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2025-01-12
Brazilian police indict former President Bolsonaro and aides over alleged 2022 coup attemptUN raises death toll for recent Cite Soleil massacre in Haiti’s capital‘One conversation really changed my mind’: the personal stories driving MPs’ decisions on assisted dying"MYe}ǒ-Ր_ؖHF+'[VXI-ɷWRBIlRQ] 4Ũ>i?{iM$鸋ߟ6v`cA^juN6- ؑS9ŭ};^l8vG)lj6 +$XMʸ。



Democrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contestCostco Gold Membership is up for grabs at a shockingly low price — but only for a short time

UCF, LSU face off with improved focus in mindHOUSTON — The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman ’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago . “The way I view it right now is Paredes is going to play third base and Walker is going to play first base,” general manager Dana Brown said Monday. “And Bregman’s still a free agent.” The Astros had hoped to re-sign Bregman, the team’s third baseman for the last nine seasons, but Brown said the negotiations stalled. “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” he said. “But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up we just jumped on it.” The addition of a first baseman was a priority this offseason for the Astros after they released struggling first baseman José Abreu less than halfway through a $58.5 million, three-year contract. “We knew we had to get better at first base,” Brown said. “We pursued (Walker) and we’re excited to have him because we know that we’re going to have a really good first baseman that can defend and also hit the ball on the seats from time to time.” Walked was attracted by the sustained success of the Astros, who won their first two World Series titles in 2017 and '22. “I’ve been watching this team for a while now, and that edge, the energy, the expectation, you can tell that they’re going out there with a standard,” he said. “And I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Walker is looking forward playing on an infield with star second baseman Jose Altuve. He’s fascinated by the success and consistency Altuve has had over his 14-year career. “I get a chance to learn from Jose Altuve,” Walker said. “Nothing really gets better than that.” Brown was asked what he would tell fans disappointed to see the Astros lose another star after George Springer and Carlos Correa left as free agents in recent years. “I would just tell the fans that look, we are very focused on remaining competitive,” he said. “We’re very focused on winning division and going back to the World Series, and I think with these additions that we have the ability to do that. So, I feel strongly that we’re going to be picked to win the division first off. And if our pitching holds up, which I feel strongly about, as well, I think we’ll get deep into the postseason.” The Astros won the AL West for a fourth straight year this season before being swept by the Tigers in an AL Wild Card Series. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. Walker played in 130 games this year, down from 157 in 2023 and 160 in 2022. He was sidelined between July 29 and Sept. 3 by a strained left oblique. He spent the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, where he hit 146 homers with 442 RBIs and a .251 batting average. He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons. Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span. Walker’s contract has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to six teams without his consent. He would earn $200,000 for winning an MVP, $175,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth. Walker also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $75,000 apiece for making the All-Star Game or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award. Infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.NATO Nation Turkey Invites US Fury? After Qatar’s Hamas Officials, Gaza Leaders To ‘Move’ To Ankara?

Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83

Unproven remedies: Tata Memorial Hospital slams Sidhu’s viral ‘diet cure’ cancer claimFirst Horizon Names New Head of Investor RelationsLiverpool face an anxious wait over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate after he picked up a late injury against Real Madrid . The French defender was named in the Reds' starting XI for their clash with the Spanish giants. He played the full game as Arne Slot's side secured a 2-0 win. But Konate appeared to pick up a late issue. Immediately after the full-time whistle, members of Liverpool's medical team rushed to his side to give him treatment. He was in clear pain, while he was then helped off of the pitch by doctors as his Liverpool teammates toasted their memorable win. Any injury would be a massive worry given how key Konate has been for the Reds this season. The French international has made 17 appearances for Slot this term and has established a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Konate was not the only new injury worry for the Liverpool boss. Academy graduate Conor Bradley also limped off the pitch during the game and was replaced by Joe Gomez. Slot will likely give an update ahead of the weekend's game. Liverpool could potentially extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they face title rivals Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Speaking ahead of that game, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher said: "I think confidence is high in the whole squad. Man City, we know they have had a tough few results but what a team. We expect a really tough test but this is good confidence for the team and we will go again." Who was Liverpool's man-of-the-match against Real Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below While Konate and Bradley look set to be doubts ahead of the weekend, there was a huge boost against Real Madrid. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad with a place on the bench. He had missed the game against Southampton . Elsewhere, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all remain sidelined. Speaking about the four ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, Slot said: “Federico is not in the squad yet. He is training with us, not the whole session, but mostly one or two parts of the session. “Harvey Elliott is in the team but hasn’t played for a long time competitive football – so, he is there, but of course not ready to start. Alisson is not there yet, Diogo is not there yet, Kostas is not there – he is having an injury as well, so it’s quite a list for us as well." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) Artificial Intelligence has huge potential to transform the private security industry in many ways, senior IPS officer Manish Shankar Sharma has said. Addressing a two-day security-leadership summit which concluded here on Friday, the 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer said Artificial Intelligence (AI) can optimise cost efficiency through automation of routine tasks like guard scheduling, incident reporting and monitoring, besides reducing operational costs. "In addition, AI can be of use in fraud detection and asset protection by deploying tools that can monitor transactions and activities in real-time, thus detecting anomalies in retail, banking, and logistics, thereby protecting assets," said Sharma, who is currently posted as an additional director general of police (ADGP) in Madhya Pradesh. The officer also said that AI offers limitless opportunities for the future and is probably the single-most exciting technology to arrive in the last several decades. "Artificial Intelligence has huge potential to transform the entire private security industry in several ways. This could be done by developing AI-driven biometric authentication and facial smart access control recognition systems which can provide seamless, efficient, and secure access management for businesses, housing societies, and industrial facilities in the country," Sharma said on the inaugural day of the summit organised by the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI). "Also, AI-powered CCTV systems with real-time video analytics can identify unusual activities or behaviours, enhancing security in the high-risk areas such as malls, hospitals and office complexes," Sharma added. Furthermore, AI-powered drones, thermal cameras, and motion sensors can improve the monitoring of large facilities such as factories, warehouses and energy plants, he said. By using AI, private security firms in the country can address long-standing challenges, improve efficiency, and build trust among the clients, ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in the market, the officer said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Community housing group in Southgate talks in regional forum

Zonta Club of the Pikes Peak Area has participated in the international organization’s annual initiative, “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” for years. This year, the 35 members of the local club have gone big, said President Lisa Rice. The organization that helps women and girls succeed with various projects and scholarships considered buying a billboard to raise awareness about the worldwide issue of violence against women, in homes and public places. “We started with a billboard and ended with advertising on 12 bus benches and bus shelters to reach more people in Colorado Springs and get the message out,” Rice said. The message this year, and since 1991 when the campaign originated at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, is that violence against women and girls needs to be prevented and stopped. Local chapters do their part in different ways, Rice said. In addition to the bus stop promotion, the Pikes Peak Area chapter will raise awareness through social media and resource materials, she said. The campaign begins Monday and concludes on Dec. 10, however the bus stop messaging will continue through December, Rice said. The club paid $3,500 for the advertising and still has $1,500 to go toward the project. Donations can be made at zontapikespeak.org . About one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization. And on a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide, as per data from the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Domestic-violence hotlines see increases as the holidays approach, Rice said, likely because the time of year is stressful for many families. “We do feel like it’s having an impact locally because we hear from people, ‘Thank you for sharing resources and books so I can learn more’ and ‘Thank you for putting up signs,’” Rice said of the upcoming campaign. Zonta Club also provides scholarships totaling $8,000 to $12,000 annually in general areas of study as well as business, aerospace and technology. Resources are available to anyone needing immediate assistance and more information: • National domestic violence crisis line: (800) 799-7233 • TESSA of Colorado Springs’ emergency hotline: (719) 633-3819 • Kingdom Builders Family Life Center in Colorado Springs: (719) 247-8190

FOX45: Maryland leaders opposed to Trump’s immigration policies risk federal funding

 

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2025-01-12
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Bhubaneswar : The 4th Annual Convocation of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS-DU) was held here today, recognizing academic excellence and transformative contributions of well-known individuals to the society. The highlight of the day was the conferment of honorary D.Litt degrees upon three luminaries for their outstanding achievements and contributions. They are Padma Shri Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder of Dr. Batra’s Group of Companies, a pioneer in homeopathy and healthcare and Padma Shri Mr. Savji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., known for his leadership in the diamond industry and philanthropic initiatives. The other recipient was Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman of S.N. Mohanty Group of Companies, a stalwart in Odisha’s industrial and educational landscape. The convocation also saw the award of 8 PhDs and 426 master’s degrees. Also Founder’s Gold Medal, 7 numbers Chancellor’s Gold Medal, and 7 numbers of Vice Chancellor’s Silver medals were given to the students for their outstanding performance. In his convocation address, Former Minister of State for Schools and Former MP, UK Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb lauded KISS as “one of India’s top academic institutions” and emphasized the critical role of education in driving India’s economic growth. “Today, 43 million students are studying in Indian higher educational institutions,” he remarked, urging graduates to cultivate a lifelong love for learning. Shri Dholakia, while receiving the honorary doctorate degree, gave the students 5 mantras for success. Always consider yourself the best, think that everything is possible for you, God is always with you, you can be victorious and today is a new day for you – he advised students to follow these 5 mantras with dedication. He said that this honor has inspired me to serve the society even more in the future. Guest of Eminence, Rt. Hon. Alan Gammel, MP, UK, hailed Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KISS and KIIT, as “a true visionary and social transformer” for his relentless dedication to empowering marginalized communities through education. Dr. Jeffrey B. Liebman, Robert W. Scrivner Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, USA, underscored KISS’s unique mission. “KISS stands out for educating all Indians, especially children from downtrodden sections of society,” he said, commending the institute’s inclusive approach to learning. Apart of the Founder, KIIT & KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the convocation was attended by the Vice President of KIIT & KISS Umapada Bose, Secretary R. N. Dash, Chancellor of KISS DU Satya Tripathi, Pro Chancellor Prof Amreswar Galla, VC Prof Deepak Kumar Behara, and Registrar Dr P K Routray.

— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum

Some ASX shares can provide a very pleasing level of income, but which ones are worth owning? Companies such as ( ), ( ), ( ), and ( ) are well-known for paying dividends. However, they do not necessarily have a strong track record of consistently increasing their dividend payments each year. In fact, I believe that their dividend growth may be slow in the coming years. Therefore, I'd ideally want to own businesses that can deliver longer periods of dividend growth and offer investors a pleasing dividend yield today. With that in mind, I think the two stocks below are compelling options for dividends, growth, and . Medibank Private Ltd ( ) Medibank is the largest private health insurance business in Australia, with its Medibank and ahm brands. In my eyes, private health insurance is a defensive sector because most people value their health. The rising policyholder numbers are helping Medibank grow its operating profit and net non-resident policy unit growth was 69,000. Medibank reported that its operating profit increased 7.9% to $700 million, and overall underlying grew 14.1% to $570.4 million. This helped send the dividend per share higher by 13.7% to 16.6 cents. The latest annual payout translates into a grossed-up of 6.2%, including . Universal Store Holdings Ltd ( ) CTC (THRILLS and Worship). Despite all the economic uncertainty, the company and growth of 45.3% to $34.3 million. I believe this company can continue to grow profit by rolling out more stores in Australia, particularly Perfect Stranger. When it gave an update about the , the company said it was on track to achieve nine to 15 new stores in FY25 – it had 102 at the end of FY24. In that update, the business also said Perfect Stranger's total sales were up 111.1% year over year. The ASX share has a promising growth outlook, which would be very helpful for the company's dividend. In FY24, it grew its annual dividend to 35.5 cents – it has increased its dividend each year since it started paying one in 2021. The business has a grossed-up dividend yield of 6%, including franking credits.

 

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2025-01-12
JERUSALEM — Israel approved a United States-brokered with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. In the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting, Israel carried out its most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah in the final hours before any ceasefire takes hold. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, but neither he nor Netanyahu have proposed a postwar solution for the Palestinian territory, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” Netanyahu's office later said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but "reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.8$* ͘vf." _ IB{L"J b'0>,<(\R s"zD ?\9NeS"]TPB]8ǧwP$W6ܬTcmhhC0?x3`cxֻ$#tEZHd]TOm&JR]C萆$Yш:{|5К'ρ 9!sf 7NGjfh92;ZcK:EO#: "6i6/<*voV.!\n2tKxpnp,$QZIk!N|k"8۔Ae[qv L9NAWN^.FP#.<>[S*!eܫёT zz58%YH6'CXŤoeH#Ɵk%Uٟl8zpPT0xdY3k<դwh+*YG1=+[z^5O^OU,S]W Y5iM_F.C.Fu。

Kylian Mbappé scored and Real Madrid moved within four points of Spanish league leader Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Leganes on Sunday ahead of its eagerly awaited Champions League match at Liverpool. Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham also scored to close the gap on Barcelona, which conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday. Madrid has played one game less than Barcelona after its match at Valencia was postponed because of the deadly floods in October. Madrid will make the trip to England to face Premier League leader Liverpool on Wednesday in the Champions League, and is hoping to recover from a demoralizing 3-1 home loss against AC Milan in the previous round of matches. Madrid's attack worked well against Leganes with Vinícius Júnior playing inside and Mbappé more on the flank. The France striker scored after going four straight games without finding the net for the Spanish powerhouse. “We switched their positions and the team was able to stay in control during the whole match,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. Fourth-place Villarreal scored an equalizer in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw at fifth-place Osasuna. Ante Budimir scored twice in the first 20 minutes for Osasuna. Villarreal, which was coming off three straight victories in all competitions, scored through Álex Baena in the 67th and a penalty kick converted by Gerard Moreno three minutes into injury time. Osasuna, sitting three points behind Villarreal, was coming off a 4-0 loss at Madrid. Also Sunday, Sevilla ended a two-game losing streak in the league with a 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano, which played the entire second half with 10 men after Unai López was sent off for a hard foul. Djibril Sow scored Sevilla's goal in the 27th. Sixth-place Athletic Bilbao hosted midtable Real Sociedad later Sunday in the Basque Country derby. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerElectrovaya Inc. Closes Full Exercise of Over-Allotment Option for an Additional US$1.7 Million

Taurus Daily Horoscope Today, Nov 26, 2024 predicts smart investmentsBrazos County updated its Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program and approved a second administrator at its Nov. 19 Commissioners Court meeting. Charlene Heydinger, president of Texas PACE Authority (TPA), addressed the commissioners during a public hearing held prior to the regular meeting at which she reviewed the county’s participation in the program and explained how it benefits the county and local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The commissioners voted unanimously to amend their agreement with the Texas PACE Authority and to add Lone Star PACE as a second program administrator during the regular session. The Texas PACE Authority was created in 2015 to help businesses and nonprofit organizations make energy efficient and water saving upgrades to their buildings that are funded by lenders and secured through property liens. Brazos County joined the program in 2016. “The idea here is these are tough loans for lenders because collateral is bad,” Heydinger said during the public hearing. “You can’t come and take somebody’s HVAC system if they don’t pay. So, to reduce costs, banks like to get their money back quickly, so they have a small number of expensive installments. That creates what I call the tower of pain because you have a cashflow problem before you get to the savings. “All PACE does is knock the tower over so the owners have a larger number of smaller payments so they can use the savings to make the payments. That’s the idea. They still have to pay it back, but you’ve created a mechanism that reduces the risk for the lenders, so the lenders are willing to have longer loans so that the payments are smaller.” Heydinger said the program is primarily used for rehabbing older buildings to make them more energy and water efficient, but it can also be used for new construction. “We’re taking older buildings across the state and bringing them back to life and putting them on the tax rolls,” she said. “Downtown Bryan is a perfect example of beautiful buildings that have access to this program. So far they haven’t chosen to use it. There are several that have come close and either their local banks aren’t comfortable, or they’ve had other reservations. As interest rates come down, we expect to see more renovations of existing buildings while there’s also a new use of the program for new construction.” She said the county does not use any taxpayer money and only places and manages the property liens. Lee McCormick, president of Lone Star PACE, said the company is an advisory firm and does not make loans. “We are not a nonprofit. We actually are a registered municipal advisory firm, so we are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board,” he said. McCormick told the commissioners that the county will benefit from having two program administrators. “TPA has done around $30 million this year where we’ve done $180 million, even though TPA has over 100 locations that they serve, and we serve 22,” he said. “From our perspective, Brazos County gets the best of both worlds when it comes to having both administrators. You have two groups that are working together on the county’s behalf — two groups that have experience really in different areas, one from the governmental/political side and one from the business side, so it’s a win-win, we think, for the county.”

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save JERUSALEM — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. People are also reading... Margaret Atwood OSU event altered over threats The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County Tree farm fiasco has Corvallis homelessness under microscope Commentary: Gulbranson shows he should be starter in thrilling win over Cougars Head-on crash on Highway 228 kills 1, injures 2 Philomath woman suspected in Eugene Airport bomb scare Strike over: Benton County, union reach tentative deal American flag thrown by driver fleeing Benton County deputies Sweet Home man sentenced for crash that injured his daughter In trying to flee, suspect accused of driving over Albany police officer Corvallis man gets prison for armed robbery case Corvallis homes in on layout options for a new government center How is the OSU grad strike impacting students? 2 bucks illegally killed with crossbow in Corvallis UPDATED: Feds halt drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir after local cities complain The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has diedBuckle up: AI’s impact on the global economy is set to soar. Wall Street anticipates artificial intelligence could inject up to $200 trillion into the global market over the next decade. Consequently, tech titans are fiercely competing to seize AI dominance, directing monumental investments towards advanced data centers and cutting-edge chips. Tech Giants’ Jaw-dropping AI Expenditures Major players like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are leading the charge, with plans to significantly ramp up their capital expenditures (capex) by 2025. Collectively, these four giants are expected to allocate $300 billion solely to AI-driven developments in that year. For context, Amazon alone might spend $96 billion, while Microsoft follows closely at $90 billion. Alphabet and Meta Platforms are projected to contribute $63 billion and $52 billion, respectively. Nvidia: The Chip Leader Awaiting a Boom At the heart of this surge is Nvidia, dominating the AI chip market with its revolutionary Blackwell GPUs. Morgan Stanley forecasts that Nvidia could sell an impressive 800,000 units in merely the first quarter of 2025, translating to potentially $64 billion in revenue. This growth is pivotal for Nvidia, suggesting an upward trajectory in stock value. Future Prospects With AI’s accelerating adoption, Nvidia is positioned favorably. Despite previous massive gains, Nvidia shares could still offer considerable upside, reflecting its expanding revenue and growing influence in AI. Investors keeping a close eye on AI trends might find Nvidia a compelling candidate for future growth. Why AI’s Financial Revolution is Unstoppable The digital landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to reshape the global economy profoundly. Wall Street experts predict that AI could inject a staggering $200 trillion into the global market within the next decade. As a result, major technology companies are locked in an aggressive race for AI supremacy, channeling monumental resources into the development of powerful data centers and state-of-the-art chips. Tech Giants Ramp Up AI Investments In this high-stakes competition, key players such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are at the forefront, significantly increasing their capital expenditures (capex) dedicated to AI advancements. By 2025, these tech giants are estimated to set aside $300 billion collectively for AI-driven initiatives. To put this into perspective, Amazon alone could potentially invest an extraordinary $96 billion, while Microsoft is anticipated to follow closely with a $90 billion investment. Meanwhile, Alphabet and Meta Platforms are projected to contribute $63 billion and $52 billion, respectively. Nvidia: Dominating the AI Chip Market The surge in AI investment positions Nvidia as a pivotal player in the market, primarily through its cutting-edge Blackwell GPUs. Morgan Stanley anticipates Nvidia might sell as many as 800,000 units in just the first quarter of 2025, potentially bringing in $64 billion in revenue. This growth trajectory is expected to bolster Nvidia’s stock value even further, cementing its status as a leader in AI hardware. Future Projections and Market Insights As AI adoption accelerates globally, Nvidia finds itself in a strategically advantageous position. Despite already experiencing significant gains, Nvidia shares are projected to have additional upside potential. This reflects the company’s expanding revenue base and increasing influence over the AI sector. For investors keen on capitalizing on AI trends, Nvidia presents an attractive opportunity for potential future growth. For more insights on Nvidia and emerging AI technologies, visit the Nvidia website .

C-arms Market Projections Indicate a Strong Demand Surge to USD 5.1 Billion by 2034 | Transparency Market ResearchSezzle Inc. (SEZL) Investigated for Securities Fraud; Block & Leviton Encourages Investors ...

