that alternative investments and managed accounts align portfolios more closely with individual needs, which can help maximize returns and alleviate savings pressures. For some, a target-date fund may suffice if their financial trajectory is on track. However, “if they're off track, if they're behind, maybe [they] need a more personalized solution to help get them to be on track.” Read more: 401(k) vs. IRA: The differences and how to choose which is right for you The rule of thumb, Ceder said, is that an individual saves 15% from age 25 to 65, and that, plus investment returns, is what gets you sufficient savings for retirement. But earning an additional 50% return on a multi-asset portfolio is essentially equivalent to saving 1%, he said. “This highlights the importance of plan sponsors and advisers doing more to create portfolios designed for the long term,” Ceder said. “We know there's a need to help reduce some of the pressure on the savings side." Technology will continue to play a large role in helping workers save for retirement. Digital tools can ensure everyone has access to quality service, allowing advisers to step in for unique scenarios. And artificial intelligence may be able to help plan participants understand their investment options or answer questions. However, current regulations make it difficult to determine if AI can be used to provide financial advice to 401(k) participants, Ceder said. Some firms are moving in the direction of offering services that capture a worker’s complete financial picture. But that’s the “holy grail of retirement,” Ceder said. It’s the challenge firms are working to address. Each Tuesday, retirement expert and financial educator Robert Powell gives you the tools to plan for your future on Decoding Retirement . You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service . Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance

On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.NoneResearchers achieve near-unity quantum efficiency in 2D photon emittersNone

Introducing Pivot Book Writing: Empowering New Authors Towards Bestseller SuccessThe National Emergency and Security System 911 hosted Minister of the Interior and Police, Faride Raful, for a tour of its facilities to explore its operational model, technological innovations, and emergency response capabilities. Colonel Pilot Randolfo Rijo Gómez, Executive Director of 911, emphasized the system’s role as a cornerstone of citizen security, driven by inter-institutional collaboration and ongoing process improvements. The visit included a presentation on 911’s services and tours of critical areas such as Call Reception, Emergency Dispatch, Video Surveillance, the Command Center, and the Drone Unit. These demonstrations showcased the system’s efficiency in ensuring timely responses to emergencies. Minister Raful highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among security institutions and expressed her commitment to data-driven public policies to enhance citizen protection.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Micah Peavy's 24 points helped Georgetown defeat Albany (NY) 100-68 on Saturday night. Peavy added eight assists, four steals, and three blocks for the Hoyas (6-1). Malik Mack scored 16 points while shooting 6 for 8, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Thomas Sorber had 14 points and finished 6 of 9 from the field. Amar'e Marshall led the Great Danes (5-3) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and four steals. Kheni Briggs added 17 points. Justin Neely finished with 12 points. Georgetown took the lead with 9:05 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 49-35 at halftime, with Peavy racking up 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Nutanix to Present at Upcoming Investor Conference

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Chandigarh: After the go ahead from the govt, the Haryana State Election Commission (SEC) is all set to conduct the elections to 27 civic bodies, including three municipal corporations and an equal number of municipal councils, in the first week of Feb. The commission is expected to release the draft electoral rolls next week. Objections will be called for the preparation of the final list of electoral rolls by the first week of Jan. Since one week’s time is mandatory between the publishing of the final list of electoral rolls and the announcements of polls, it is expected that the poll schedule could be announced by the second week, latest by Jan 14, sources said. Enquiries revealed that the three municipal corporations expected to go to polls include Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar, while the municipal councils where the elections will be held include Ambala Cantonment, Pataudi Mandi, and Sirsa. The commission is expected to announce the election schedule in the second week of Jan if all goes as per the plan. As of now, the deputy commissioners, who also hold the positions of district election officers, have been directed to complete the formalities related to final ward-wise electoral rolls by the first week of Jan. According to sources, the govt has recommended elections to 34 civic bodies. Elections for the remaining civic bodies, as well as for the mayoral posts in Ambala and Sonipat, can be held in the second round. Political parties have also started their preparations for the civic polls. Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Kaushik on Friday chaired a joint meeting of the core group of the party in Delhi to chalk out a strategy for the civic polls. After the meeting, the two called on senior BJP leaders, including Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Deb. Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Udai Bhan also indicated that the party was gearing up for the municipal elections in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Manesar. The party will decide on a strategy for participation in the elections to municipal councils and municipal committees, he added. Last week, AAP Haryana unit chief Sushil Gupta, the former Rajya Sabha MP, had announced their participation in the civic polls. We also published the following articles recently State poll commissioner crucial for civic elections: SEC officials Maharashtra's State Election Commissioner position has been vacant since September, delaying crucial local body elections. With the new government formed, officials urge swift appointment of a commissioner to schedule upcoming municipal and gram panchayat polls. Opposition criticizes the delay, citing the importance of the SEC in overseeing local elections. Hry races to finalise civic poll schedule before Jan 4 Haryana's government has committed to holding long-delayed municipal elections by February 4, 2025. The announcement comes after a High Court petition highlighted the disruption caused by postponed polls, including sanitation issues and infrastructure decay in major cities like Gurgaon and Faridabad. The state will release the election schedule by January 4, 2025, following a delimitation process. Ludhiana municipal corporation elections: 34 candidates file nominations ahead of December 21 polls Nominations for the Ludhiana municipal corporation elections are underway, with 34 candidates filing papers on the third day, bringing the total to 26. Nine additional nominations were submitted for Sahnewal and Malaud Nagar Panchayat elections. The deadline is December 12, followed by scrutiny on December 13 and withdrawal until December 14.CONX Corp. Announces Acquisition of Red Technologies SAS

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So you're gathering with relatives whose politics are different. Here are some tips for the holidaysLeBron James Misses Second Straight Game After 'Personal Reasons' AbsenceIngersoll Rand stock soars to all-time high of $105.68Enzo Marseca says marginalised Christopher Nkunku will play in the league

A tug of the heartstrings evoked local church members to ensure those facing the aftermath of a disaster can experience the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Faith Church Pastor David Morrow and his wife, Anissa, will take the lead to provide small stocking stuffers for kids whose families were victims of Hurricane Helene. After helping hurricane victims in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Anissa said they made a connection with an Eagle Rock Church, as well as several families in the area to help families in crisis this holiday season. While visiting with residents, Anissa said their conversation shifted toward the needs of the children in the area for Christmas. She said Eagle Rock Church was looking to host a toy drive to bring Christmas gifts to the kids in Swannanoa. Aside from providing toys, Anissa said Eagle Rock Church has a section set up like a grocery store dedicated for food and supplies for people. She said the church provides free food, clothes, diapers, formula and more. “Everything — a family that has been affected by the hurricane can come in and get what they need,” she said. Due to the devastation and hurricane aftermath, the town, which sits just outside of Asheville, has its residents living in tents, hotel rooms and camping trailers. While helping victims of the hurricane, Anissa said she worked in the church in Swannanoa and saw the stress on the faces of fellow mamas. She said she could see the worry on their faces as they were asking for baby formula and diapers. Anissa said these families were unsure how they were going to be able to bring Christmas to their kids this year while living in tight spaces and she wanted to give a “we love you, from Oklahoma” to these families. David, on the board of directors with Life’s Hope, said they went to North Carolina to assist families together. David said when the Swannanoa River flooded, it pretty much wiped out the entire town, leaving residents with no drinking water, as well as downed electrical lines and trees. David said they sent out three semi loads to North Carolina and they have another one scheduled to take food, water and other necessities. To provide stocking stuffer items, Anissa said the church needs coloring books, crayons, small handheld games, Play-Doh and other items that can go inside of a small drawstring bag. Anissa said the church is committed to making at least 250 bags for the kids to receive at Christmas. The bags are drawstring vinyl and cloth bags. After returning to Oklahoma and making the announcement at their church, Anissa said all 250 bags were donated. Now, Anissa is working to collect items to put inside the bags. She said she would like to fill the bags with small gifts and toys to occupy their time and have fun. The bags will be split for 125 girls and 125 boys, as well as into age groups: two to five, six to 11 and 12-16 years old. Anissa said their biggest need right now is this 12-year to 16-year age range. Other helpful items, such as gift cards for stores, food, movies and visa gift cards will be useful. Anissa said they will send more than 250 as long as they have enough items to fill each of the bags. David said there are several different organizations helping families in North Carolina and they are grateful to get to be one of them. He said there’s one organization out of Chattanooga, Tennessee helping cook meals as part of the disaster relief. David said these groups are needing help to supply the food as well. David and Anissa said it feels good to get to help out and give back to these families. “It’s an honor and it’s a privilege,” David said. Based on cost, Anissa said they will either ship the bags or they will get in the truck and make the 16-hour drive to North Carolina. To donate items toward these bags or for shipping, contact Faith Church at 580-255-9232. Gift and cash donations for the bags can be dropped off at Faith Church from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Cash donations can be made through the Faith Church’s giving link at www.fcduncan.com . The deadline to bring items is Sunday, Dec. 8 to allow time to pack the bags.Five-car crash on I-495 in Mass. leaves two injured