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%F?;SRAVF~eE lk#h`e7v~mscm`ͳg4%F?;SRAVF~eE lk#h`e7v~mscm`ͳg4"SportsCenter" anchor Elle Duncan has found herself at the center of a social media feud this weekend. It all stems from her comments about former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.EAGAN, Minn. — The waived cornerback on Saturday in another setback for their beleaguered 2022 draft class. started 15 games last season, but he had been relegated to a special teams role this year after the added veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. was a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, one of three defensive backs among Minnesota’s first five selections in 2022. Lewis Cine (first round) was waived and Andrew Booth (second round) was traded earlier this year. One of their second-round picks, guard Ed Ingram, lost his starting spot last week. was let go to clear a roster spot for tight end Nick Muse, who was activated from injured reserve to play on Sunday at Chicago. The ruled tight end Josh Oliver out of the game with a sprained ankle. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click to Read More and View Comments Click to Hide

FIFA confirms 2034 World Cup coming to Saudi Arabia



As TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit WashingtonAs TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit Washington

College Football Playoff: Georgia QB Carson Beck undergoes UCL surgery, to miss postseasonTORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press

KBC Group NV lifted its position in McGrath RentCorp ( NASDAQ:MGRC – Free Report ) by 32.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 767 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after buying an additional 188 shares during the period. KBC Group NV’s holdings in McGrath RentCorp were worth $81,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MGRC. River Road Asset Management LLC lifted its position in McGrath RentCorp by 68.2% in the 3rd quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 1,247,376 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $131,324,000 after acquiring an additional 505,817 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB bought a new position in shares of McGrath RentCorp during the first quarter valued at $14,804,000. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. boosted its position in shares of McGrath RentCorp by 26.0% during the second quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 486,190 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $51,803,000 after buying an additional 100,210 shares during the last quarter. Murchinson Ltd. bought a new stake in McGrath RentCorp in the 2nd quarter worth about $7,466,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC raised its position in McGrath RentCorp by 31.1% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 287,136 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $30,594,000 after buying an additional 68,172 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.05% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on MGRC. StockNews.com upgraded shares of McGrath RentCorp from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 22nd. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of McGrath RentCorp from $124.00 to $139.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday. McGrath RentCorp Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:MGRC opened at $120.90 on Friday. McGrath RentCorp has a 52-week low of $95.50 and a 52-week high of $130.86. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.74. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $110.58 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $108.31. McGrath RentCorp ( NASDAQ:MGRC – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The financial services provider reported $1.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.48. McGrath RentCorp had a net margin of 25.29% and a return on equity of 13.64%. The company had revenue of $266.76 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $227.76 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.65 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that McGrath RentCorp will post 5.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. McGrath RentCorp Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, October 17th were issued a $0.475 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 17th. This represents a $1.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.57%. McGrath RentCorp’s dividend payout ratio is currently 20.77%. Insider Activity at McGrath RentCorp In related news, CEO Joseph F. Hanna sold 15,840 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.88, for a total transaction of $1,898,899.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 155,409 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,630,430.92. The trade was a 9.25 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, Director William J. Dawson sold 20,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $2,300,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $460,000. The trade was a 83.33 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 47,016 shares of company stock worth $5,493,411. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the company’s stock. McGrath RentCorp Company Profile ( Free Report ) McGrath RentCorp operates as a business to business rental company in the United States and internationally. It rents and sells relocatable modular buildings, portable storage containers, and electronic test equipment. The company operates through four segments: Mobile Modular, Portable Storage, TRS-RenTelco, and Enviroplex. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MGRC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McGrath RentCorp ( NASDAQ:MGRC – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for McGrath RentCorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McGrath RentCorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .None

Following reports of his alleged link-up with bassist Mohini Dey, renowned music composer AR Rahman has sent a legal notice to the defamers. Rahman took to his Instagram handle on November 23 to share the legal notice which he has sent to social media platforms and YouTube channels for spreading the rumours. The notice reads: TO WHOMSOEVER IT CONCERNS Under instructions from my client Mr.A.R.Rahman, residing at No.5, 4th Street, Dr. Subbarayan Nagar, Kodambakkam, Chennai 600 024, I issue the following notice to all concerned: Notice to all slanderers from ARR’s Legal Team. — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) Mohini, the bassist from Rahman’s troupe, had announced separation from her husband Mark Hartsuch just hours after the music composer’s divorce announcement. This sparked speculation about Mohini’s involvement in Rahman’s divorce and the duo’s alleged affair. Talking about Rahman and Saira’s divorce, their lawyer Vandana Shah said, “The divorce hasn’t happened yet. I am representing both of them. I can’t reveal the reason, but it is a marriage of 29 years. In every marriage, ups and downs are common. It is a painful decision, but it is a joint decision. Family’s privacy must be respected at this point of time.” Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now. Prev Post Next Post

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX'

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers, meet your latest lobbyists: online influencers from TikTok. The platform is once again bringing influencers to Washington, this time to lobby members of Congress to reject a fast-moving bill that would force TikTok's Beijing-based parent company to sell or be banned in the United States. On Tuesday, some influencers began a two-day advocacy event in support of TikTok, which arranged their trip ahead of a House floor vote on the legislation on Wednesday. But unlike a similar lobbying event the company put together last March when talks of a TikTok ban reached a fever pitch, this year’s effort appeared more rushed as the company scrambles to counter the legislation, which advanced rapidly on Capitol Hill. Summer Lucille, a TikTok content creator with 1.4 million followers who is visiting Washington this week, said if TikTok is banned, she “don’t know what it will do” to her business, a plus-sized boutique in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It will be devastating,” Lucille said in an interview arranged by the platform. In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, a House panel unanimously approved the measure last week. President Joe Biden has said he will sign the legislation if lawmakers pass it. But it’s unclear what will happen in the Senate, where several bills aimed at banning TikTok have stalled. The legislation faces other roadblocks. Former president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who holds sway over both House and Senate Republicans, has voiced opposition to the bill, saying it would empower Meta-owned Facebook, which he continues to lambast over his 2020 election loss. The bill also faces pushback from some progressive lawmakers in the House as well as civil liberties groups who argue it infringes on the First Amendment. TikTok could be banned if ByteDance, the parent company, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment. The fight over the platform takes place as U.S.-China relations have shifted to that of strategic rivalry, especially in areas such as advanced technologies and data security, seen as essential to each country’s economic prowess and national security. The shift, which started during the Trump years and has continued under Biden, has placed restrictions on export of advanced technologies and outflow of U.S. monies to China, as well as access to the U.S. market by certain Chinese businesses. The Biden administration also has cited human rights concerns in blacklisting a number of Chinese companies accused of assisting the state surveillance campaign against ethnic minorities. TikTok isn’t short on lobbyists. Its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance has a strong lobbying apparatus in Washington that includes dozens of lobbyists from well-known consulting and legal firms as well as influential insiders, such as former members of Congress and ex-aides to powerful lawmakers, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will also be in Washington this week and plans to meet with lawmakers, according to a company spokesperson who said Chew’s visit was previously scheduled. But influencers, who have big followings on social media and can share personal stories of how the platform boosted their businesses — or simply gave them a voice — are still perhaps one of the most powerful tools the company has in its arsenal. A TikTok spokesperson said dozens of influencers will attend the two-day event, including some who came last year. The spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about how many new people would be attending this year’s lobbying blitz. The company is briefing them ahead of meetings with their representatives and media interviews. Lucille, who runs the boutique in North Carolina, says has seen a substantial surge in revenue because of her TikTok page. The 34-year-old began making TikTok content focusing on plus-sized fashion in March 2022, more than a decade after she started her business. She quickly amassed thousands of followers after posting a nine-second video about her boutique. Because of her popularity on the platform, her business has more online exposure and customers, some of whom have visited from as far as Europe. She says she also routinely hears from followers who are finding support through her content about fashion and confidence. JT Laybourne, an influencer who also came to Washington, said he joined TikTok in early 2019 after getting some negative comments on videos he posted on Instagram while singing in the car with his children. Laybourne, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he was attracted to the short-form video platform because it was easy to create videos that contained music. Like Lucille, he quickly gained traction on the app. He says he also received more support from TikTok users, who reacted positively to content he produced on love and positivity. Laybourne says the community he built on the platform rallied around his family when he had to undergo heart surgery in 2020. Following the surgery, he said he used the platform to help raise $1 million for the American Heart Association in less than two years. His family now run an apparel company that gets most of its traffic from TikTok. “I will fight tooth-and-nail for this app,” he said. But whether the opposition the company is mounting through lobbyists or influencers will be enough to derail the bill is yet to be seen. On Tuesday, House lawmakers received a briefing on national security concerns regarding TikTok from the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence officials. AP Journalist Didi Tang contributed to this report. This story was originally published on March 12, 2024. It was updated on December 23, 2024 to clarify a quote by TikTok content creator Summer Lucille.

Wright runs for 118 yards and 2 TDs, No. 13 Illinois State gets 1st win over North Dakota, 35-13Andy Murray is set to make his return to tennis just months after retiring - but in a surprising new role. The three-time Grand Slam champion will coach Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January. Djokovic confirmed the news on social media with a video captioned: "He never liked retirement anyway." In the clip, the world number seven explained: "We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. "We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. I thought our story may be over, - turns out it has one final chapter. "It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner." Meanwhile, Murray said: "I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. "I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals." The pair will begin working together during the off-season as Djokovic prepares for the first Grand Slam of 2025. Next year's Australian Open in Melbourne gets underway on January 12 and runs for two weeks. Djokovic is a 10-time winner of the event, most recently in 2023. Of those triumphs, four saw him beat Murray in the final at Rod Laver Arena. The British tennis icon hung up his racquet earlier this year after an illustrious career. His final match came alongside Dan Evans in the men's doubles at the Paris Olympics. More to follow.

By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter

 