As a smooth-talking media and political pundit, Colman Domingo ’s Muncie Daniels is used to commenting on politics and the news — not becoming the news — in The Madness . However, his fate will quickly change for the worse when we meet him in the new series. When the CNN personality discovers the dead body of a white supremacist in the woods near where he’s staying in the Poconos, he winds up in the crosshairs of law enforcement and possibly framed for murder — and even his lawyer friend Kwesi (Deon Cole) warns the silver-tongued Muncie, “You’re not going to be able to talk your way out of this.... They are going to pin all this on you.” In this paranoia-inducing Netflix thriller, Daniels finds himself in the middle of a sprawling conspiracy that delves into the darkest corners of society and explores the intersections between the wealthy and powerful, the alt-right, and other fringe movements. “[The series] is examining the climate we’re in right now,” Domingo teased to TV Insider. “Who sows those seeds of disinformation? Who’s puppeteering all of this?” ‘Euphoria’ Star Colman Domingo Explains Season 3 Delay To clear his name, Muncie must figure out whether to trust FBI agent Franco Quiñones (John Ortiz) and reconnect with his working-class, activist roots in Philadelphia while reuniting with his family, which includes teenage son Demetrius (Thaddeus J. Mixson), estranged wife Elena (Marsha Stephanie Blake), and daughter Kallie (Gabrielle Graham) from a previous relationship. “He’s trying to solve a crime,” creator Stephen Belber previews, “but at the same time he’s trying to solve something inside of himself.” To find out what else we should know about the new thrill ride, we spoke to The Color Purple and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star Colman Domingo — who played Victor Strand on Fear the Walking Dead for eight seasons, won an Emmy for Euphoria , and was nominated for a 2024 Oscar for the civil rights drama Rustin — about the bind in which Muncie finds himself in The Madness , the similarities he shares with the character, and the resonance of a story that speaks to our age of online disinformation and conspiracy theories. Why were you drawn to this series and this character? What about it made you say yes to it? Colman Domingo: There’s so much about it that is raising questions about who are we in America right now. What do you believe in? And what are you believing? What’s being fed to you? These are questions that I have deep in my heart, and the series is bringing out those thoughts I have in the back of my head. Like who is manipulating all of us? I do believe there’s people feeding the public misinformation, but it benefits people with money, power, and position. Are there similarities you share with Muncie? Wildly enough, he’s from my neighborhood, from West Philly. He’s a college professor. So am I. There’s a lot of similarities. He’s a public-facing person. Even some of his ideology, where he believes that if you just get people at the table to sit and have a civil conversation, things will get better. I do believe that. I actively do that in my life. And I thought, “Oh, I understand Muncie. I understand what he’s trying to do.” But then the series takes him on another journey to actually go more full-throttle and understand all the dynamics he’s been espousing but not really having to get in the mud with. Is Muncie’s journey in the series a metaphor for how we’re all trying to make sense of this firehose of facts and information, along with disinformation, conspiracy-mongering, and lies that are coming at us 24/7? Yeah. It’s your modern-day North By Northwest, your modern-day Three Days of the Condor. He’s an everyman who has to go on this journey that he’s not ready to go on. He didn’t even know he’s been preparing for it. He was just living his best life, has a great position at CNN, and has been studying jujitsu for his own health. But he didn’t know that he’d need all that to go down the rabbit hole for real. What’s Muncie’s relationship like with his estranged wife, son Demetrius, and his older daughter Kallie from another relationship? All of it is precarious. What’s going on between he and his wife, we made it a gray area. Maybe they both started out as young activists, and the other one moved into celebrity, and the other one is a college professor, and they’re just not meeting [each other] where they used to be. It was more about having a crisis of faith in each other. Then with his daughter [Kallie], he made choices when he was younger, in a relationship he was in before he went to an Ivy League school. So he’s sort of been a deadbeat dad in that way. Then with his younger son, he’s sort of an absentee father. He believes he’s doing the best that he can by providing financially and showing up when he can. But I think he’s been a bit selfish. So this whole crisis is helping him examine not only who he is, but who has he been—and not been—to his family. Now he’s got to do some relationship repair; at the same time, he’s trying to advocate and save his own life and protect his family. Has he lost himself a bit over the years in pursuit of success and ambition? I think so. But I think if you asked Muncie, he wouldn’t say that. I think he believed, no, it’s okay to change. It’s OK to have access and agency. But I think at some point he didn’t realize even in the position that he had, he was just all talk. He was just a talking head. He wasn’t actually doing anything but adding to the noise of the media circuit business. In the crisis that he goes through, how does his family help him to survive? I think he didn’t realize how much he needed them. When we meet him, he’s in a place of stasis. He’s been trying to write this book for years. So he decided to go to the Pocono mountains to try and start writing something. Then he goes on this journey. I think it’s a beautiful hero’s journey. He didn’t know he needed all these things. He didn’t know he needed a heart. He didn’t know he needed a brain...It is ‘no place like home.’ But he realized that his home was attached to other things like celebrity, clothing, and having access. But all of that became more superficial than he even imagined. Amanda Matlovich / Netflix Muncie was a housing activist in his youth, and he reconnects with his West Philly roots and the people in his life from that time. How does he change during the course of the series? I think it’s about helping him to bridge the two parts of himself. It’s one of the first arguments that my character has with the fantastic Eisa Davis, who plays Renee, while hosting a show on CNN. And it’s at the core of the problem. For me, it’s a question of, “What’s the best way?” He’s like, “I am Black and I don’t have to actually be out on the streets anymore. I have more access here on television where I can affect a lot of more people.” And so for me, it’s raising the question of, “Is that right or is that wrong? Or is there a balance of both?” How do race and systemic racism factor into the story of a Black man who gets blamed for the death of a white supremacist? How do you think that will be eye-opening for some viewers? Race plays into it a great deal. Muncie is someone who is probably very adept at code-switching [adjusting one’s style of speech, appearance, and expression to conform to a given community and reduce the potential for discrimination]. When you have celebrity and access, you live more in a bubble where you’re probably not perceived in certain ways. But when all of that goes away, once Muncie has to let go of his Range Rover, his Tom Ford suits, and his position at CNN, he’s perceived as just another ordinary Black man on the street. So even when he goes into that New York shop and changes into a T-shirt, baseball cap, and hoodie [to disguise himself], he’s trying to normalize. Before, he believed was a bit more elevated in some way. I love the question that [his estranged wife] Elena asked him: “What were you doing going over to this white man’s house out in the woods? You felt like you had the privilege to do that? You have to always be careful. You don’t know what’s on the other side. You’re a Black man in America.” He forgot for a moment. What does the title, The Madness , refer to? I think it’s about the madness that we’re all living in when it comes to the 24-hour news cycle and trying to download and sift through information. It’s maddening! And also, I think the madness is also internal, that internal struggle of like, “Who are you, and what do you believe in? Who is real, and who is not?” I think that’s the madness. The Madness , Series Premiere, Thursday, November 28, Netflix More Headlines: ‘The Price Is Right’ Player Injures Hand Before Punch-A-Bunch Win — See Drew Carey’s Reaction Colman Domingo Details Why ‘The Madness’ Is a Drama for Today’s Era of Media Feeding Frenzies ‘DWTS’ Season 33 Finalist Chandler Kinney Reveals What She Would Have Changed About Her Journey Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: How to Watch, New Floats, Who’s Performing & More! ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Blame Ryan Seacrest After Contestant’s Epic Fail

As U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher looked ahead to the next Women's World Cup in 2027, she calculated what that would look like at her age. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * As U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher looked ahead to the next Women's World Cup in 2027, she calculated what that would look like at her age. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? As U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher looked ahead to the next Women’s World Cup in 2027, she calculated what that would look like at her age. Now 36, she already has a World Cup title and won an Olympic gold medal this year in France. She considered the mental, physical and emotional toll of a new cycle and decided it was time to step away. “Honestly, I think I’ve been somebody that has given everything I’ve had to this team. I don’t do anything halfway. It’s kind of, if you can give 100% to it, then keep going,” she said. “With that in mind, I kind of just felt like this was the right time coming off of the Olympics, having the year that we had, entering into a new cycle, a new stage for this team.” Naeher is the latest veteran to announce she’s stepping down from the national team as the next generation takes over under coach Emma Hayes. Among those who have wrapped up their soccer careers in the past couple of years include World Cup winners Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara and Ali Krieger. Naeher will be with the team for two more matches in the coming week. The Americans play England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and then the Netherlands in The Hague on Tuesday. Naeher said she’s excited about the next generation of goalkeepers. In addition to Naeher, Mandy Haught of the Utah Royals and Phallon Tullis-Joyce of Manchester United are on the roster for the upcoming matches. Other goalkeepers who have been on recent rosters include Casey Murphy and Jane Campbell. “I think the beauty of goalkeeping is that it’s not really a one-size-fits-all kind of position,” she said. “The more that you can understand — that’s going to be the challenge any young goalkeeper coming up, is really taking the time to understand what your strengths are and make them really, really elite and separate yourself.” Naeher spoke on Wednesday from London after announcing her retirement on social media Monday. Naeher made her senior debut with the national team in 2014 and was a backup to Hope Solo at the 2015 World Cup, which the United States won. She became the team’s regular starter following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and was on the squad that repeated as World Cup winners in 2019. Naeher won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before the U.S. earned gold this year in Paris. She made a key one-handed save in stoppage time to preserve the Americans’ 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic final. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. For her career, Naeher has appeared 113 games with 110 starts, 88 wins and 68 shutouts. She had four shutouts over the course of the Olympic tournament in France. While she’s leaving the national team, she’ll play one more year for her club team, the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League. “I hope that I can be remembered as a good teammate, as a competitor, as somebody that was looked on as someone that could be relied upon on the field and supported those players around me,” she said. “I think it’s just been a really special team to be a part of. And I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the years.” ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Advertisement AdvertisementWASHINGTON ― Donald Trump instigated a violent attack on the Capitol, was impeached for it by the House, was criminally indicted for it, but in the end was given a pass for it by key voters in the seven swing states, new polling confirms, because they were more concerned about inflation and other pocketbook issues. “It’s clear that voters were thinking about their economic situation,” said Nick Ahamed from Priorities USA, a Democratic-aligned group that on Thursday released a post-election survey to quantify why Vice President Kamala Harris lost to a man who attempted a coup to remain in power the last time he held the White House. Ahamed said voters were not necessarily making a conscious tradeoff between democracy and lower living costs. It’s more that they largely did not believe that Trump represents a continued threat to democracy, despite his history. Even worse for Harris’ campaign, the voters she most needed to hang on to, those who flipped from Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024, were even less likely to see Trump as a danger to the republic than the average voter. Only 24% of voters in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina believe that Trump is “very likely” to overturn the Constitution to remain in power ― which is still higher than the 18% of Biden-to-Trump voters who believe that. And while just 29% of voters thought it’s very likely that Trump would try to use the U.S. military to go after his political opponents and critics, among Biden-to-Trump voters that figure is just 24%. While both the Harris campaign and outside groups helping her focused on economic issues, the limited attempt to warn voters about Trump’s autocratic tendencies failed, Ahamed acknowledged. “We didn’t connect Trump’s authoritarian behavior and what it would mean for them in the next year and in the next four years,” he said. A more basic problem Democratic campaign operatives had, Ahamed added, is the assumption that most Americans saw Trump the same way they did. “Themes like ‘stronger together,’ ‘restore the soul of the nation,’ ‘we’re not going back,’ all are predicated on a hatred of Donald Trump that voters ... and the voters specifically that we lost, don’t necessarily feel,” he said. Polling, for example, showed Trump’s continued success at pushing the image that made him famous: his portrayal of a genius billionaire businessman on the television game show “The Apprentice.” Among Black men between 18 and 44, a full 38% like Trump because he “tells it like it is,” even though the former president has been a notorious liar his entire adult life, while 35% believe he is a “successful businessman and entrepreneur,” even though he inherited his wealth, and his business record includes bankrupting casinos. The poll also had warnings for Democrats about opposing “cultural heroes” of those voters they need to win over to win elections. Billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk, for instance, is liked and disliked about equally among all voters. Among those who voted for Biden in 2020 but for Trump in 2024, he is seen favorably by 64% and unfavorably by only 20%. Democracy advocates, including anti-Trump Republicans, warned months ahead of the election that Jan. 6 was not likely to work as a campaign issue in 2024 because Trump successfully made his lie that the 2020 election had been stolen from him, and his follow-up claim that those arrested for their participation in the Capitol attack were “political prisoners” and “hostages” that deserved pardons, articles of faith within the Republican Party. While public opinion in the days and weeks after Jan. 6 ran overwhelmingly against the attack and Trump, those numbers began to shift over the months as Trump and pro-Trump media pushed conspiracy theories about the election as well as the violence on that day. The need to avoid alienating Trump’s hard-core supporters, in fact, in February 2021 led to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and most Republicans refusing to convict Trump on his impeachment, which would have led to his prohibition from holding federal office again. “Ultimately this comes down to Mitch McConnell,” Ahamed said. Dean Phillips, Early Challenger To Biden In 2024: I Would Do It All Again Tommy Tuberville Suggests GOP Senators Should Blindly Support Trump's Nominees Trump Moves To End His Criminal Case In Georgia

The U.N. Human Rights Council announced the opening of the probe in a letter to several Latin American jurists who in October petitioned the U.N. agency to take action in the face of what is said was widespread evidence of electoral fraud that violates the political rights of millions of Venezuelans. Maduro claimed he won the July contest by a large margin and is preparing to start a third, six-year term in January. But electoral authorities have so far refused to publish voting records to back such claims, as they have in the past, amid calls by the U.S., European Union and even leftist allies from Brazil, Colombia and Mexico to do so. Meanwhile, the opposition has published online what appear to be authentic tallies from 80% of polling machines showing that its candidate, Edmundo González , won by a more than 2-to-1 margin. The October petition, made on behalf of a regular Venezuelan citizen, alleges that Maduro officials committed multiple human rights violations by restricting the ability of millions of Venezuelans abroad, publishing false results and blocking any challenges in court. Paulo Abrao, a Brazilian attorney who was among those behind the complaint, said the decision comes as a crucial time, as the Maduro government is seeking to "normalize its nebulous electoral process” in the hopes the rest of the world will move on amid so many other pressing international crises. “We cannot allow that to happen,” said Abrao, the former head of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. “Now there is a formal case being processed in an international body with binding force. Venezuela has the obligation to comply with the decision.” Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-americaFrank Gogola, John Letasky finalists for 2024 Montana Sportswriter of the Yearslot game 50 minimum deposit 。

NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement retailing market size is estimated to grow by USD 196.61 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.41% during the forecast period. Greater emphasis on diy home improvement projects for personalized interior designing is driving market growth, with a trend towards uptake of ar applications for home improvement projects. However, shifting consumer preference for difm from diy culture poses a challenge. Key market players include Ace Hardware Corp., BayWa Bau and Gartenmarkte GmbH and Co. KG, Grafton Group plc, Groupe Adeo, hagebau connect GmbH and Co. KG, HORNBACH Holding AG and Co. KGaA, Kesko Corp., Kingfisher Plc, Menard Inc., Mr D.I.Y. Group M Berhad, OBI Group Holding SE and Co. KGaA, REWE Group, Stark Group AS, The Home Depot Inc., Travis Perkins Plc, ubyld, Wesfarmers Ltd., Wickes Group Plc, and Lowes Co. Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF DIY home improvement retailing is experiencing significant advancements with the integration of technology. Kingfisher introduced a mobile device for in-store use in 2014, enabling features like mobile checkout, product location, and inventory checks. Their mobile application offers an enhanced in-store map and live chat. AR technology is used in catalogs and apps, allowing virtual previews of furniture and precise measurements. UDecor.com's AR-enabled room planner visualizes 3D items in real rooms. These innovations are expected to boost the DIY home improvement market's growth during the forecast period. The DIY home improvement retailing market is thriving with consumers seeking project solutions and supplies. DIY projects, such as painting, home repairs, and gardening, are popular trends. Profiles of DIY consumers include homeowners, renters, and those looking to save on labor costs. DIY retailers offer a wide range of products, including tools, hardware, and building materials. Online sales are growing, with consumers researching and purchasing products online for convenience. Consumers also value educational resources, such as instructional videos and tutorials, to help with their projects. The market is competitive, with retailers focusing on providing quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Consumers are looking for one-stop shops for their DIY needs, making it essential for retailers to offer a comprehensive selection of products and services. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The DIY home improvement retailing market may face challenges due to the increasing trend of Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) services. This shift is driven by factors such as an aging population in mature markets seeking professional help, young consumers lacking DIY skills, and employment growth leading to higher wages. As a result, DIY retailers are witnessing decreased sales as DIFM professionals prefer B2B suppliers over consumer-facing stores. However, some mature DIY retailers are capitalizing on this trend by catering to trade customers and enhancing their service offerings to attract professional consumers. For instance, Kingfisher's TradePoints and Home Depot's Product Authority are targeting the DIFM segment to optimize sales. These factors are expected to impact the growth of the global DIY home improvement retailing market during the forecast period. • The Do-It-Yourself home improvement retailing market faces several challenges. Procurement of products is a significant issue, with the need to source a wide range of tools and materials. Product availability and timely delivery are crucial to meet customer demands. The market is competitive, with numerous players offering similar products. Differentiating offerings through pricing, customer service, and product selection is essential. Additionally, the increasing trend of online shopping poses a threat to brick-and-mortar stores. Digital marketing and omnichannel strategies are necessary to reach and engage customers effectively. Lastly, ensuring inventory levels and managing supply chains efficiently are ongoing challenges for retailers in this sector. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This do-it-yourself (diy) home improvement retailing market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Lumber and landscape management 1.2 Tools and hardware 1.3 Decor and indoor garden 1.4 Kitchen 1.5 Lighting and others 2.1 Offline 2.2 Online 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Lumber and landscape management- The DIY home improvement retailing market holds substantial potential, particularly in sectors with rising demand for wooden furnishings, lawn care, and gardening. Key categories include tree cutting for decorative uses, door installation, bricklaying, and lawn maintenance. These areas offer significant growth opportunities, contributing to the expansion of the global DIY home improvement market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The DIY home improvement retailing market has experienced significant growth due to the professional DIY movement, with consumers increasingly opting for home purchases and DIY projects. Online stores have become a popular destination for DIYers, offering convenience, time savings, and competitive pricing. E-commerce revenues continue to rise, driven by the availability of DIY items such as painting supplies, building materials, electrical work materials, lighting, tools and hardware, and RTA furniture. Augmented reality (AR) technology is transforming the DIY landscape, enabling consumers to visualize home decor initiatives before making a purchase. Zero-waste solutions are also gaining traction, aligning with the DIY ethos of resourcefulness and sustainability. Online and in-store displays showcase a wide range of DIY resources, catering to the diverse needs of consumers. Big-box retailers continue to dominate the market, leveraging consumer disposable income to offer a comprehensive selection of DIY products. Overall, the DIY home improvement retailing market is a dynamic and evolving space, driven by consumer demand for professional-grade DIY solutions and the convenience of online shopping. The Do-It-Yourself home improvement retailing market refers to the sale of products and tools enabling consumers to complete home improvement projects independently. This sector encompasses a wide range of merchandise, including hardware, power tools, building materials, and decorative items. Consumers are increasingly seeking cost-effective solutions and the satisfaction of completing projects themselves, leading to market growth. Retailers offer various services such as classes and workshops to assist customers in selecting the appropriate products and ensuring project success. The convenience of online shopping and the availability of a vast array of products further enhance the market's appeal. The DIY home improvement retailing market caters to diverse demographics, with a significant portion of sales coming from homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Lumber And Landscape Management Tools And Hardware Decor And Indoor Garden Kitchen Lighting And Others Distribution Channel Offline Online Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Clara Strack scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Teonni Key had 16 points and 13 rebounds and No. 14 Kentucky defeated Arizona State 77-61 on Tuesday in the Music City Classic to remain unbeaten. Kentucky nearly had four players with double-doubles as Georgia Amoore added 20 points and nine rebounds and Amelia Hassett had eight points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (6-0), who shot 42% and scored 13 points off 14 Arizona State turnovers. Jalyn Brown scored 16 points and Nevaeh Parkinson added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Sun Devils (3-3). Arizona State shot just 30%. The Sun Devils cut a 19-point deficit to 11 after three quarters but a 6-0 burst with baskets by Key, Amoore and Strack built the lead back to 15 midway through the fourth. Kentucky led 42-23 at halftime after outscoring the Sun Devils 27-9 in the second quarter, scoring the first 13 points of the period with Struck putting in the final seven in the run. A couple ASU free throws later, the Wildcats went on an 11-2 run capped by a Hassett 3 and the lead was 20. Strack scored 14 points and Key 10 in the half. The teams continue play in the Music City Classic on Wednesday with Kentucky playing No. 19 Illinois and Arizona State facing South Dakota. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballIndustry 5.0 Market: Poised for $470.43B by 2031, 31.5% CAGRYankees slugger Aaron Judge easily wins second AL MVP Award

The Reds finally got one over on their European nemesis for the first time since 2009. Liverpool ended a 15-year wait for a win over Real Madrid as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put them on the brink of guaranteeing a place in the last 16 with a fifth successive win. They say revenge is a dish best served cold and on a chilly night on Merseyside Liverpool finally got one over on their European nemesis for the first time since 2009, also on this ground, with a deserved 2-0 success. They could even afford the rare sight of Mohamed Salah missing a penalty, moments after Caoimhin Kelleher added another moment to a highlight reel already substantial for a second-choice goalkeeper by saving Kylian Mbappe’s spot-kick. Victory over the 15-time winners has seemed especially long in coming as seven defeats and a draw in the last eight meetings barely tell the whole story after two heartbreaking final losses in 2018 and 2022. And while extending their 100 per cent record to maintain top spot and providing a huge morale boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Manchester City the result cannot erase the hurt previously inflicted. This injury-ravaged Madrid side still contains two players of their generation in Mbappe and Jude Bellingham but they are currently not the force they were, although you would still not rule them out of being involved in Munich in May such is their pedigree in the competition. But for now the Arne Slot bandwagon rolls on with a remarkable 17th win in 19 matches. For a while it appeared Darwin Nunez, who has been strangely lacking in his traditional catalytic chaos this season, would take centre-stage as he looked up for the challenge in his third successive start. But while the will was there he was all out of luck as in only the fourth minute he saw his shot saved by Thibaut Courtois and only just cleared off the line by Raul Asencio after the ball rebounded back off the defender. That chance had been created deep in Liverpool territory where, much to Anfield’s delight, Salah robbed Mbappe to spring the counter-attack. Nunez then found the Real goalkeeper, man of the match in their 2022 final victory over Liverpool in Paris, in the way of his close-range stab. In between, in typical style, Nunez had gone down in the penalty area after Asencio had raised his hands to the Uruguayan’s throat and then brought one of the loudest cheers of the night by beating Bellingham with a Cruyff turn not far from the Liverpool area. Another huge cheer rang out for the 21-year-old Conor Bradley, whose perfectly timed tackle on the edge of the penalty area dispossessed a charging Mbappe on a one-man counter-attack. Still Liverpool probed for the opener – with a Nunez header across goal too far in front of Diaz, whose header from Mac Allister’s chip was palmed away – and that continued after the break as they sensed Real were there for the taking. It came seven minutes in when Mac Allister collected a pass from Bradley, instructed to play further forward in the second half, and clipped an angled shot through the crowd and past Courtois. Moments later the Argentina international had even more time to pick his spot from the edge of the area but placed his shot wide. But the pivotal moment came in the 61st minute. Andy Robertson needlessly left his trailing leg in the way for Lucas Vazquez to trip over and referee Francois Letexier wasted no time in pointing to the spot. However, Kelleher guessed the right way to deny Mbappe and Anfield exploded again. To be fair to the French official, who had been frustrating Liverpool with his decisions all night, was equally as quick to award Salah a penalty when Ferland Mendy tripped him. Many of the crowd were already cheering as the ball left the Egyptian’s foot but, for once, his aim was off and for a brief moment the ground was swallowed up in a vacuum of disbelieving silence. But it did not last long as Gakpo rose highest to power home Robertson’s cross and Anfield could enjoy some long-awaited payback. The only concern, with City four days away, were late injuries to Bradley and centre-back Ibrahima Konate.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Jordan Kyrou scored twice and Dylan Holloway had a goal and assist to help lift the St. Louis Blues to a 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night. Robert Thomas also had an empty-net goal for the Blues, who are on a four-game point streak. Kyrou and Holloway gave the Blues a 2-0 lead and scored 39 seconds apart during four-on-four play. Kyrou scored at 18:04 after his rebound went off Mark Scheifele’s skate, and Holloway notched his eighth of the season when he put in his own rebound past Connor Hellebuyck at 18:43. Kyrou made it 3-0 at 6:38 of the third when Holloway, who was sitting on the ice, sent him a pass in the high slot. Holloway extended his point streak to four games (four goals and three assists). Joel Hofer made 22 saves for St. Louis, and Hellebuyck stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced for the Jets. Scheifele was the lone goal-scorer for the Jets, who have lost four consecutive games and are 1-5-0 in their past six. St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer (30) makes a save on a Winnipeg Jets shot during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Tuesday December 3, 2024. Credit: AP/FRED GREENSLADE Takeaways Blues: Holloway and Kyrou were the engines propelling St. Louis. Kyrou finished with seven shots on goal and hit a post. Jets: Winnipeg only won 36.2% of faceoffs and had a hard time getting pucks on net as the Blues blocked 14 shots. Key moment The Jets were already having a sluggish second period when Kyrou and Holloway scored 39 seconds apart. Key stat The Blues have picked up points in their past four games (3-0-1) — all under new head coach Jim Montgomery since he was hired on Nov. 24. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save on St. Louis Blues' Radek Faksa (12) during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024. Credit: AP/FRED GREENSLADE Up next Jets: Visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, the same day the Blues visit the Calgary Flames.BETHLEHEM – William “Bill” Franklin Stinson Sr., 86, of Bethlehem, passed peacefully into the gates of Heaven on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Waterbury Hospital. He was the devoted and loving husband of Patricia Ann (Calabrese) Stinson, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage, having married on May 27, 1961. Bill was born on July 17, 1938, in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, to the late Benjamin Allen Stinson and Helen Louise (Boone) Stinson. Bill was predeceased by his sister Ethel Mae Norfleet. Bill’s life was defined by an unwavering dedication to service – to his country, his family, and to all fortunate enough to know him. In 1958, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and proudly served his country for more than 25 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his distinguished career, Bill worked as an electrical engineer and program manager, playing a key role in the development of the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). His military service also included deployment to Korea, and mastery of the Chinese language through the Yale Institute of Asian Studies, demonstrating his commitment to broadening his understanding of the world. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill continued his professional journey at General DataComm, where he served as program manager for more than 15 years. Later, in continued dedication of service to others, he shared his knowledge and expertise with the students at The Gunnery in Washington, Conn., where he worked as a computer teacher and IT technician until his retirement in 2008. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill had a passion for sports and intellectual pursuits. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf, building computers from scratch, completing crossword puzzles, and keeping up with the latest technological innovations. Bill’s legacy will live on through his beloved wife, Patricia, and their three children: William “Bill” F. Stinson Jr. and his wife Susan, of Frisco, Texas; Rebecca “Becky” Stinson of Middlebury; and Benjamin “Ben” Allen Stinson and his wife, Patricia, of Roxbury. He is also survived by his three grandsons and one great-grandson, Tyler Stinson, Logan Stinson and his wife Sofia, and Hunter Stinson and his wife Samantha, and son Archer; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish his memory. Bill was a man of integrity, compassion, and wisdom who selflessly put the needs of others before his own. Despite his many accomplishments, Bill was humble and despite any hardship he endured, relentlessly strove to make this world a better place for all in it. Although it was in his nature to avoid superlatives, to all who knew him, he was the best husband, brother, father, and grandfather anyone could ever ask for. The memory of Mr. Fantastic will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of his life. A funeral will be on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, 8:45 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, to St. John the Evangelist Church, Watertown, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury. Calling hours for Bill will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org/donate), 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306. For information or to send e-condolences, visit chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