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Enhancing strategic public procurement has been one of the main initiatives of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the Philippines. Following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12009, or New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), aimed at enhancing transparency, competition, efficiency, professionalism, accountability and sustainability in government procurement, long-overdue reforms are being undertaken to remove deep-rooted high risk of corruption, insertions, amendments and inefficiencies in public procurement. DBM, tasked to spearhead the transition, assured the public that the rules and regulations for new procurement alternatives, including the e-marketplace, are currently being developed. Part of this was leveraging blockchain technology and launching Project Marissa to fortify budget document security—promoting further transparency across all government agencies. DBM is preparing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the NGPA to attune this to the ever-changing needs of the Filipino people. The significant key features of this act likewise embed digital transformation, transparency, inclusivity and sustainability into the procurement system. Once the General Appropriations Act has been passed, the DBM prioritizes the utilization and implementation of projects determined by Congress and the department heads. To plug leakages arising from this process, DBM introduced citizen participation through the Open Government Partnership where major stakeholders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are invited as observers and be a part of every proceeding, procurement process and contract implementation. In the bidding of products, DBM also introduced an alternative mode in the procurement process—the Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid (MEARB) alongside the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB). This is to prevent contractors from tendering lower bids and offsetting this by using or offering inferior products or infrastructure just to get the government contract. The MEARB combined with LCRB is a one-selection criterion evaluating offers or bids that ensure that high-quality outcomes are present at a reasonable cost to procuring entities. DBM likewise modernizes the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS) so that payments and government database interconnection can now be done electronically. It also instituted safeguards against misuse of the process by improving competitive bidding and identifying which modalities will define legal, technical and financial aspects. To make the system inclusive and sustainable, gender-responsive procurement strategies are being incorporated into the process of government transactions through the inclusive procurement program. It also empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while enabling meaningful competition among suppliers, including women-led businesses. These innovative provisions also give importance to green procurement for sustainability. It will encourage agencies to procure common-use supplies with green specifications, thus promoting environment-friendly procurement practices. The transition toward the NGPA and getting the IRR into the mainstream are not without challenges for the DBM. The most taxing and difficult barrier to surmount is the lack of professionals who can help and support adherence to procurement practices. There is an urgent need for competent technical experts and professionals to be part of the transition in a procurement process whose proper implementation can make a huge difference through its potential contribution to the gross domestic product of the country. Another challenge is the sustainability goal because there are limited suppliers that can provide green and environment-friendly products. At its early stage, the price differences are still substantial compared to the present ones being utilized. How to incentivize manufacturers and providers to shift and become price-competitive will need intensified government support. As the IRR is being prepared, inputs from stakeholders are solicited to ensure that its provisions will be responsive, flexible and solutions-oriented. Collaboration and consultations with private partners that include the business sector and MSME representatives can go a long way in ensuring fair, transparent and equitable provisions that benefit Filipinos. The MAP in partnership with DBM was the result of the BDB Law­—Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Breakfast Dialogue, a series of discussions among government officials and business leaders, which was held last Nov. 27. The discussions centered on pressing policy issues and transformative strategies. The collaboration between MAP and DBM emphasizes commitment to transparency, particularly in the management of confidential funds and the prevention of financial abuse. As part of this initiative, MAP was invited to provide inputs on key aspects of the Commission on Audit (COA) Law, particularly to ensure that Common-use Supply Equipment is included in the electronic catalog of Procurement Service-DBM. Strengthening the role of COA as a mandated observer and ensuring the timely submission of reports under the participatory procurement framework outlined by the law are critical priorities. Fortunately, the Procurement Observers Portal simplifies this process by enabling COA to register and ensure compliance with procurement reporting requirements. MAP will form a technical team with cross-committee engagement and meet again with DBM for the proposed IRR. The target date to finalize and complete the IRR is within the year, along with efforts to help move the needle faster for awareness and information dissemination on this very important law. The US-Asean Business Council offered to assist mainly in information, communication and technology, while MAP will lend its support to the finance and banking sectors. MAP will also provide a backup process to help address professionalization through management and quality checking. MAP strongly supports the reform agenda that the DBM is undertaking through the NGPA and for that matter, all the efforts being made by the government to improve operational efficiency and the creation of professional jobs for Filipinos. The public and private sectors should join hands in creating a progressive Philippines by ensuring that public service delivers to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity and growth. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The author is the immediate past president of the MAP and the founding partner and CEO of Du-Baladad and Associates or BDB Law. Feedback at [email protected] and [email protected] .Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however. Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow. Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans. "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media. Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia. "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff. --Field Level Media

The Argentine diplomatic residence in Caracas, where five members of the Venezuelan opposition are staying to avoid arrest, has become a “prison”, one opposition member staying there said on Saturday. The residence has been without power for more than a month, Magalli Meda, adviser to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, said on social media. “It’s a violation of our human rights. It’s become an embassy prison,” she wrote. The Venezuelan government claims the power cut came after the residence did not pay the electricity bill. The opposition members have been holed up in the residence since warrants were issued for their arrest in March.

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PayIDGambler is a gambling review platform focused on PayID-accepting online casinos. The platform was founded in 2022 by Alexis Collins, who has long been collaborating with various international media outlets related to the iGaming sector. Thanks to her deep knowledge in the field of finance, she knows practically everything about payment processing in online casinos and is happy to share this with others. In this article, you will earn valuable insights from Alexis about PayID use at online casinos. How to Spot a Reliable PayID-Friendly Online Casino A valid gambling license comes on top of the list of qualities that a trustworthy casino should have. Moreover, the team of PayIDGambler verifies the details about a license with the help of such official bodies as the Australian Communication and Media Authority and also eCOGRA, which are independent. “Licensing is non-negotiable,” explains Alexis Collins, founder of PayIDGambler. “It’s the first sign that a casino operates within the law and prioritises player protection.” Another important factor is the casino’s payment system. PayIDGambler not only checks for the availability of PayID, but also ensures that transactions are seamless, quick, and free from hidden fees. Additionally, on https://payid-gambler.net/ you will find info about the casino’s security and encryption technologies that protect user data. Game variety and transparency in bonus terms are equally vital. PayIDGambler reviews promotions to confirm that wagering requirements are fair and achievable. Customer support is also tested to ensure that users can receive prompt and helpful assistance if needed. “Our process is comprehensive because our readers deserve nothing less,” says Alexis. “From checking real player reviews to testing customer support ourselves, we take every step to ensure our recommendations are truly reliable.” However, Alexis Collins shares: “Unfortunately, there are not that many online casinos supporting PayID transactions. This is a great disappointment for our readers. However, that led our experts to look for ways to use PayID even when a casino doesn’t accept it!” How to Use PayID at Casinos that Don’t Support PayID As Alexis mentioned, quite often, you might not see PayID on the Payment page of your favourite casino. Nevertheless, you should immediately log out. Instead, Alexis recommends you contact the casino’s customer support to ensure it doesn’t accept PayID. “Sometimes casinos do not allow unregistered users to see all the payment methods available before verification or a deposit.” — comments Alexis Collins. If this is not your case and a casino doesn’t accept PayID at all, the PayIDGambler team has got you covered! “We have quite a big amount of readers. Therefore, we couldn’t let them down and had to explore all the possible options for using PayID at online casinos. This way, we discovered that last year, Binance introduced support for fund deposits through P2P transfers made with PayID. This means users may swap their balance for USDT stablecoin right on the platform. USDT is a cryptocurrency whose value tracks that of the US dollar. Therefore, it enjoys wide acceptance, including in almost every crypto casino. “What does it mean for a player?” – you might ask. Well, it means that even if PayID is not listed among a casino’s payment methods, it can still be used indirectly. Just change your PayIDs into USDTs at Binance and then send these tokens as deposits from your online wallet, which should have been provided by them together with other details necessary for playing games on their website. These transactions are as quick as PayID ones and, besides, they are completely fee-free!” We were greatly impressed, learning about this method! Now, we know that PayIDGambler never stops looking for ways to satisfy readers’ needs and, unlike many of its competitors, looks for alternative options! Alexis also added a very important note: “It’s worth noting that this method is completely legal, and online casinos do not forbid players from doing that. So, you are safe!” What Alexis Collins Thinks of the Future of PayID Casinos As we learned, PayID casinos might be hard to spot. Therefore, we decided to ask Alexis Collins about her opinion on what is the future of PayID in gambling transactions: “You see, there is a reason why I decided to create a gambling review site focused precisely on PayID, not on Mastercard, Neteller, or something else. That is because I see great potential in PayID. This banking method is very simple to use, efficient, and fast. Isn’t that everything that a gambler needs? I genuinely believe that the more people use PayID, the more casinos will start requesting them. According to recent statistics, 78% of PayID users recommended the method to other people. I believe this is a proof of my words! Of course, only time will show whether I am right, but mark my words: PayID has only started gaining popularity!” In conclusion, we want to say that PayIDGambler is no other basic casino review site. The platform actually cares about readers and listens to them and their needs. Therefore, we encourage you to visit the PayIDGambler home page, where you can find more interesting and valuable info about PayID! “At the very bottom of our home page, you can leave your little rating of us! Do it so that we know whether you are satisfied with our content. Rating of every reader is important for us” — asks Alexis Collins.

 