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(ASX: XJO) stock ( ) is slipping in early trade today. Shares in the $29 billion insurance company closed yesterday trading at $19.34. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $19.24 apiece, down 0.4%. For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time. However, this still sees QBE shares up a healthy 31% in 2024. The stock also trades on a partly franked 3.7% trailing yield. Today's dip comes on the heels of QBE's third quarter (Q3 2024) performance . Here's what we know. (Note: share price quotes above are in Aussie dollars. All figures below are in US dollars.) Investors are mixed on the QBE share price after the ASX 200 stock reported year-on-year gross written premium (GWP) growth of 2% for the nine months to 30 September. That was on both a reported and constant currency basis. Management attributed the continued growth to group-wide renewal premium rate increases of 5.9%. In the third quarter, however, renewal premium rate increases dipped to 4.9%. The ASX 200 stock also noted the sizeable impact that North American storms have had on catastrophe claims. According to the release: Following an active hurricane season and a number of notable secondary perils over recent months, 2024 industry insured losses are expected to be significant, and track well in excess of $100B. QBE expects a calmer second half for catastrophe experience, with its net cost of catastrophe claims in the four months to October coming in at around $425 million. The company's 2H 2024 catastrophe allowance is $671 million. As for North American Crop, the company expects an FY 2024 Crop combined operating ratio of approximately 94%. Management noted that, "Current indications suggest yields will not be as favourable as pre-harvest projections, but still strong enough to broadly offset the impact of lower commodity prices." On a positive note, the ASX 200 stock cited "excellent results in both fixed income and risk asset portfolios" for the investment performance achieved in the third quarter. Total investment (FUM) for 3Q 2024 was $33.4 billion, up from $30.5 billion at 1H 2024. Looking at what might impact the $29 billion ASX 200 stock in the months ahead, the insurer reiterated its full-year outlook. Management anticipates constant currency GWP growth of around 3%. This includes the $600 million hit from exited portfolios, which is about $50 million more than previously expected. QBE expects an FY 2024 combined operating ratio of around 93.5%. That figure assumes that catastrophe experience tracks in line with the company's 2H 2024 catastrophe allowance and that Crop is broadly in line with management's expectations.Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg sounds alarm on teens using chatbot romance appsRepublicans rally around Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney general

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N.Y.’s Schumer wants to identify drone sourcesAs the missing woman begins to reintegrate into society and reconnect with her past, she faces a multitude of challenges and obstacles. Rebuilding relationships, processing her lost years, and coming to terms with her new identity as a mother are just a few of the hurdles she must overcome. However, with the support of her family and loved ones, she is determined to forge a new path forward and embrace the future with hope and courage.Writing in the November bulletin of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, Executive Director Cecile Wehrman said: “Well, it was nice while it lasted. “For several weeks after the postal roundtable held in Grand Forks on Aug. 26, I was getting a few messages from eastern (N.D.) newspapers expressing surprise that they were suddenly getting their newspapers (delivered) on time. “Of course, it didn’t last.” Wehrman, who is an accomplished journalist and former publisher/editor of weekly newspapers, was commenting on the ever-worsening level of service to North Dakota’s weekly newspapers from the United States Postal Service. (It’s the same for daily papers.) Her column was headlined “Postal issues still not resolved” — an understatement if ever there was one. At a time when community newspapers that have been mainstays of towns and counties for generations are struggling because of changes in the rural economy, USPS is making a challenging situation worse. In some cases, shoddy service from USPS has hastened, or even guaranteed, a newspaper’s demise. Weekly newspapers depend on the postal service to actually provide the service it is required to provide. Instead, deliveries are unreliable, unpredictable and sometimes so late that the content of the newspapers — news and advertising — is meaningless. Some advertisers have demanded refunds from publishers because ads didn’t get to readers in a timely fashion. Think of what that does to the bottom line of a small newspaper that counts on every advertising dollar. So what’s wrong with USPS? These days, just about everything. But at its core is a long-festering systemic fiasco that dates to the 1970 Postal Reorganization Act that reduced USPS from a cabinet-level department to an independent quasi-business agency. It’s an incompatible hybrid of half-baked privatization and fumbled government obligation. It was a mistake of historic proportions, and the years since have proved as much. It was an ideology-driven congressional manipulation of the constitutional mandate (Article I, Section 8), which gives Congress the power to establish post offices and post roads. The doctrine of universal service (getting first-class mail to you wherever you are) is what the framers envisioned. They did not enable a system that was going to be profitable commerce. The universal service obligation is not a profit model; and attempts since 1970 to make it so have failed. The USPS is a mess for many reasons: union intransigence, competition, the digital revolution, mismanagement, political interference and corruption. Nonetheless, mail delivery should be adequately federally funded, not dependent on a demonstrably unworkable profit pretense. It’s a constitutional obligation, much like providing for the common defense and the general welfare. Do we expect the Department of Defense to make a profit? Do national parks pay for themselves? The interstate highway system? Farm subsidies? Congress appropriates funds to meet those obligations. It should be the same for the postal service. As the Constitution directs: deliver the mail — and those weekly newspapers — everywhere and on time. Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster and a weekly newspaper owner, would expect no less.

1 2 3 T'puram: Two startups incubated by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) entered into collaborations with the Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT), the R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), govt of India. This is considered a boost to innovators in the telecom sector. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will enable CDOT to collaborate and leverage the cutting-edge technologies developed by the startups — Technopark-based Trois Infotech and Kochi-based Silizium Circuits Pvt Ltd. The scheme is designed to fund startups, academia, and R&D institutions, besides acting as a crucial enabler for the design, development, and commercialisation of telecommunication products and solutions. Trois Infotech signed the MoU with CDOT for its ‘Face Recognition Using Drone' technology while Silizium Circuits was roped in for the design and development of LEO satellite components and GNSS RF Front End ASIC (Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Frequency Front End Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Deep-tech startup Trois Infotech, founded in 2018, specialises in AI/ML, embedded systems, IoT, smart surveillance, enterprise web and mobile technologies, video management systems (VMS), and solutions in telecommunications. KSUM-incubated Silizium Circuits is a fabless semiconductor IP & SoC startup under Fabless Chip Design Incubator (FabCI), IIT Hyderabad. As per the MoU, it will develop advanced semiconductor solutions for LEO satellite components. The goal is to support a wide range of LEO satellite infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity both in urban and rural circles and upgrade next-generation broadband services. These collaborations mark a significant step in the development of indigenous telecom technologies and solutions, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through CDOT's Collaborative Research Programme, said a press release. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

A top US official sought to quell growing concern Sunday over reported drone sightings in the country's northeast, reiterating there was no known security threat as authorities monitor the situation. President Joe Biden's administration has faced mounting criticism for not clearly identifying origins of the objects seen hovering over parts of New York and New Jersey. The criticism has come even from Biden's own party, with top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer calling Sunday for action to make it easier for federal, state and local authorities to work together to detect and if need be "bring down" any drone seen to pose a threat. Video footage of mysterious airborne phenomena recently has clogged social media, with spottings also reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program. "But there's no question that drones are being sighted," he said, noting there are more than one million registered across the United States. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," he said. "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any." Even as Mayorkas sought to reassure the public, Boston police announced Sunday that two Massachusetts men had been arrested the previous night for allegedly conducting a "hazardous drone operation" near the city's Logan International Airport. State police were conducting a search for a third suspect, who authorities said fled the scene. Schumer, in a letter to Mayorkas Sunday, urged the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detection technology across New York and New Jersey, since traditional radar struggles to detect such small objects. He also called for passage of legislation to explicitly authorize state and local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to detect and "bring down drones that threaten critical facilities or mass gatherings." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile expressed frustration at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its communications around the issue. "The answer 'we don't know' is not a good enough answer," he told "Fox News Sunday." "When people are anxious... people will fill a vacuum with, you know, their fears and anxieties and conspiracy theories," he said, calling for the FAA to hold public briefings. White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously said the aircraft could be lawfully operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities," he said Thursday, calling for Congress to pass new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities." New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that authorities had agreed to send a drone detection system to her state. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones," she said on X. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal authorities to clearly identify the drones' origins. "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on social media. As the price of drones has fallen -- small quadcopter models with Wi-Fi camera capability can be purchased for as little as $40 -- their numbers and popularity have soared, making their presence in American skies a greater concern. acb/des/bbk/mlm

Australia to delay 2035 climate target as Trump disrupts global action

Emerge fest to promote Silicon BeachUpon reaching the border, the Chinese citizens were greeted by a team of diplomatic staff and medical personnel, who provided them with the necessary assistance and support. The harrowing journey through the green corridor had finally come to an end, and the evacuees could breathe a sigh of relief as they crossed over into safety.

In the heart of winter, amidst the cold and snow, the students and teachers of Harbin Engineering University created a masterpiece that will forever be etched in the memories of all who witnessed it. The snow-carrier, a symbol of unity, creativity, and patriotism, stands as a shining example of the power of art to bring people together and inspire a sense of pride in one's heritage.In conclusion, the commencement of military registration for male citizens turning 18 signifies a milestone in their journey to adulthood and civic responsibility. It is a reminder of the duty each individual has to contribute to the defense and security of our country. Let us embrace this obligation with a sense of pride and duty, knowing that our collective efforts help to ensure a strong and secure future for generations to come.