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ȱQՐL^!4Y͆Hojд]WIȱQՐL^!4Y͆Hojд]WINew polls of Benzinga readers show they don't think the Department of Justice should break up Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL or target other Magnificent 7 stocks. What Happened: A recent investigation by the Department of Justice found prosecutors telling Alphabet it needs to divest the Google Chrome browser to break a monopoly on online search. A poll of Benzinga readers showed 64% of respondents saying that Alphabet should not be split up. While the Department of Justice's probe into Alphabet likely means some changes will be made in the future, attention could quickly turn to other big technology companies after the Google parent. "Which other Magnificent 7 stock should be broken up?" Benzinga asked. The results were: None of them : 51% Amazon.com Inc AMZN : 14% Meta Platforms META : 12% Microsoft Corporation MSFT : 11% Apple Inc AAPL : 5% Tesla Inc TSLA : 5% NVIDIA Corporation NVDA : 2% Around half of the poll respondents said no other Magnificent 7 stocks should be broken up. Of the people who picked a stock to be broken up, Amazon led the way with 14% of the vote. Read Also: Trump Presidency Magnificent 7 Stock Impact: Benzinga Readers Pick Tech Titan At Most Risk Following 2024 Election Why It's Important : The desire to split up Amazon likely comes from investors wanting to have access to invest in Amazon Web Services, also known as AWS, a pure-play cloud platform. In the most recent third-quarter financial results, Amazon reported the following revenue by business segment: North America: $95.5 billion, +9% year-over-year International: $35.9 billion, +12% year-over-year AWS: $27.5 billion, +19% year-over-year This trend is a common occurrence of AWS growth outpacing the other business segments. While AWS is the smallest of the three main reporting segments, the cloud segment is seeing strong growth and getting closer to outpacing international revenue. AWS is also the larger driver for Amazon's operating profit. Of the company's third-quarter total of $17.4 billion in operating profit, $10.4 billion came from AWS. Meta Platforms came in second of the companies in the poll, which could be related to investors wanting access to the companies social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram or access to the WhatsApp messaging service. Meta could find itself a target of the new White House administration with both Donald Trump and J.D. Vance speaking out about the company previously. “I think that Google and Facebook have really distorted our political process. And I think a lot of my friends on the left would agree with me, but they might disagree with me directionally about how to fix that problem," Vance said earlier this year. “We have to stop the craziness, and I think one way to do it is to stop the way that these companies control the flow of information in our country.” While many investors said Magnificent 7 stocks shouldn't be broken up, analysts see the move potentially unlocking value based on sum-of-the-parts valuations. Read Next: Could Another Magnificent 7 Stock Beat Nvidia In 2025? Poll Says Not Likely, 27% Pick This Potential Winner The study was conducted by Benzinga from Nov. 21 through Nov. 22, 2024, and included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 57 adults. Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.This ain't Texas—this is buffering. As Beyoncé gets ready to perform during the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day halftime show at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston, she couldn't help but poke a bit of fun at Netflix , who will be live-streaming the game on their platform. In a video posted to her social media accounts Dec. 24 , the Grammy winner could be seen sitting on a football field wearing a flowing cape, big hat and sunglasses and strumming a banjo to the tune of her hit "Texas Hold 'Em." As Beyoncé removes her sunglasses, the camera zooms in on her face before giving viewers the classic Netflix red circle buffer. The "Diva" singer—who shares children Blue Ivy Carter , 12, and twins Rumi Carter and Sir Carter , 7, with husband Jay-Z —can then be heard laughing over the buffer, before the video cuts to a reminder about the game. "I'm sending you big joy and love on this Cowboy Christmas Eve," the 43-year-old wrote alongside the promo. "I'll see y'all tomorrow, in my city HTX." And of course fans were delighted by the trolling, with Netflix even jumping in to share their own thoughts. "now hold on...," they wrote in the comments of her video on X , formerly Twitter, before changing their bio on the platform to, "roasted by beyoncé 12.24.25." Beyoncé's halftime performance marks the first time she's taken the stage since wrapping her Renaissance World Tour in October 2023, and also the first since the March release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter . And while the Texans-Ravens game will start streaming on Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET, fans will still have three hours to catch her performance on the platform after the game ends, according to Variety . (Although if you're outside the United States, the game expires 24 hours after the stream ends.) But it's not all about football for Beyoncé, as mom Tina Knowles recently shared a few of the family's holiday traditions that they'll be enjoying this year. "For the kids, we buy toys just like in any other family," she told E! News . "That's what they like." And it's not just gifts they'll be enjoying, as Tina has another recipe for success up her sleeve, noting she'll be, "making my amazing gumbo." "I just made it for Thanksgiving," she added, "it was so many people that came over. Just good food and company and family." To see how more of your favorite stars are celebrating the holidays this year, keep reading. Christian Siriano The fashion designer attends David Barton and Susanne Bartsch ’s 25th annual toy drive at Gym U in New York City. Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby & Whitney Rose The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costars escape the Utah snow to party at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s bash in Beverly Hills. Larsa Pippen & Marysol Patton The Real Housewives of Miami costars rock Printfresh pajamas for Marysol's Recharge & Reset holiday pajama party. Kourtney Kardashian The Poosh founder gave fans a glimpse at her holiday decor, which included numerous Christmas trees all around her home, with one upside down. Kris Jenner The Kardashians star is definitely the most interesting to look at while attending Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party Benefitting Animal Haven and Camp Cocker Rescue in L.A. Cynthia Bailey & Crystal Kung Minkoff The Real Housewives stars co-host The Abbey’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in honor of World AIDS Day benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood. Kathy Hilton and Nicky Hilton The mother-daughter duo host the hottest holiday party in the 90210. Tarek El Moussa & Heather Rae El Moussa The lovebirds attend DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s party benefitting Ronald McDonald House charities. Heather Dubrow The Real Housewives of Orange County star swapped Prada for pajamas during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Cynthia Bailey The Bravolebrity is pretty in pink at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Lisa Barlow & Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives stars belt out a number at Kathy's DIRECTV bash in Beverly Hills. Dylan Mulvaney & Ashley Park The influencer and Emily and Paris star ring in the holidays in the comfiest way possible. Crystal Kung Minkoff The RHOBH alum attends BFF Kathy Hilton's holiday PJ party. John Janssen & Alexis Bellino The RHOC couple enjoy date night at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s charity party. Kimora Lee Simmons The supermodel looks runway ready at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party in L.A. Jennifer Tilly The RHOBH castmember is feeling festive at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Nicky Hilton The entrepreneur kicks of the holiday season hosting a party alongside mom Kathy. Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives star is definitely feeling hunky dory this holiday season. Dorit Kemsley The RHOBH star strikes a pose in front of Kathy Hilton's Christmas tree. Kyle Richards & Faye Resnick The besties ring in the 2024 holiday season today at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Erika Jayne The "Pretty Mess" singer has her hands full with some enviable stocking stuffers. Paula Abdul The "Straight Up" singer is comfy and cozy during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Ashley Benson The actress stops by Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Jaime King The actress models a Kathy Hilton original.

India News | Gujarat CM Presents Appointment Letters to 810 Forest Guards, 40 Assistant Forest GuardsGlobal Telemedicine Market to See Rapid Expansion Over the Next Decade 2024-2032 12-25-2024 03:16 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Telemedicine Market Latest Market Overview The global telemedicine market is projected to reach USD 185.7 billion in 2024, with a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% anticipated through 2032. This rapid expansion reflects telemedicine's rising integration into healthcare systems due to increasing demand for accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions. Growing investments in digital health infrastructure, coupled with the widespread adoption of smartphones and advanced communication technologies, underscore telemedicine's potential to transform healthcare delivery, especially in remote areas. The Global Telemedicine Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Global Telemedicine industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Global Telemedicine Market are: Teladoc Health, Inc.: Headquarters in the USA; revenue of $2.4 billion (2023). American Well Corporation: Based in Boston, USA; revenue of $320 million (2023). MDLIVE Inc.: USA-based; recent acquisition by Cigna drives market position. Doctor On Demand: Headquarters in San Francisco; expanding partnerships with insurance providers. Practo Technologies: Based in India; significant growth in teleconsultation services in emerging markets. Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/global-telemedicine-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Global Telemedicine Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/global-telemedicine-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Global Telemedicine market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Global Telemedicine market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Global Telemedicine market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Global Telemedicine manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Global Telemedicine This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Global Telemedicine. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Global Telemedicine areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Global Telemedicine market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/global-telemedicine-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.A very special, and irreplaceable, package has gone missing, and a woman in New Westminster and her family are begging for help to find it. Ashley Gould explains that her uncle Ed Bakker died by suicide on Nov. 20, but just days earlier he had sent his sister a package. “We found out [about his death] on Nov. 25 ... and when we went to clean out his apartment in Victoria, we found a receipt for a package, which had been shipped by Canada Post on Nov. 14, to my mom, who also lives in New West,” Gould told 1130 NewsRadio on Tuesday. “Because of the postal strike, obviously we had to sit in limbo. He had left the tracking number on the receipt, so we had tracking for it. And once Canada Post was up and running last Tuesday, I was frantically checking it,” she added. Last Wednesday, Gould and her mom got the great news that the package had been delivered. Except it wasn’t there. “My mom lives in an apartment building, and it said [it was delivered at] 6:40 a.m., so we didn’t think that was true. We contacted Canada Post, and they said that it’s probably going to be at a pickup location in a day or two, so to be patient,” she said. “Then on Thursday, my mom went to the pickup location, there was nothing yet. Friday, same thing. Then yesterday, we called and they said, ‘Actually, it’s been miss-sorted and it’s gone into the pile of Amazon returns, and there’s nothing more we can do,'” Gould added. Gould’s mother spoke to a supervisor, who informed the family that there was a “slim-to-none chance” of recovering the package, “but we’ll see in the new year.” “Their suggestions were to have the sender start a claim, or to contact Amazon and create a ticket,” she explained. “I apologized to the person I spoke with, because I felt bad for saying it, but I was like, ‘The sender is no longer with us and can’t start a claim, and that’s not really what it’s about.'” “It’s not about starting a claim and getting compensation. It’s about getting the package,” Gould said. While she has opened a ticket with Amazon, Gould says it’s not that company’s fault or responsibility, nor would it likely be in their system. Trying to think of other ways to find the package, Gould took to social media site Reddit in hopes of connecting with anyone who might have an in to help find the really important package. “A few people have reached out to me directly to say that they would keep an eye out for it; basically some boots on the ground. But we still don’t have any answers,” she said. “I know it’s Christmas Eve, but I’m just desperate to try and get some help, because Canada Post has, unfortunately, not given us anything more than, ‘We lost it,’ and that’s it.” The hunt for the package is complicated, Gould appreciates, as neither she nor her mom knows what’s contained or what the package looks like. “Unfortunately, because of the circumstances, I don’t have a description of the package. All I have is the name of the sender, the weight, I have the volume equivalent ... but no dimensions or anything like that, or description of the package.” Gould explains that since her uncle’s death, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. “[When my mom] knew the package was coming, she said, ‘I don’t think I can emotionally handle opening it before Christmas.’ And now all she wants is to have the package. “She just wants to have some closure, to at least have it in her possession and know that it’s not just lost somewhere,” she explained. Bakker was a very special person, Gould says. “He had a lot of struggles, but I’m happy that he’s at peace. We just want this closure of receiving whatever he felt was important enough to send to us in his final days.” “We just want that back,” she explained. Bakker is being remembered not just by his family, but the tennis community in Victoria and across North America. He was a formidable tennis player and coach, Gould explains, even creating his own teaching method called Wild Tennis. “His contributions to tennis throughout his life are immeasurable, and there are few who shared his all-encompassing passion for our sport. Ed taught kids and adults how to play tennis with patience and humour, and his Wild Tennis program helped transform the learn-to-play process in a way that was fun and engaging,” Canadian Senior Tennis shared on Facebook. A very loving and loved, brother, friend, uncle, and more, Gould says he was thoughtful and caring right up until the end. “The fact that he had the forethought to send us this final package in the days leading up to his suicide just goes to show how he was always thinking about others even when he was clearly in so much pain,” she said. In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, Canada Post says it apologizes for this “unfortunate and frustrating experience and our condolences to the family.” The organization confirms that it is looking into the case, and will provide further information at a later date.