SANTA CLARA — Neither Nick Bosa nor Trent Williams practiced for a third straight week, and that’s not great news for a 49ers team trying to shake a three-game losing streak in Sunday’s homecoming against the Chicago Bears. Bosa was able to show enough progress to not be ruled out Friday, but he is doubtful. Williams officially is out, as are running back Jordan Mason, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety George Odum. While Bosa has been sidelined since a third-quarter oblique strain Nov. 17 against Seattle, Williams’ hiatus is traced. mainly to an ankle injury but he’s also been coping with personal issues after his son was stillborn Nov. 24. Cornerback Charvarius Ward did not practice Friday because of a personal matter; he played last Sunday in Buffalo in his first game since the Oct. 28 death of his 23-month-old daughter. Ward is still expected to play Sunday, although the 49ers understandably could excuse him amid his grieving. Left guard Aaron Banks is questionable, having missed the 38-10 loss at Buffalo because of a concussion from the loss to Seattle. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is also questionable after returning to practice this week as the 49ers evaluate whether to activate him off Injured Reserve. RUNNING BACK OPTIONS Isaac Guerendo looks in line to start at running back, with Patrick Taylor Jr. as the next-best option, while the 49ers move past last Sunday’s season-ending injuries to Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Mason (ankle). The 49ers put McCaffrey back on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, having spent eight weeks on IR with Achilles tendinitis before his Nov. 9 activation. Mason is expected to move onto IR on Saturday. For further depth, Israel Abanikanda was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn as re-signed to the practice squad. PURDY ALL CLEAR Two weeks since missing the 49ers’ 38-10 loss at Green Bay because of a shoulder injury, quarterback Brock Purdy had no setbacks in his return last Sunday at Buffalo and is full-go for this game. “He’s good. He had to wait a while give him rest and make sure it healed,” Shanahan said. “Glad to get him back to full speed and get him back to practice.” BEARS INJURIES Bears running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver D.J. Moore are both questionable after quadriceps injuries forced them to miss back-to-back practices before Friday’s limited return. Center Ryan Bates (concussion) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) are out. Swift’s backup, Roschon Johnson, will not play because of a concussion. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) is fully expected to play despite missing Wednesday’s practice. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Six things that helped make the 49ers the NFL’s most disappointing team San Francisco 49ers | Kristin Juszczyk named one of New York Times’ most stylish people San Francisco 49ers | What reasons do 49ers give for allowing 19 rushing touchdowns? ‘All of the above’ San Francisco 49ers | Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker found guilty of leaking 49ers report, perjury San Francisco 49ers | 49ers' Ricky Pearsall still a 'competitor' amid 3-game drought DEEBO ‘IS THE KEY’ Deebo Samuel may be enduring one of his most sideways seasons but that hasn’t diminished opponents’ respect. Said Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington: “Deebo Samuel, he’s a very versatile player, can play multiple positions: Tailback, slot, wide receiver. He’s the key to everything they desire to do.” Samuel has not unlocked the 49ers offense, either as a wide receiver (38 catches, 531 yards, one touchdown) or a running back (27 carries, 79 yards, one touchdown). HALL OF FAME COMPLIMENT In the wake of McCaffrey’s season-ending knee injury, he wrote an extensive message on Instagram this week depicting his love for the game, and it won the admiration of general manager John Lynch. “That deal he wrote was beautiful,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “I told him, ‘Hey you wrote your Hall of Fame speech, or an excerpt for it.’ He encompassed what football is all about and why we all love it, as much as anybody I’ve ever heard.” McCaffrey’s words on Wednesday: “Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward ➡️🙏🏼”SANTA CLARA — Neither Nick Bosa nor Trent Williams practiced for a third straight week, and that’s not great news for a 49ers team trying to shake a three-game losing streak in Sunday’s homecoming against the Chicago Bears. Bosa was able to show enough progress to not be ruled out Friday, but he is doubtful. Williams officially is out, as are running back Jordan Mason, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety George Odum. While Bosa has been sidelined since a third-quarter oblique strain Nov. 17 against Seattle, Williams’ hiatus is traced. mainly to an ankle injury but he’s also been coping with personal issues after his son was stillborn Nov. 24. Cornerback Charvarius Ward did not practice Friday because of a personal matter; he played last Sunday in Buffalo in his first game since the Oct. 28 death of his 23-month-old daughter. Ward is still expected to play Sunday, although the 49ers understandably could excuse him amid his grieving. Left guard Aaron Banks is questionable, having missed the 38-10 loss at Buffalo because of a concussion from the loss to Seattle. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is also questionable after returning to practice this week as the 49ers evaluate whether to activate him off Injured Reserve. RUNNING BACK OPTIONS Isaac Guerendo looks in line to start at running back, with Patrick Taylor Jr. as the next-best option, while the 49ers move past last Sunday’s season-ending injuries to Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Mason (ankle). The 49ers put McCaffrey back on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, having spent eight weeks on IR with Achilles tendinitis before his Nov. 9 activation. Mason is expected to move onto IR on Saturday. For further depth, Israel Abanikanda was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn as re-signed to the practice squad. PURDY ALL CLEAR Two weeks since missing the 49ers’ 38-10 loss at Green Bay because of a shoulder injury, quarterback Brock Purdy had no setbacks in his return last Sunday at Buffalo and is full-go for this game. “He’s good. He had to wait a while give him rest and make sure it healed,” Shanahan said. “Glad to get him back to full speed and get him back to practice.” BEARS INJURIES Bears running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver D.J. Moore are both questionable after quadriceps injuries forced them to miss back-to-back practices before Friday’s limited return. Center Ryan Bates (concussion) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) are out. Swift’s backup, Roschon Johnson, will not play because of a concussion. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) is fully expected to play despite missing Wednesday’s practice. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Six things that helped make the 49ers the NFL’s most disappointing team San Francisco 49ers | Kristin Juszczyk named one of New York Times’ most stylish people San Francisco 49ers | What reasons do 49ers give for allowing 19 rushing touchdowns? ‘All of the above’ San Francisco 49ers | Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker found guilty of leaking 49ers report, perjury San Francisco 49ers | 49ers' Ricky Pearsall still a 'competitor' amid 3-game drought DEEBO ‘IS THE KEY’ Deebo Samuel may be enduring one of his most sideways seasons but that hasn’t diminished opponents’ respect. Said Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington: “Deebo Samuel, he’s a very versatile player, can play multiple positions: Tailback, slot, wide receiver. He’s the key to everything they desire to do.” Samuel has not unlocked the 49ers offense, either as a wide receiver (38 catches, 531 yards, one touchdown) or a running back (27 carries, 79 yards, one touchdown). HALL OF FAME COMPLIMENT In the wake of McCaffrey’s season-ending knee injury, he wrote an extensive message on Instagram this week depicting his love for the game, and it won the admiration of general manager John Lynch. “That deal he wrote was beautiful,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “I told him, ‘Hey you wrote your Hall of Fame speech, or an excerpt for it.’ He encompassed what football is all about and why we all love it, as much as anybody I’ve ever heard.” McCaffrey’s words on Wednesday: “Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward ➡️🙏🏼”As the countdown to the Champions League match ticks closer, the excitement and speculation surrounding Real Madrid's lineup only intensify. Fans, pundits, and rivals eagerly await the unveiling of the official squad, eager to see how As's predictions align with the coach's actual selections. With Mbappe, Isco, and Jemal Amini headlining the anticipated lineup, the stage is set for a thrilling clash of titans, where each player's contribution could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Toothaches, a common dental woe, can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, prompting individuals to seek relief through various treatment options. Recently, the significant differences in pricing for toothache remedies across different healthcare facilities have drawn attention to the disparities in treatment approaches and costs. The range of prices for treating toothaches can vary from as low as $300 to as high as $5000, reflecting the diverse strategies and technology employed by different institutions.In conclusion, the recent progress in the construction of the new expressway in Jiangxi represents a significant step forward in the region's infrastructure development. As the project continues to advance, it is poised to bring about a myriad of benefits, ranging from economic growth and enhanced connectivity to improved quality of life for residents. With continued dedication and collaboration, the new expressway project is set to play a key role in driving progress and prosperity in Jiangxi province.High Court gives green light to former ITV Studios redevelopment on South Bank

Drone sightings have been reported up and down the eastern US in recent weeks. Officials say they're investigating the mysterious aircraft — many of which have actually been crewed aircraft. But federal agencies stress that they need more authority to deal with the drone threat. Federal agencies are arguing they need more authority so they can better deal with drones amid the surge in unexplained drone sightings that have caused confusion throughout the eastern US in recent weeks. Department of Homeland Security and FBI officials said on Saturday that they are limited right now in how they can respond to the reported drone sightings that have stretched from Maryland to Massachusetts since mid-November. Much of the mystery has centered on New Jersey, where drones have been reported around military facilities and critical infrastructure sites. The Biden administration has stressed that these drones are not the work of a foreign adversary and do not appear to be a public safety threat. A White House spokesperson said many of the suspected drones are believed to be crewed aircraft that are operating lawfully. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey right now, the reported sightings there do highlight a gap in our current authorities," a DHS official said during a weekend background call with reporters. The official said that they urged Congress "to pass our important counter-UAS legislation that will extend and expand our existing counter-drone authorities." That legislation would leave DHS "better equipped to identify and mitigate any potential threats at airports or other critical infrastructure" but also provide state and local authorities with" the tools that they need to respond to such threats," the official added. An FBI official agreed with that argument and said that any investigation into the drones is "limited in scope." They said there is pending legislation that, if lawmakers passed it, would expand the agency's legal authority regarding counter-drone tools and technologies. The official said that the legislation would "help us quickly identify or quickly mitigate some of the threats." A bipartisan bill , the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, sponsored by Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, would expand federal agencies' oversight of drones. Federal law enforcement officials told House lawmakers at a hearing this week that the current legal authorities they are working with aren't enough to deal with the threat that drones pose. These restrictions are felt by the military as well, as US Northern Command said earlier that it was aware of reports of unauthorized drone flights near two military installations in New Jersey: the Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. A Department of Defense official said the military is limited in what it can do off-base and needs to coordinate with local and federal law enforcement to take any action. "We're also significantly restricted — and rightfully so, in fact, prohibited — from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance here in the homeland," the official said during the call with reporters on Saturday. "We don't have the same capabilities and the same methods that we would employ in other locations outside of the homeland to determine points of origin and identify very quickly where these operators are located and then respond to that location," the official added. "We just can't do that here in the homeland." The recent sightings follow similar incidents over the past year, with drones spotted near sensitive military sites in the US and overseas. Recognizing it has a drone issue, the Pentagon recently announced a new counter-drone strategy as it looks to uncover better ways to defeat the threat . While the ongoing East Coast "mystery drone" saga has confused civilians and officials alike, federal agencies say many of the reported sightings are just crewed aircraft that are being misidentified as drones. However, the FBI has acknowledged that while only a small percentage of the tips it received ended up warranting further investigation, there is definitely some unexplained drone activity above New Jersey. "We're doing our best to find the origin of those drone activities," the FBI official said. "But I think there has been a slight overreaction."