In a historic first, underwater drones are being deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Committed to making the Kumbh Mela the largest spiritual event in Sanatan Dharma, the Yogi government has prepared a comprehensive plan to handle any emergency. Advertisement To manage the massive gathering of over 450 million people at the world’s largest cultural event, a detailed security strategy has been put in place to ensure the safety of every individual during the sacred Sangam Snan (bathing at the confluence). Advertisement The newly introduced underwater drones will provide 24/7 surveillance beneath the waters, monitoring all activities. Notably, these drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to function effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring precise tracking of targets. With the ability to operate at depths of up to 100 metres, the drones are capable of providing accurate and timely information under any circumstances, enhancing the security measures at the Kumbh Mela. Inspector General of Police (Eastern Zone, Prayagraj) Dr Rajeev Narayan Mishra launched a high-speed underwater drone here on Wednesday. Dr Mishra detailed the drone’s features and its critical role in ensuring safety during the grand Mahakumbh. This state-of-the-art underwater drone can dive up to 100 metres and transmit real-time activity reports to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). It can be operated over an unlimited distance and provides precise information about any suspicious underwater activity or incident, enabling immediate action to be taken. In addition to the drone, PAC, SDRF, and NDRF teams are working together to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. A comprehensive strategy has been developed to provide security to every individual. Over 700 boats equipped with flags will have PAC, NDRF, and SDRF personnel stationed 24/7. Furthermore, a large-scale deployment of remote-controlled life buoys has been introduced to enhance safety. These devices can rapidly reach any location and transport individuals to safety in case of emergencies, ensuring the well-being of pilgrims from around the world. AdvertisementWASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz's nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump's desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It's unclear what's next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he's done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress," he said. Farnoush Amiri, The Associated PressSubscribe to our newsletter Privacy Policy Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in. Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here. We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, please join us as a member . Hyperallergic’s tarotscope series is a combination of tarot with astrology, a reading for the collective readership combined with cards for the major astrological signs, grouped by their elemental associations, developed by AX Mina, producer for Five and Nine , a podcast about magic, work and economic justice. These tarotscopes have a special focus on the arts and creative practice, for each solstice and equinox, to mark the turning of the seasons. The winter solstice sets into the northern hemisphere during a time of metaphorical winter around the world. Mars has entered retrograde, and we see just a few more days left of the Strength Year (in the tarot system) before giving way to the Hermit Year. Let this hermit energy guide you, for winter is a time of slowing down and storing energy for us mammals as we prepare for more energetic days to come. This season’s tarotscope is read using the Mixed Signals Tarot , designed by artist M Eilo . These readings were drawn during a mild Brooklyn morning at the start of the retrograde, in this 12th month of the Strength Year (in the tarot system) and 11th month of the Dragon Year (in the East Asian lunar system). Many stones have emerged in this reading. In this deck, they are like the pentacles, but drawn to more explicitly represent the earth. In last season’s reading , we learned of “big and transformative energies in the collective air,” and now the larger message is to find grounding. For this winter equinox, we read with the Seed Root Garden spread , developed by Dorothy R. Santos and Xiaowei R. Wang, as we look toward the new year. Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities And we start with an inquiry: What do artists need to know as we prepare for the end of the Strength Year and usher in the Hermit Year? Collective Tarot Reading Seed: Fighter of Stones Root: The Hermit These two cards mark the collective context: A court card from the Minor Arcana, representing daily affairs, and a Major Arcana card, representing archetypal forces. The Fighter of Stones, also known as the Knight of Pentacles in the popular Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck , here represents the Seed position. This is what has been collectively planted. In this deck, a smaller force collides with a larger one, and those who understand physics know that even small things can shape the trajectories of large objects in unexpected ways . I recently learned, for example, that some human-made structures can alter the rotation of the Earth , and it was a reminder that even the Earth itself, steady and solid as it seems beneath our bodies, is ever changing, spinning and floating through space like the rest of us. We read this card alongside the Root, representing what is growing. The Hermit card, with its three eyes, reminds us of unknowingness and intuition. This is the card of searching, of yearning, and of being comfortable with the uncertainty that today and tomorrow bring. It’s a card of spiritual pursuit, whatever that means for you. Read together, we see now that we are on a new journey. A series of events that may seem outside our control and influence has changed the trajectory, yet these events are made possible by our cultural and societal norms. As artists, we all have the ability to alter trajectories, like little asteroids in space, where even the tiniest bump or nudge of awakening can lead others into unexpected directions. This is the time to deepen our collective practice and ask questions that have been bubbling up quietly from the heart. Think of those moments from the past year that broke you and yet you somehow emerged from. “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read,” James Baldwin once said. “It was Dostoevsky and Dickens who taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who ever had been alive. Only if we face these open wounds in ourselves can we understand them in other people.” Baldwin cited writers, but artists have also held me during times of solitude and confusion. Perhaps your art will do the same for others. Now the question is the Garden, or the conditions in which the Root will grow and bear fruit. The Garden position completes this three-card spread, and it is customized to your elementary signs — an additional card is drawn to elaborate on the solution for your element. Read for the elements calling to you now, whether associated with your Sun, rising, or Moon sign, or simply one that speaks to you at this time in your life. Remember that nothing written here is a direction or imposition; these are merely flickering lights offered along the path we all make for ourselves. Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) Method: Two of Stones The two stones in the Two of Stones roll through a landscape — or is it a series of waves? This card asks you to consider how you balance multiple forces and energies. While balance requires emotional fortitude, the Stone suit posits that some effort and planning are necessary to work through it all. Your fire energy will be needed in the coming months, and this card suggests that now is a good time gather and hone the tools to help you maintain balance when you summon that fire. This could be as simple as getting your bookkeeping in order or cleaning your studio. Or it could be more complex, like beginning therapy or starting a meditation practice. Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) Method: Two of Wands In the Two of Wands, two branches merge and intersect. Witnessing something like this is always a beautiful moment on my hikes in nature, or when I’m tending to my plants. The wand’s energy is the qi , the spark of life, and you’re being asked to look at the little things growing in your life right now. Perhaps there is a new branch in your creative practice, or someone in your life is sparking a new collaboration. Your Earth energy will be helpful here. Like a gentle gardener, practice tenderly watering these new directions, grafting them, seeing where they go. By this time next year, you may be surprised where your creative practice has taken you. Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Method: Three of Stones The Three of Stones is often the card of laying down foundations and making plans with others. In this rendering, each stone forms a layer in your practice, but they have yet to joined together. In this time of wintering, you’re invited to flow with the Air energies that move through your mind and start laying down your plan, or concepts of a plan, so to speak. That might look like making a project spreadsheet or gathering your collaborators for a meeting. Collect the stones and be ready to get to work. Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) Method: Five of Cups Of all elements, yours is the one swimming in emotions, and this Five of Cups card only emphasizes that. They break, come apart, shatter, and like the yin and yang, it’s in the brokenness that the seed of something new is sprouting. The greatest wisdom often lies in not turning away and simply allowing the hurt to hurt. Remember the Baldwin quote above. Water is what connects us all in our beautiful and fragile humanity. We hope you enjoyed this article! Before you keep reading, please consider supporting Hyperallergic ’s journalism during a time when independent, critical reporting is increasingly scarce. Unlike many in the art world, we are not beholden to large corporations or billionaires. Our journalism is funded by readers like you , ensuring integrity and independence in our coverage. We strive to offer trustworthy perspectives on everything from art history to contemporary art. We spotlight artist-led social movements, uncover overlooked stories, and challenge established norms to make art more inclusive and accessible. With your support, we can continue to provide global coverage without the elitism often found in art journalism. If you can, please join us as a member today . Millions rely on Hyperallergic for free, reliable information. By becoming a member, you help keep our journalism free, independent, and accessible to all. Thank you for reading. Share Copied to clipboard Mail Bluesky Threads LinkedIn Facebook

Greg Norman has confirmed he is to be replaced as LIV Golf CEO, saying he is "fine with it". Amid reports that his successor has been found, Norman was asked in an interview with Indiana news TV station WISH-TV if he had hoped to stay on in the role he's held since the breakaway Saudi-funded circuit's inception. "I've seen it (LIV Golf) come from a business model on paper to giving birth on the golf course to where it is today," Norman said. "Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new CEO. I'm fine with that. "Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some capacity? Yes. I'll always have that. "Because the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I've had a small, small piece of that, which I'm proud of." It has been reported in recent days that LIV Golf is expected to hire former NBA and NHL executive Scott O'Neil to replace Norman, who was sometimes viewed as a divisive figure during the bitter battle with the PGA Tour. But the 69-year-old Australian former world No.1 was adamant all - including the game - have benefited from the arrival of the three-season-old LIV Golf. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) have been attempting to negotiate a deal since announcing a surprise "framework agreement" was announced in June 2023. Tiger Woods, a PGA Tour policy board member, expressed his frustration over talks this week, saying: "I think all of us who have been a part of this process would have thought it would have happened quicker than this. "But we wish we would have had something more concrete and further along than we are right now. "I think something will get done. In what form or shape, I don't know yet." Norman said he believed that the golf was already "in a better place" than it was a year ago, pointing to the PGA Tour's funding agreement with a group made up mostly of sports team owners. "Competition was a great thing for them (the PGA Tour), too," Norman said in his WISH-TV interview. "Now they got an injection from SSG (Strategic Sports Group) of $US1.5 billion. Great for the PGA Tour, wonderful. "So everywhere you look - in the first couple years, everybody was lambasting us. And now all of a sudden, everybody's trying to follow us. And I think everybody should take a step back and say, 'Oh my gosh. How good has this been for the game of golf?'" - with PABuying a house in 2025: your how-to guide

I'm a Celebrity viewers all have the same complaint as show sees the return of epic cyclone challenge