American actor John Stamos is thanking two Chilliwack drummers after he called on them to help him perfect a drum solo for a Beach Boys concert. Brandon Toews and Dylan Weightman of Chilliwack were down in Los Angeles collaborating with the famous actor and musician as he prepared for an upcoming performance. Stamos, lovingly known as Uncle Jesse from sitcom Full House, has been playing with the Beach Boys for 40 years. He said he wanted to rediscover his love of drumming and needed help with a new solo, so he contacted Drumeo, an Abbotsford-based music school where Toews is the content director and Weightman the vice president. But it wasn’t just a drum lesson, it was a video project as well. “Today we released one of the coolest videos we’ve ever worked on at Drumeo,” Toews wrote on social media on Nov. 29. “I’ve gotten to know John Stamos over the last year and after sending some videos back and forth, we decided it was time to work on a new video together.” Weightman and fellow Drumeo teammate Brandon Scott developed the video concept and brought it to life, Toews said. In Drumeo’s 25-minute YouTube video called ‘John Stamos learns a drum solo in 10 days,’ Toews is seen working with Stamos on the drums and breaking down what makes a great solo. Near the end of the video, Stamos pounds out a minute-long drum solo at the Beach Boys concert that Toews called a 10 out of 10. Stamos “crushed it,” Toews said. “This was an absolute dream project collaborating with John Stamos to tell the story of evolving his Beach Boys drum solo in tribute of (late Foo Fighters drummer) Taylor Hawkins," Weightman wrote on social media. Weightman called Stamos talented, generous and handsome. “It was cool just to work with John – the fact that he’s a wonderful human being was a total bonus,” Weightman said. Stamos returned the compliments “Back at ya, Dylan. Total pleasure. You’re extremely helpful and very talented good man. And I absolutely love the video.” At the end of the video, Stamos pulls Toews up on stage to play a few songs with the Beach Boys, which Toews was not expecting. "John's a beast, man. What an incredible solo and, as a teacher, how cool to see your student go up there and just destroy a drum solo like that," Toews said. "Well done, John. You're an animal."FG agency blames Enugu as police arrest workersIt is crucial to note that Hisense Group Brand Department has consistently demonstrated strong performance and solid results in recent years. The department has been instrumental in driving the company's brand development strategies and has played a pivotal role in enhancing Hisense's global reputation and market share. The notion that such a critical business unit would be dismantled or downsized without careful consideration and strategic planning is highly unlikely.

Bayo Adams: A visionary, purpose-driven strategist with unwavering passion for excellence, sustaining standards through innovation at Periscope consulting Bayo Adams is the lead Consultant at Periscope Consulting . A Finance and Management graduate of the School of Management, Cranfield University, UK; an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government – Public Financial Management Programme. He holds a Certificate in Global Management from the INSEAD School of Business. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and he is an accredited trainer with certification from the Nigeria Centre for Management Development. A Management Consultant with over 15 years of experience in Business Advisory Services, Financial Advisory and People & Change Management Consulting in both public and private sectors. He was a Senior Consultant in the Management Consulting Division of KPMG Professional Services, Nigeria, where he was a part of several public sector Advisory engagements involving Strategy, Process Design & Improvement, Finance Process Automation and Capacity Building & Change Management. Bayo had also worked with Stanbic IBTC Bank where he played a pivotal role in the implementation of the Operating Process Centre model of integrated back-end banking operations in the Abuja region of the bank. He was responsible for the bank’s interface with the regulator and other industry players in the region. In July 2012, Bayo served as a Technical Adviser to the Accountant-General of the Federation on Public Financial Management (PFM). In this role, he served as Consultant of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) – Sub-Committee on IPSAS Implementation, responsible for the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Nigeria. Over the years, he has successfully designed and delivered several trainings, study tours and other Capacity Development programs for individuals of private and public sector organizations of different levels across the three arms of government. He facilitated numerous Study Tour programs that allowed Nigerian Civil Servants to enjoy the benefit of practically engaging and learning from colleagues in other climes who have successfully implemented or are in the process of implementing some of the intended reforms in Nigeria. Such programmes including the interactions with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Malaysian Government, were instrumental to the successful Programme Management of the IPSAS as a reform in Nigeria. He has prepared and delivered numerous papers on technical and soft skills for participants of different grade levels locally and internationally, using the hands-on interactive learning approach deemed most suitable for strengthening problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In 2012, he established Periscope Consulting Ltd , which specialized in public financial management (PFM) adversary, People and Change management, Information Technology, Financial Advisory, and Process Improvement for public and private organizations. Over the years, Periscope Consulting has earned a strong reputation for promoting institutional strengthening, transparency, and accountability. With partnerships with reputable organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountability (CIPFA), the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Accountant-General’s Department of Malaysia, P.A. Adebimpe (Chartered Accountants), and Aggregate Business Solutions (IT Partners), reflect periscope unwavering commitment to values. Through his dynamic leadership, Periscope has expanded internationally, with operations in the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Rwanda. With certifications from the Nigerian Centre for Management Development (NCMD) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Compliance Management Systems and Quality Management Systems. In response to the Guardian’s recognition of him as one of the 100 visionary CEOs with exceptional business acumen that shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape in 2024, Bayo Adams speaks about his passion for excellence, innovation, and other pertinent issues. Excerpts... Speaking on the core values driving Periscope Consulting’s success, Bayo attributed it to a divine mission to impact colleagues, clients, and the community positively. He said, “This mission has been translated into a vision of building a generational firm that touches lives by enhancing service delivery, government-to-government collaboration, and business-to-government partnership”. He further said “This vision gives us a long-term perspective on all we do, making us choose impact over profit. In doing this, my colleagues and I will continue to deliver on each task with a tripod of Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence”. Though an indigenous Nigerian firm, Periscope pursue excellence in all its activities, competing with global best practices, and remaining guided by the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. On how Periscope Consulting navigates market changes amidst evolving government policies, Bayo has this to say” Periscope Consulting Limited has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating market changes driven by evolving government policies. Our proactive approach involves closely monitoring regulatory developments, enabling us to adjust our strategies and operations swiftly when necessary. Diversifying our services and revenue streams, coupled with agile supply chain management, helps mitigate risks associated with policy shifts and ensures business continuity. This is further bolstered by our investment in cutting-edge technology, which enhances efficiency, compliance, and our ability to anticipate and prepare for potential disruptions. Regular consultations with industry and regulatory experts have fortified our legal and compliance frameworks. Additionally, a strong focus on internal capacity-building through continuous training and development empowers our team to handle policy changes and regulatory complexities effectively.” When asked how the government should address Nigeria’s economic challenges. He said, “My idea of the government’s role in addressing the nation’s economic challenges should be centred around creating an enabling environment, i.e., an enabling environment for infrastructural development, an enabling environment for ease of doing business, an enabling environment to attract international investors and tourists. The government will require a matrix of short and long-term measures alongside soft and structural activities to drive economic development. The government must develop and communicate a clear-cut national development agenda resulting from a deep analysis of the national strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats vis-à-vis the envisioned national dream. This communication plan should be rolled out alongside reorientation programs to promote trust and patriotism. At the national level, we need to identify emerging sectors, such as agriculture, financial services, real estate, tourism, mines, and steel, for which an orchestrated development plan/framework will be constituted. The national government should design a roadmap for developing the sectors of interest, including regulatory provisions, incentives, and responsibilities/roles for different stakeholders. Other sub-nationals should work together with the nation to provide the needed environment. Significant investments should likewise be made in developing security and key infrastructures, such as roads, railways, transportation, and aviation, to support national growth and development. Similarly, the government—national and subnational—should galvanize local and foreign investments in the sectors of interest to promote the needed development. The ease of doing business should be made a regulatory and operational philosophy that drives the government’s position and stances on emerging matters. The government should be committed to supporting businesses. However, it is worth mentioning that to combat these challenges as a nation, the government, the private sector, and the populace ought to collaborate on nation-building. With the government focusing on creating an enabling environment, private sector operators birthing and running world-class enterprises, and individuals demonstrating a high level of patriotism – all directed towards national growth.” On how Periscope as a consulting firm has impacted the Nigerian economy in both the public and private sectors, Bayo Adams gave an insight by saying “Periscope Consulting has significantly impacted the Nigerian economy through transformative initiatives in both the public and private sectors. The firm’s expertise in strategy development, process improvement, finance process automation, and capacity building has produced measurable results and lasting effects. Periscope Consulting has also been instrumental in promoting governance and economic development through several imperative good governance and reform programs, such as the National Development Planning, on the public sector, the firm actively participated in preparing the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, which provide strategic pathways for national growth. “We have worked with national and subnational governments in designing and implementing key Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms, such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) – designed to ensure adherence to global best practices in public sector financial reporting and transparency; Treasury Single Accounting (TSA) – aimed at streamlining public sector accounts, increasing liquidity visibility, and reducing financial leakages.” At the subnational level, we have provided advisory services to clients to increase fiscal transparency, accountability, and sustainability through the World Bank’s SFTAS program, enhancing good governance and fiscal responsibility across multiple states. He further stated that Periscope Capacity Building and People & Change programs have trained over 4,000 public servants across different fields in nearly 4,570 training hours. Through targeted training, leadership development, and policy formulation, they have empowered Nigerian civil/public service, thus fostering an efficient and effective workforce. These initiatives have strengthened governance structures, enhanced transparency, and contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. On the private sector aspect, Periscope Consulting has driven innovation and growth in the private sector by offering tailored solutions, such as Strategy Development projects, which help businesses across industries craft and implement robust market competitiveness and sustainability strategies. Investment Advisory, providing critical insights and financial solutions that enable organizations to optimize investment decisions and achieve long-term success. “Our Process Optimization projects support organizations in sectors such as Health, Oil and Gas, and Finance through process and policy improvements, which enhance operational efficiency and drive productivity. By bridging global best practices with local expertise, Periscope Consulting has facilitated sustainable growth for private enterprises, enabling them to thrive in a dynamic business environment.” Describing the biggest motivation that has brought him this far in his career, Bayo said his motivation is derived primarily from his goals of making the world a better place by building impactful institutions. According to him, “This motivation is reflected in my unwavering passion for institutional strengthening, across public and private sector organizations, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence in service delivery. I am deeply driven by the opportunity to drive meaningful change and solve real-world challenges, particularly those that have a tangible impact on the performance and sustainability of businesses and organizations. The ability to contribute to building resilient institutions, improve governance, and create value for clients has been both fulfilling and inspiring.” On a final note, Bayo advised aspiring CEOs to develop a clear, comprehensive vision for their business that balances short-term and long-term goals while always focusing on practical execution. He Said a well-defined vision reflects a clear purpose and provides direction, but the ability to translate that vision into actionable steps is key to success. Equally important is building a strong, diverse team committed to the company’s long-term growth. =============================== ========================================= With Jarus Homes, Suraj Oyewale Harps On integrity, client base, timeliness Suraj Oyewale is the Chief Executive Officer of Jarus group of companies which consists of Jarus Homes and Investments Limited, Jarus Travel Services Limited, Jarus and Jan Limited, and Fortrose Consulting Limited. Born in August 1982 at Offa, Kwara State, Oyewale, popularly known as Jarus, had his early life education at Adeola Model School and Offa Grammar School, both in Offa, before attending Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, to study economics. He graduated in 2006 with a first class. He also holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, United Kingdom. Aside from being a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), he is also an associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). Having worked in a number of companies, including Oando Plc, and Seven Energy International Limited, among others, Oyewale branched out to manage his own companies. Founding Jarus Homes and Investments Limited (Jarus Homes) in 2022, the company has since grown from handling one project to completing 70 housing units, including Whitestreet Gardens, Ajah, Lagos; Capital Court I, Jubilation Avenue, Abuja; Harrow Estate, Offa, Kwara State. Currently, it is partnering Ahlam Homes to develop Ahlam Luxury Villas, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State. Commenting on his success, the dynamic business head revealed that integrity and transparency are his secrets, adding that his company delivers its projects before the timeline, stressing that real estate business relies heavily on trust and one stands to go far if he demonstrates integrity and transparency in his dealings. Recounting how he started, Oyewale disclosed that he had to quit his bloomy job in oil and gas in 2022 and with the exit pay, he bought a piece of land and began Jarus Homes project. According to him, the business had been running, while he was in paid employment, but he had to go into it full-time when the turnover crossed one billion naira. Pointing at inflation as one of the major challenges in the industry, Oyewale disclosed that prices of building materials have continued to skyrocket, saying iron rod moved from N550,000 per ton to N1.2m before falling slightly to N1m, while finishing materials including tiles, sanitary wares and electrical materials among others have doubled in prices, noting that the fluctuation is seriously affecting project planning. Calling on the government to regulate the prices of building materials, the CEO said doing this will help the development of the industry. He highlighted the contributions of Jarus Homes to the nation’s economy including job creation, imparting the various communities they operate through corporate social responsibility programmes such as contributing to procuring transformers, embarking on road projects, and sponsoring football competitions, among others. For his many laudable contributions to society and humanity, Oyewale has received different awards and recognitions, including the Offa Youth Council award for outstanding contribution to community development and the Rotary Club of Ilorin award for outstanding contribution to youth development in Nigeria. Advising young people, he said: “Reputation is everything. Try and build a solid reputation that will stand the test of time and guard it jealously. Support people without strings attached, they may be your customers in the future. This can help a business at its formative stage.” ================================================================== Margaret Oki Driving Orwell Properties Management To Greater Heights Margaret Oki, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orwell Properties Management Limited, Abuja, is an innovative and inspiring leader, whose drive in the real estate industry has brought a fresh perspective to property management. With a passion for the minutest details and timely delivery, Oki has registered her presence as a glowing star in the industry. Armed with the knowledge that spans property management, client relations and business development, the astute leader is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to fulfil their housing needs through smart property investments. Under her leadership, Orwell Properties Management Limited is providing top-notch services, building strong relationships and driving growth in the real estate sector. Having a first degree in nursing from London South Bank University, UK, Oki’s interest in real estate has enabled her to provide investment opportunities to her clients that truly redefine the essence of real estate. Discovering early enough that she has the potential to lead and impart people, Oki followed her mind and has since met and inspired different people from diverse backgrounds to be the best they can. “I see people’s potentials and harness them, thereby bringing out the best in them, she continued, I felt I had more to give and to do this, I had to be an entrepreneur to be able to make my own decisions, create my own concepts and ideas and execute them effectively.” On how her company has risen to the top, she said, it is because of her two core values – transparency and trustworthiness. According to her, these values have enabled the company to build a credible reputation among our clients, despite our open-door policy that welcomes clients’ questions and gives feedback. Commenting on the challenges in the industry, she noted that the current economic situation has spiked the prices of building materials, thereby making it difficult for clients to start the development of their lands. Identifying other problems, she noted the bureaucracy surrounding building plan approvals, land documentation, and obtaining Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), among others as issues to be tackled, adding that these bottlenecks delay the delivery of projects and also increase operational cost. She enjoined governments at all levels to make these processes hassle-free and seamless too. Revealing the secrets of her company’s success, the boardroom giantess, said it is a strong customer relationship, stressing that her company prioritises customer satisfaction, a value that has made Orwell Properties Management Limited to be one of the sought-after companies in the industry. Advising younger ones, she said: “Get mentorship from a qualified person and stay focused, consistent and committed. Put in your best in whatever you do and always have a positive attitude. With a positive mindset, you can achieve all you want in life.” ===== Amb. Dr. Mrs. Olubukola M. Abitoye Amb. Dr. Mrs. Olubukola M. Abitoye hails from Ondo town in Ondo State, Nigeria. A skilled financial specialist, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Charisma University in North America. As GMD of Digital Space Capital Group, Mrs Abitoye oversees an all-in-one provider of financial services, including investment banking, asset management, insurance, micro banking, and fintech. She founded the Florence Modupe Foundation, which empowers over 6,000 women and widows; and supports over 600 children, focusing on education for underprivileged children and assistance to orphanages across Nigeria. As a pioneering entrepreneur, she is also the visionary founder of Emison Real Estate, a rapidly expanding Nigerian real estate company specializing in property acquisition, sales, investment, human capital development and expert property management services. She is a Co-Founder of EcoFlux Nigeria Limited, an online solar marketplace for Africans. 20+ years of experience in treasury management, corporate finance, investment banking, commercial and retail banking, project finance, interior designs, and real estate. A certified SEC-sponsored individual, she is authorized to provide investment advisory and manage financial transactions. Amb. Dr. Mrs. Abitoye holds memberships in esteemed organizations such as: – Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria (CIOD) – Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) – ⁠Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) – Fellow, Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (Doctorate holder) – Financial Markets Association (ACI) – Doctoral Fellowship, International Certified Risk Management Professionals, United Kingdom She serves as a youth ambassador (ECOWAS Youth Council) and has received the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity. Amb. Dr. Mrs. Abitoye is a seasoned leader committed to excellence, with remarkable achievements in finance and philanthropy. ======== Dr. Oluremi Olukoya Resonates Quality, Excellence, Breaking New Frontlines In Construction Industry Dr Oluremi Olukoya, known professionally as ‘Remi Olukoya, is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for excellence and a drive to break new boundaries. With a career spanning over two decades as a testament to his relentless pursuit of success, he keeps on coming up with cutting-edge products to dominate the construction industry. On his career, he said: ” I have always strived for excellence, hard work, dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. These have been the cornerstones of my career. I have been driven by a strong passion and an unshakable faith in my potential to achieve greatness. This has fueled my tenacity for hard work, commitment and dedication. Never shiedding away from challenges, he said that he is always ready to offer clients the best possible solutions. “Critical to our success story is innovation. It has been a constant theme throughout my career, as I have continuously sought new and better ways to approach every task, ” he said. Olukoya’s passion for entrepreneurship has always come to the fore, even while working in corporate roles at Mobil, Ericsson and Prima Garnet Group. While, he faced some challenges, such as being overlooked for promotions and a rescinded promotion due to disagreements regarding the misuse of the company’s resources, he remained committed to his values and integrity. Between 2008 and 2010, he attended several training programmes, conferences and exhibitions, where he met key industry players at one of the conferences, Succrex conference. These experiences further fueled his entrepreneurial ambitions and provided valuable insights into the industry. The meeting played a significant role in preparing him to forge his own path and pursue his entrepreneurial goals. However, a pivotal moment came when he was contacted by the management of a UK-based company to represent them in Nigeria. This opportunity, along with the support of industry professionals like Architect Craig, solidified his decision to take the leap into entrepreneurship. He also started small businesses on the side, such as marketing fresh fruit juices at parties and breast cancer test kits. These experiences enabled him to develop essential business skills and gain confidence in his abilities. In 2011, he went into entrepreneurship full-time. He attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, the University of South Wales, United Kingdom, for his first degree and later, a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Caleb University, Lagos, before another master’s in construction engineering management from the University of East London, United Kingdom. His strong academic background, combined with his passion took him to the top of his career in ExxonMobil and Ericsson. He also reached a career-high point as a leader at Prima Garnet Africa, a leading Integrated marketing communications agency. With his creativity and managerial skills, he was able to solidify Pecksgrey Group’s position as a major player in the Nigerian economy. On his business strategy, he disclosed that his organisation prioritise delivering top-tier services and products, and refuses to compromise quality, adding that this staff actively listen to clients’ needs, provides timely feedback, and not just meets expectations, but exceeds them. He revealed that commitment to customer satisfaction has resulted in numerous long-term partnerships, some spanning over 13 years. Highlighting some of the challenges in the industry, he observed that Nigeria’s reliance on imports, coupled with the fluctuating exchange rate and rising inflation are key, stressing that these make things difficult for engineers to accurately estimate and manage project budgets. Other significant challenges, he noted include funding, clients’ preference for fixed-price contracts, delayed payments and insufficient mobilisation funds. Shedding light on his company’s cutting-edge products, he said: ” We began with sports products and infrastructure solutions, but we didn’t stop there. We expanded our offerings to include full-scale sports infrastructure provisions including stadium design and construction, indoor sports hall, and swimming pools, among others. “Subsequently, we ventured into full-scale construction. This diversification strategy has allowed us to adapt to changing market dynamics. This strategic move not only diversified our revenue streams but also solidified our position as a comprehensive solutions provider. By embracing new ideas, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and adapting to changing customers’ needs, we have been able to maintain a competitive edge and secure a lasting presence in the market.” Advising the younger ones in the industry, Olukoya noted that success is rooted in hard work, dedication, striving for excellence and commitment. He stressed that it is essential to have trust in God and have a clear vision, be excellent at what you do, and walk the path of hard work and dedication, adding that developing certain core principles, including emotional intelligence, thoughtful decision-making, and staying abreast of government policies and regulations are equally essential. For his company’s dedication to quality and excellence, he has received several recognitions, including Ambassador for Peace by UN-POLAC (2024), Sustainable and Environment-friendly Construction Expert of the Year (2024) by PEWAN, F8Baller Africa Recognition (For Amazing Contribution to Football Development Programmes, 2024, Leadership Award of Excellence and Selfless Service to Humanity (2022), Noble Prize for Excellence (Awarded by Vanguard of Societal Transformation in Nigeria)(2022), Leadtime Africa Strategic Leadership Award for Excellence and Selfless Service to Humanity (2022) By LEADTIME, Fellowship Award (Recognizing Leadership Qualities, 2019) By Institute of Chartered Professional Managers, among others. ==== Onose Deep Oil and Gas Limited – Excellent service delivery always Nigeria’s quest to boost crude oil production, increase her revenue base for development and better the lives of Nigerians will be further enhanced when Onose Deep Oil and Gas Limited, a highly innovative and technically inclined modular refinery come on stream soonest. Located at Agbarho-Otor in Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. The facility is designed to refine well over 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily, when fully operational. This massive infrastructure which is capable of changing the economic and social realities of Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general will produce among other products, IPFO Aviation oil, PMS, AGO and DPK, thus, enhancing the energy self-sufficiency of the nation. At the moment, every hitch that will militate against the smooth take-off of this laudable project have been removed while stakeholders have met their obligations. It is worthy of note that the modular refinery is also in partnership with the NNPC among others. Most reassuring is that foreign partners have confirmed their participation and have visited the site. At the helm of affairs of this gigantic life-changing project, is Chief Jim Onose Elueni, a man of many parts. A top military brass (Rtd.), legal luminary, administrator par excellence, traditional Chief of repute, social engineer and a quintessential role model. This amiable, dynamic and visionary chief executive officer of this forward-looking organization has brought to bear his vast wealth of experience on the company thereby, setting the pace for others to follow. Under his watch, the company operates on the platform of “Excellence Service Delivery Always”. A game changer and team leader, Chief Jim Elueni is poised to take Onose Deep Oil and Gas Limited to greater heights in the years ahead when fully operational. To this end, the indefatigable Chief Executive is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this laudable vision that will make life better for Deltans in particular and Nigerians in general. ==================================================================== At Timeless Beach Resorts, We’re Excellence and Service-Driven – Benjamin Ikhuoria Mr Benjamin Ikhuoria, Chairman of Timeless Beach Resorts, Lagos, is any writer’s delight. lt is so because he exudes the confidence and audacity of an expert and professional who has a firm grasp of his chosen career-hospitality business. As the chat progresses, lkhuoria reels out data and copious references on the dynamics of the hospitality business in Nigeria and globally with effortless ease- a scenario that convinces one that he is an oracle of sorts. In this expository encounter with this youthful holder of a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from a top-notch university in the United Kingdom (UK), Ikhuoria speaks glowingly about his foray into the ever-competitive sector, expressing the optimism that Timeless Beach Resorts is already poised to becoming a global phenomenon in the hospitality industry. “As Chairman of a leading hospitality and resorts company, I am a visionary leader driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and the betterment of the human experience. I am dedicated to creating transformative customer experiences while fostering sustainable growth.” On how far his lead in the packing firm has walked its talk on quality service and client-centeredness mantra, the chairman went further. “At Timeless Beach Resorts, we prioritise the values of customer-centric excellence; exceptional service and personalized experiences to make guests feel valued. We also build integrity and trust through transparency, honesty, and ethical practices. We strive to deepen teamwork and collaboration among our various departments and personnel for superb services. We equally foster a culture of mutual respect and cooperation among staff” He continues: “We are equally not oblivious of the centrality of innovation and adaptability. We monitor and stay ahead of industry trends and embrace new technologies for efficiency”. He further amplifies his firm’s niche affirming: “We are deeply committed to the creed of sustainability and responsibility. This implies that we’re committed to eco-friendly practices and support the local communities we operate in. We also pay attention to details, just as we focus on small issues that positively boost our customer experiences. For Ikhuoria, there is a legion of other operational policies and strategies that make Timeless Beach Resorts tick. He listed them as; continuous improvement; seeking feedback and investing in staff training, among others. “We have a passion for hospitality and we cultivate enthusiasm for serving others and inspiring our team. We also emphasize health and safety, by ensuring that our guests and staff’s well-being is guaranteed through creating a secure environment at all times” The helmsman at Timeless Resort also opens up on how the firm has been able to thrive, amid the harsh business climate. He remained upbeat, explaining that his organisation navigated market changes amidst evolving government policies by ensuring compliance and adaptability in business. “At Timeless Resort Beach, we regularly monitor government regulations for compliance to ensure rapid implementation of policy changes. We are also keen on operational flexibility and adjusting services to align with new regulations. We equally diversify revenue streams to counter market fluctuations. We engage in advocacy and engagement, which implies engaging with industry groups to influence policy decisions. We are also building strong and sustaining relationships with local authorities alongside innovation and technology”. Our firm is versed in digital transformation and we make data-driven decisions. Employee training and support during uncertain times is equally central in our organisation. Ikhuoria who has his eye on the company’s future growth and consolidation also speaks on his projections as the years roll by. “Our company’s projections for the years ahead in terms of portfolio expansion include geographic expansion This means to open new resort locations in high-demand domestic markets or emerging international destinations. We also have to deepen our service offerings, that is by introducing new amenities and premium packages for niche markets. We have in mind to expand our digital transformation: Invest in online booking platforms and mobile apps with AI-driven personalization.” Our firm will develop family-friendly resorts and upscale options as we continually strive to consolidate partnerships by collaborating with travel agencies, airlines, and international tourism boards”, he says. The ebullient and ever- engaging chairman lays bare the company’s future plan, saying “on our financial projections and goals, we intend to achieve 20%-30% revenue growth annually. We also have long-term projections. Our target is to achieve a global presence in at least 5 key international markets. We will key into more technology integration and implement advanced technologies. Our company will also focus on brand evolution which will enable us to create a signature luxury brand and an affordable, eco-friendly line. Sustainability leadership will be emphasized to ensure we achieve carbon emission neutrality across all properties. His other key focus includes customer experience; enhancing personalization and building loyalty, increase digital and social media marketing. On what he can regard as his organisation’s contributions to Nigeria’s GDP growth, Khouri became more scholarly and readily reels out detailed statistics on the subject matter. He amplifies the issue, saying: “Our organisation has continued to make both direct and indirect contributions to the nation’s GDP. How does this workaholic company chief achieve work-life balance, Ikhuoria who is also the CEO of Timeless Recruitment Solutions Limited UK, and Jet Properties Solutions Limited, UK, stresses:” I try to set clear boundaries by establishing specific work hours and physical separation. I also practice time management. l still schedules regular breaks and plans ahead to block time for personal activities. I am very much in love with embracing technology. I use automation and communication tools to streamline repetitive tasks. l make time for relationships, set personal goals, and regularly evaluate my work-life balance. Beyond the boardroom, I am deeply committed to uplifting the human race through initiatives that inspire, empower, and improve lives. A strong advocate of personal development, I value reading and fitness as integral to maintaining clarity and balance in leadership. My mission is to leave a lasting impact on both the industry and the global community through thoughtful, people-focused strategies.” =============================================