By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .Nikita Kucherov hit Matthew Tkachuk with an illegal knee-on-knee play on Monday, and now he's learned his suspension fate from the NHL's Department of Player Safety following a game misconduct and major penalty being assessed on the play. The NHL has always been one of the most physical leagues in the world, but sometimes it gets taken way too far with illegal hits, and we saw yet another example of that on Monday night. During the Battle of Florida between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk was taken down with a knee-on-knee hit from Nikita Kucherov, one that earned him a five-minute major and a game misconduct . While Tkachuk was clearly in pain after the play, he would ultimately return to the game, with the Panthers fans in the arena giving him a huge standing ovation for his return as the superstar forward was thankfully not injured long-term like many feared initially. Since the deadline of 5pm EST has passed, the NHL's Department of Player Safety appears to have made a decision and not suspend Nikita Kucherov. Over his career, Kucherov hasn't been one of the worst players in the NHL when it comes to dirty plays, but he has popped up now and then with dirty plays to his opponents. Thankfully for Tkachuk, it appears that he will be okay and should be good to go when the NHL resumes on December 27th. This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Robby Pizzaro (USA) and Arsalan Khan (India) go head-to-head in the Buddy Combs International Arena Polo Challenge at Lakeside Polo Club photo by Tequila Sunsets Photography Arena polo players representing India and USA - Mrityunjay Chouhan, Arsalan Khan, Pritvi Rathore, Chaitania Kumar, umpire Robin Sanchez, Nicole Bankhead, Robby Pizzaro and David Brooks Arsalan Khan (India) and Nicole Bankhead (USA) anticipate the play in the Buddy Combs International Arena Polo Challenge at Lakeside Polo Club Jim Deal (US Marine Corps) and Lt. Col. Prithvi Rathore (Indian Army) represent their countries' military in an India vs USA Arena Polo competition USA Military player salutes the flag during the National Anthem USA defeated India in the Buddy Combs International Arena Challenge while India took top honors in the International Military test match Robin Sanchez US Arena Polo +1 717-645-8778 ... Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN29122024003118003196ID1109039964 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .December 16, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication proofread by Chungnam National University Wearable devices and smart sensors are transforming how we monitor health and activity, from tracking heartbeats to detecting body movements. However, traditional tools like stethoscopes and fitness trackers often face challenges. They require user training, struggle with accurately capturing subtle signals, and are limited in flexibility and ease of use. These shortcomings make them less effective for applications that demand adaptability, precision, and user-friendliness, such as real-time health monitoring or motion tracking. To address these challenges, Professor Jaebeom Lee and his team at Chungnam National University have developed an advanced mechanochromic strain sensor that changes color in response to mechanical stress. Their study, published in Chemical Engineering Journal on 15 October, 2024, highlights the sensor's potential as a power-free, versatile tool. The device integrates flexible polymers with innovative nanoparticles, offering a reliable, user-friendly solution for real-time health and activity tracking. The sensor is built using magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles (MagPlas NPs). These nanoparticles have a silver core (60 nm) and an iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) shell, which help them interact with light and magnetic fields. They are produced using a method called solvothermal synthesis, which controls chemical reactions at high temperatures to create highly uniform particles in large quantities. "This nanosized material can be synthesized with exceptional consistency and scalability," explains Prof. Lee. A critical part of the sensor's design is the arrangement of MagPlas NPs. When a liquid droplet containing these particles is placed on a porous material, such as filter paper or a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane, and exposed to a magnetic field, the particles pack tightly together on the surface rather than seeping into the pores. This forms a uniform layer called an amorphous photonic array (APA), producing bright, consistent colors that remain stable when viewed from different angles. These APAs are then transferred onto a flexible, stretchable material called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which enables the sensor to change color under mechanical stress. By adjusting the nanoparticle size between 91 and 284 nanometers, the researchers controlled how the sensor's color changed. The most noticeable color shift—from blue to red—occurred when the particles were 176 nanometers in size. These color changes are fully reversible and stable, even after repeated stretching, making the sensor durable and reliable. The sensor could transform many areas, offering a wide range of applications. In health care, it could be used as a wearable device to track motions like knee bending, neck turning, or even subtle movements such as heartbeats or eye twitches. The sensor could also ensure the safety of buildings and bridges by visually detecting stress or damage without complicated setups. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . "The mechanochromic change of the device could be monitored constantly, to predict and prevent fatal structural failures for buildings, civil structures, and industrial systems," explains Prof. Lee. Looking ahead, the sensor could enable new possibilities for dynamic displays and secure data storage. For example, researchers created a special "data matrix" code that is only visible when the sensor is stretched. In the next five to 10 years, these power-free sensors could become key in developing sustainable, eco-friendly technology. Their ability to work without power makes them ideal for use in remote or extreme environments like deep-sea missions or space exploration. "Power-free sensors and optical devices have a great amount of impact on the future of sustainable and green technology," adds Prof. Lee. More information: Huu-Quang Nguyen et al, Mechanochromic strain sensor by magnetoplasmonic amorphous photonic arrays, Chemical Engineering Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.155297 Journal information: Chemical Engineering Journal Provided byChungnam National UniversityThe ominously named Disease X could potentially trigger the next major pandemic , a medical expert has cautioned, while also expressing concern that the world is ill-prepared for a sudden surge in cases . Disease X - essentially a placeholder name for an unidentified infection - was listed among 11 other perilous diseases that have doctors on high alert for the upcoming year. Measles, cholera, scabies, bird flu, and even another Covid outbreak were also included in the scientific community's list of most dreaded infections for 2025 . The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously classified unknown pathogens as Disease X, including it in its priority list of diseases requiring urgent research. Most recently, it claimed at least 31 lives - predominantly children - in the Panzi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unknown flu-like disease kills almost 150 sparking pandemic fears Long Covid linked with increased risk of chronic neurological diseases says chilling new study Between October 24 and December 5, the WHO reported over 400 instances of an unidentified disease in the DRC. Common symptoms included fever, headache, body aches, and a severe cough. However, the most critical cases were often associated with extreme malnutrition. According to Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, Disease X is one of the infections most likely to result in serious outbreaks, possibly even escalating to a pandemic. If such an outbreak were to occur suddenly, the world would likely be caught off guard, much like the global shock caused by the coronavirus. Disease X isn't exactly a specific illness think of it as more of a placeholder for any yet-undiscovered sickness. Despite not being pinpointed, the threat of some mysterious virus or bacterial menace is quite concrete, and boffins have been nudging governments to gear up for any curveballs from Mother Nature. "Disease X is the name given to an as-yet-unknown bug, that has the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic," Dr. Head confided to the Mirror. "This bug would have the potential to spread quickly and have a high mortality rate; for example like COVID-19." "The world was caught flat-footed by the most recent pandemic, and even with our fancy tech upgrades, such as mRNA vaccine platforms and other medical marvels, we're still at risk of being caught off-guard if Disease X appeared out of the blue." Symptoms: It's anybody's guess! They could run the gamut depending on what this future germ is made of. We could be talking coughs or wheezing if its airborne. But if it's some sort of bacterial bogeyman, expect something along the lines of tummy troubles. Currently, dengue fever holds the dubious title of the top virus mosquitos spread worldwide. With tens of millions of cases popping up each year and a death tally reaching around 25,000, it's nothing to swat at. The disease is predominantly found in South America and Southeast Asia, but an increasing number of cases are emerging in southern Europe, largely due to climate change. France, Italy, and Spain are the countries most likely to experience outbreaks of dengue - often referred to as the 'bone breaker' disease. The mosquito that transmits the virus is anticipated to eventually establish itself in the UK, although the exact timeline remains uncertain. Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, predicts an increase in dengue fever cases by 2025, particularly in southern Europe. Symptoms: The virus typically manifests with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, joint pain, and a distinctive rash composed of slightly raised spots. In extreme cases, it can result in bleeding gums, frequent vomiting, and intense abdominal pain. In 2024, only one case of chikungunya was confirmed in Europe, but Professor Hunter warns that this could increase in the upcoming year. It's another viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus. Almost all instances of the virus are detected in South America; especially in Brazil, which reported more than 400,000 cases between August and October in 2024. However, as European climates become increasingly hospitable for mosquitoes, scientists fear a rise in chikungunya. Professor Hunter has voiced concerns that Southern Europe could see an uptick in mosquito-borne diseases: "I think we will likely see more mosquito-borne diseases in southern Europe; mainly dengue but also probably chikungunya. I also worry about West Nile fever." Chikungunya often results in joint pain and high fever around five days post-infection. Most people get better after a week, though some may suffer long-term, severe joint pain. Around 80% of those infected with the West Nile virus don't exhibit symptoms. However, the remaining 20% may contract the serious West Nile fever. Mosquito bites typically transmit the virus, but it can also be passed on through blood transfusions and organ transplants. While local transmission hasn't been reported in the UK, there have been incidences of travelers returning home with the infection. Human cases have been documented in several European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany, since the beginning of November 2024. The most severe form of the illness, West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), affects the nervous system and can lead to meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Symptoms: West Nile fever generally causes headaches, fevers, fatigue, and gland swelling, with some patients experiencing an itchy rash on the back, arms, or torso. Measles, a grave airborne disease, predominantly strikes young kids. In 2023, the illness claimed over 107,000 lives worldwide, with the under-five age group being the hardest hit. Spread through coughs and sneezes via air droplets, measles can linger in the atmosphere or on objects for a couple of hours, making it extremely contagiousabout 90% of those not vaccinated and in close proximity will catch it. The Western world has seen a resurgence of measles recently, mainly due to declining vaccination rates. Back in 2019, 86% of children got their first measles shot, but by 2023, that number dipped to 83%. Dr Head remarked: "Measles is vaccine-preventable. With two doses of the MMR vaccine, that stops measles in its tracks. With a high uptake, we could literally eradicate it from the planet, like smallpox. A lower uptake, partly due to too much covid interrupting health service delivery in the pandemic, means children in the UK and globally are being affected. It is a nasty infection in unvaccinated children, and it can and does kill." Symptoms include initial flu-like signs, followed by the distinctive 'measles rash'raised spots that merge into large blotchy skin patches, starting at the face and spreading downward. Coronavirus has remained a lingering adversary, subtly continuing its existence in the backdrop. To add to the concern, the virus persists in evolving, with novel variants arising that may outpace current vaccines in terms of infectiousness and resistance. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed in October that a new, apparently more transmissible strain had emerged. This XEC variant, a hybrid of the KS. 1.1 and KP. 3.3 strains, has triggered a significant spike in Covid cases throughout the nation. In just a week, the rate of Covid-positive hospital admissions leaped from 3.7 to 4.5 per 100,000 individuals. Dr Head commented: "The vaccines, along with use of medicines and diagnostics etc., have massively blunted the public health impact of COVID-19. But, it's still here, very much hasn't gone away, and will continue to pose a problem to health services and populations everywhere around the world. Do get vaccinated if another dose if offered to you! ". Symptoms: Despite the emergence of new variants, the principal indicators of Covid have stayed consistent over time, showing no preliminary hints of variants bringing unique symptoms. A persistent cough, elevated fever, or alteration in your sense of smell or taste are all markers of the virus. Others may experience additional effects such as fatigue, sore throat, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and symptoms akin to the common cold. Cholera poses a significant threat to global public health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This severe diarrhoeal disease is caused by ingesting food or water tainted with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. In the most severe instances, the infection can progress rapidly, potentially leading to death within hours if left untreated. Cholera claims up to 143,000 lives globally each year. Since the 19th century, there have been seven cholera pandemics, with the most recent one in 1961 primarily impacting South Asia. However, Professor Hunter warns that forced migration due to climate change could trigger another significant increase in cholera cases by 2025. Despite this, cholera remains extremely rare in Europe, with the majority of confirmed cases reported in Africa and Asia. For instance, in 2022, nine EU countries reported a total of 29 cases, all of which involved travel history to a cholera hotspot. Symptoms: The primary symptom of cholera is profuse watery diarrhoea, often accompanied by intense vomiting and abdominal pain, leading to dehydration. Avian flu, more commonly referred to as bird flu, is widely recognized as the most probable source of the next pandemic. This type of influenza virus typically circulates among birds but has been known to cross over to humans. While the virus doesn't easily transmit to humans, its rapid mutation rate has scientists on high alert for a potential widespread outbreak. Currently, nearly all reported cases of H5N1 - the predominant bird flu strain in humans - have occurred in individuals who work closely with animals. "Avian influenza is always on the 'potential infectious disease threat' list. It evolves much like the Covid variants and could potentially cause a pandemic," Dr Head explained. "We haven't yet seen widespread human-to-human transmission - but it's possible." Bird flu can be contracted by humans through contact with infected animals, their feces or bedding, or during the preparation of infected poultry for cooking. There isn't a specific seasonal vaccine for bird flu, but a universal vaccine that could protect against all types of flu, including avian flu, would be the "holy grail", Dr Head added. Symptoms: The earliest indication of a bird flu infection is usually a very high fever, accompanied by fatigue and a severe headache. Some patients have also reported intense conjunctivitis or bleeding from the nose or gums. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about the rising number of antibiotic-resistant infections in the UK, echoing the World Health Organization's (WHO) statement that antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant global health threats. Antimicrobials, which include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, are typically used to treat infectious diseases. However, scientists have raised concerns that these infections are becoming more resistant to these medications as they evolve to defend against them. According to the UKHSA, individuals who contract a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics have a higher likelihood of dying within 30 days. Professor Hunter expressed that bacteria resistant to antimicrobials pose a "significant concern" looking ahead to 2025. E. coli, which often results in diarrhoea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections, is the most prevalent type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the UK. By mid-2024, the UK reported over 600 cases of this bacteria, a significant increase compared to previous years. In November, UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, stated: "Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren't effective at tackling their infections. That's not just an inconvenience it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis. Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities." Symptoms: Who knows? It could include anything dependent on its biological make-up. If it were a respiratory virus, it could cause coughs or difficulty breathing. But if it were a bacterial infection, it might cause more stomach bug-like symptoms. Dengue fever is the world's most commonly transmitted virus by mosquitoes. Tens of millions of cases are reported every year, and up to 25,000 people die annually. It's most commonly found in South America and Southeast Asia, but more and more cases are cropping up in southern Europe - mainly driven by climate change. France, Italy and Spain are most likely to see outbreaks of dengue - which is commonly referred to as the 'bone breaker' disease. Map shows states with highest COVID-19 cases as 'wave of summer infections' sweeps US Ohio woman with debilitating disease who 'paid Social Security all her life' denied benefits The mosquito that carries the virus is eventually expected to gain a foothold in the UK, although it's still unclear exactly when that might be. Medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter, expected to see more cases of dengue fever in 2025 - particularly in southern Europe. Symptoms: The virus usually causes flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headaches, joint pain, and a characteristic rash mad eup of slightly raised spots. In the most severe cases, it could lead to bleeding gums, repeated vomiting, and severe stomach pain. There was only one confirmed case of chikungunya in Europe in 2024, but it could be on the rise in the coming year, warned Professor Hunter. It's another mosquito-driven viral infection, and is similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus. Almost all cases of the virus are found in South America; particularly in Brazil, which had more than 400,000 between August and October in 2024. But, European climates are becoming more favourable for mosquitoes, and scientists fear chikungunya could be on the rise. Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports and entertainment stories Professor Hunter said: "Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. This isn't just for your own health - it's about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations." Symptoms: The signs of infection can differ based on whether the infection is bacterial or viral. For instance, an E. coli infection can lead to symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and cystitis. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that targets the lungs and can be fatal if not treated. It primarily affects infants and young children, but anyone can develop symptoms if they become infected. The infection gets its name from the distinctive 'whoop' sound made by infected babies when they take deep breaths. However, not all babies make this noise, which means the infection can go unnoticed for a while. The UK is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of whooping cough, with confirmed cases surpassing 10,000 in August. The second quarter of the year saw more confirmed cases than any quarter in 2012, the year of the last major outbreak. Professor Hunter stated that it's still uncertain whether there will be more cases of whooping cough in 2025 than in 2024, but it remains a "big concern". Since the start of the current outbreak, which began in November 2023, at least 10 infants in the UK have died. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. Dr Mary Ramsay, the UKHSA Director of Immunisation, emphasized earlier this year the critical importance of vaccinations to fend off whooping cough: "Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time. Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks." "This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines." Whooping cough starts off deceptively mild with symptoms resembling a common cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat. However, within about a week, it escalates to severe coughing spells, breathing difficulties, and thick mucus expectoration. In other health news, doctors are cautioning the British populace not to overlook the clear signs of scabies following a recent increase in reported incidents. This skin infestation involves minuscule mites burrowing beneath the surface to lay eggs, resulting in a highly unpleasant and itchy rash. While not fatal, scabies can seriously deteriorate the quality of one's life, says Dr Head. The affliction is no stranger to the UK frequently occurring in communal environments like schools, care facilities, and correctional institutions. Disturbingly, England's registered cases of scabies surged by 58% in the initial half of 2024 compared to 2023, with GP diagnoses far exceeding the five-year norm. It appears the north of England bore the brunt with the highest rate of new cases. Dr. Head pointed out the discomfort scabies can cause, explaining: "The mites burrow under the skin, causing an immune response that triggers inflammation and itching," and warned, "You can catch it by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or via clothes, furniture or bedding that an infected person may have used previously." Signs of distress: Anyone tormented by relentless itching, especially when the moon is up, might be facing a bout with scabies. Alongside the itch, you could spot a rash dotted with red indicators of where the mite laid its eggs. This rash tends to show up between fingers and can turn into persistent dark splotches.