Dozens of luxury beachfront condos and hotels in Surfside, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach and Sunny Isles are sinking into the ground at rates that were “unexpected,” with nearly 70 percent of the buildings in northern and central Sunny Isles affected, research by the University of Miami found. The study, published Friday night, identified a total of 35 buildings that have sunk by as much as three inches between 2016 and 2023, including the iconic Surf Club Towers and Faena Hotel, the Porsche Design Tower, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Trump Tower III and Trump International Beach Resorts. Together, the high rises accommodate tens of thousands of residents and tourists. Some have more than 300 units, including penthouses that cost millions of dollars. “Almost all the buildings at the coast itself, they’re subsiding,” Falk Amelung, a geophysicist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science and the study’s senior author, told the Miami Herald. “It’s a lot.” Preliminary data also shows signs that some buildings along the coasts of Broward and Palm Beach are sinking, too. Experts called the study a “game changer” that raises a host of questions about development on vulnerable barrier islands. For starters, experts said, this could be a sign that rising sea levels, caused by the continued emission of greenhouse gases, is accelerating the erosion of the limestone on which South Florida is built. “It’s probably a much larger problem than we know,” Paul Chinowsky, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, told the Herald. Initially, researchers looked at satellite images that can measure fractions of an inch of subsidence to determine whether the phenomenon had occurred leading up to the collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside, the 2021 catastrophe that killed 98 people and led to laws calling for structural reviews of older condos across the state. The researchers did not see any signs of settlement before the collapse “indicating that settlement was not the cause of collapse,” according to a statement. Instead, they saw subsidence at nearby beachside buildings both north and south of it. “What was surprising is that it was there at all. So we didn’t believe it at the beginning,” Amelung said, explaining that his team checked several sources that confirmed the initial data. “And then we thought, we have to investigate it,” he said. In total, they found subsidence ranging between roughly 0.8 and just over 3 inches, mostly in Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, and at two buildings in Miami Beach – the Faena Hotel and L’atelier condo – and one in Bal Harbour. It’s unclear what the implications are or whether the slow sinking could lead to long-term damage, but several experts told the Herald that the study raises questions that require further research as well as a thorough on-site inspection. “These findings raise additional question which require further investigation,” Gregor Eberli, a geoscience professor and co-author of the study, which was published Friday in the journal Earth and Space Science , said in a statement. Lead author Farzaneh Aziz Zanjani pointed to the need for “ongoing monitoring and a deeper understanding of the long-term implications for these structures.” Though the vast majority of affected buildings were constructed years or decades before the satellite images were taken, it is common for buildings to subside a handful of inches during and shortly after construction — a natural effect as the weight of the building compresses the soil underneath. And sinking doesn’t necessarily create structural issues. “As long as it’s even, everything’s fine,” Chinowsky said, placing his hands next to each other, “the problems start when you start doing this,” he said, then moving one hand down faster than the other. But such uneven sinking, known as differential subsidence, can cause significant damage to buildings, he said. “That’s where you can get structural damage,” he said. More research is needed to determine whether the buildings are sinking evenly or not. “Sometimes it can be dangerous, sometimes not – it will have to be evaluated,” said Shimon Wdowinski, a geophysicist at Florida International University, told the Herald. Wdowinski worked on a different 2020 study that showed that the land surrounding the Champlain Towers – not the buildings themselves – had been subsiding back in the nineties, though that alone couldn’t have led to the collapse. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has yet to release a final report on the cause but a Herald investigation pointed to design and construction flaws as well as decades of maintenance issues. For the 35 buildings shown to be sinking in the University of Miami’s study, he said, the next step is to check the integrity and design plans. “If there is differential subsidence, it could cause structural damage, and it would need immediate attention,” he said. Cracks in walls, utilities that are breaking, or doors and windows that don’t shut as easily as they used to are all signs of differential subsidence, said Hota GangaRao, a professor of civil engineering and the director of the constructed facilities center at West Virginia University. “In some extreme scenarios, the buildings at some point sink much more dramatically with time,” he said. If that subsidence is differential, “then it is very, very serious,” GangaRao said. Larisa Svechin, the mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, where more than 20 buildings are affected, said that “my priority is the safety of our residents.” Contacted by the Herald Saturday afternoon, she said she was not aware of any structural issues but called an immediate meeting with the city manager. Following that meeting, she said that all required building inspections are up to date and that “the law also requires inspection records to be posted online and shared with residents.” Charles Burkett, the mayor of Surfside, told the Miami Herald that he had not heard of the study nor was he aware of any subsidence of buildings. “I’d like to know if it’s unsafe,” he said on Saturday, adding that he will “review [the study] in due time.” Other officials could not be reached immediately, and several of the affected buildings contacted by the Herald said that management would not be available for comment before Monday. Some settlement appears to have started right around the time when the construction of new buildings nearby began, and when vibration might have caused layers of sand to compress further – just like shaking ground coffee in a tin will make room for more. The pumping of groundwater that seeps into construction sites could also cause sand layers to shift and rearrange. Though there appears to be a strong link to nearby construction for some buildings, it is unlikely to be the only explanation for the 35 sinking buildings, as some settlement had started before any construction began nearby, and it persisted after construction ended, the researchers found. “There’s no sign that it’s stopping,” Amelung said of the settlement. Experts also pointed to the impact the emission of fossil fuels and the resulting warming of the climate is having on the overall stability of Miami-Dade’s barrier islands. For one, rising sea levels are now encroaching on sand and limestone underneath our feet. That could lead to the corrosion of the pillars on which high-rises stand – a serious issue, GangaRao said, though if that’s the case “there may be a way to salvage these buildings,” by fixing the foundation. Stronger waves, fresh water dumped by heavier rainfalls and more sunny-day flooding could also add to the erosion of the limestone that all of South Florida is built on, Chinowsky said. Already a soft rock that is riddled with holes and air pockets, further erosion could destabilize the base of most constructions, Chinowsky said, comparing it to “standing on sand, and someone came with a spoon and started taking the sand out.” “I would expect that they would see this all throughout the barrier islands and on into the main coastline – wherever there is limestone, basically,” he said. “That’s what makes the whole South Florida area so unique, because of that porous rock, the limestone, all that action is happening where you can’t see it, and that’s why it’s never accounted for to this level,” he said. Here is the full list of buildings identified as experiencing between roughly 0.8 and just over 3 inches of subsidence between 2016 - 2023: Regalia, Ocean II, Residences by Armani Casa, Ocean III, Marenas Beach Resort, Millennium Condominiums, Porsche Design Tower, Bentley Residence Development site, Trump International Beach Resort, Aqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach, The Mansions at Aqualina, Pinnacle, Chateau Beach Residences, Double Tree Resort and Spa, Sole Mia A Noble House Resort. Also: Florida Ocean Club, Ocean Four Condominium, Muse residences, Jade Ocean Condos, Jade Beach Condos, Jade Signature Condominium, Kings Point Imperial Condo, Trump Tower III, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Oceana Bal Harbour, Fendi Chateau, Marbella Condominium, Waverly, Carlisle on the Ocean, Residence Inn by Mariott, Luxury Condo Cabarete, The Surf Club North Tower, The Surf Club Hotel Tower, The Surf Club South Tower, Arte Residence, 87 Park Tower, L’atelier Condominium, Faena House Clarification: After Saturday’s publication of this story, the University of Miami corrected its press release to remove references that the research also found signs of subsidence in downtown Miami and Brickell. The university also removed a reference about the extent of the subsidence from its press release. This story has been updated accordingly. An earlier version of this story referred to a University of West Virginia professor as GangaRao Hota. It is Hota GangaRao. This climate report is funded by Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content. If you have questions for the climate team, please email climate@miamiherald.com This story was originally published December 14, 2024, 2:04 PM.