 

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Dry Bulk Shipping Market to Grow by USD 3.64 Billion (2023-2028), Segmented by Product, Type, and Geography, with AI-Powered Market Evolution TechnavioJamahal Hill will face a fresh challenge in his upcoming return at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has his next Octagon assignment almost a full year after a knockout loss to Alex Pereira . Hill was originally supposed to co-headline UFC 303 against Khalil Rountree Jr., before withdrawing due to an injury. His recovery lasted the rest of 2024, capping off a frustrating year for the former titleholder. But, Hill has a chance to bounce back and get back in the title mix, as announced on the UFC Macau broadcast on Saturday. Hill will face Jiří Procházka at UFC 311 on January 18th at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. Immediately after the fight announcement, Procházka broke his social media silence ahead of UFC 311. “Its a Fight, Its a joy to be alive and create the Best ourselves,” Procházka posted on Instagram. “Lets get it !!!” As of this writing, Hill hasn’t posted anything on social media hinting at the UFC 311 booking. READ MORE: Merab Dvalishvili names date for Petr Yan world title rematch after his win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau Jamahal Hill vs. Jiri Procházka booked for UFC 311 showdown Hill and Procházka are two of Pereira’s most recent title challengers with Hill falling to the champion at UFC 300 in April by TKO. Procházka has lost twice to Pereira over the last year, including in a short-notice rematch booking at UFC 303 following Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from the card. While this will be the first fight between Hill and Procházka in their careers, their trajectories have been linked in recent years. After Hill won Procházka’s vacated belt at UFC 283 over Glover Teixeira, he suffered an injury months later, leading to Procházka facing Pereira for the again-vacated title at UFC 295. Before the loss to Pereira at UFC 300, Hill was on a roll in the UFC light heavyweight division, earning recent TKO wins over Thiago Santos, Johnny Walker, and Jimmy Crute. He’s looking to avoid the first losing streak of his career and bounce back similar to his UFC 263 loss to Paul Craig. Meanwhile, Procházka returns to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 303, a short-notice knockout loss to Pereira. Procházka regained some momentum in a come-from-behind win against Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 300. Procházka captured the light heavyweight throne by defeating Teixeira by fifth-round submission at UFC 275. Before that, he earned brutal knockout wins over former title challengers Dominick Reyes and Volkan Oezdemir. READ MORE: ‘I’m over the halfway point’... Israel Adesanya sets retirement deadline as he pursues third reign as UFC champion Jamahal Hill and Jiri Procházka will compete for potential No. 1 contender spot Pereira is expected to face surging contender Magomed Ankalaev in his next light heavyweight title shot. He most recently defended the belt against Rountree at UFC 307 , and weeks later, Ankalaev cemented himself as the consensus next title challenger by defeating Rakić at UFC 308. Hill and Procházka have the opportunity to cement themselves as the next man up to potentially face the Pereira vs. Ankalaev winner. In recent months, Hill has taunted the light heavyweight champion , setting up what would be an intriguing rematch. As of this writing, the UFC 311 main event hasn’t been announced by the promotion, although Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2 is the rumored favorite to headline. READ MORE: Carlos Ulberg calls out former title challenger after extending winning streak to seven at UFC Macau

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad ruleMETAIRIE, La. (AP) — If Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi has any definite ideas about who’ll play quarterback for New Orleans against Washington on Sunday, he’s not ready to share that information. Rizzi maintained on Wednesday that there’s still a chance that Derek Carr could clear the concussion protocol and function well enough with his injured, non-throwing left hand to return against the Commanders. Meanwhile, reserve QBs Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler split first-team snaps during Wednesday’s practice, which Carr missed, Rizzi said. “We’re not going to name a starter right now,” said Rizzi, who also made a point of noting that Carr would not be placed on the club’s injured reserve list and would not need surgery. “We’re going to see how that progression plays out, first with Derek and then obviously with Jake and Spencer.” Carr, whose latest injury occurred when he tried to dive for a first down during Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants , has already missed three starts this season because of a separate, oblique injury. New Orleans lost all three of those games, with Rattler, a rookie, starting and Haener, a second-year pro, serving as the backup. RELATED COVERAGE Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury Bills defense out to prove against high-scoring Lions that it’s better than its dud vs. Rams Aaron Rodgers suggests a ‘curse’ might be the reason for the Jets’ losing ways In his three starts, Rattler completed 59 of 99 passes (59.6%) for 571 yards, one TD and two interceptions. Haener has gotten sporadic work this season in relief of both Carr and Rattler, completing 14 of 29 passes (48.3%) for 177 yards and one TD without an interception. Rizzi said he finds the 6-foot-1 Haener and 6-foot Rattler “very similar in a lot of ways,” adding that whichever of those two might play “doesn’t change a whole bunch” in terms of game-planning. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . “They’re both similar-size guys. Their athletic ability is very similar,” Rizzi said. “They’re similar-style quarterbacks. We’re not dealing with opposites on the spectrum.” The Saints also signed another QB this week — Ben DiNucci — to help take scout team snaps at practice, now that Rattler and Haener are not as available to do that while competing to possibly start if Carr is indeed unable to play. The Saints (5-8) have won three of four games since Rizzi took over following the firing of coach Dennis Allen. That allowed New Orleans to remain alive in the NFC South Division, currently led by Tampa Bay (7-6). Rizzi said Carr has not had any setbacks this week in terms of progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol. “By the end of the week, if’s he’s not able to get any reps in any form or fashion, then obviously we’ll go with one of the other guys,” Rizzi said. NOTES: RB Alvin Kamara did not practice on Wednesday because of an illness. ... WR Chris Olave, who is out indefinitely because of concussions this season, has returned to meetings at Saints headquarters. He as not, however, made plans to return to practice yet because he still plans to meet first with neurological specialists to try to assess the risks of returning to action during what’s left of this season. Rizzi said the possibility of Olave playing again this season remains “on the table” for now. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The Dolphins Should Sign Daniel JonesSyria's Druze hope for better future without AssadTE Colston Loveland says goodbye to Michigan: ‘Thank you for embracing me’

What happens when 'The Simpsons' join 'Monday Night Football'? Find out during Bengals-CowboysBJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda termed the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government as ‘madari sarkar’ and ‘jadugar sarkar,’ deceiving the people with false promises. He said that the Congress had come to power by playing with the emotions of the people with tall promises. Addressing a public meeting at Saroornagar stadium here on Saturday, Nadda said that the Congress leaders wrore by the culture of ‘enjoy as long as you live’. The Congress has been rooted out in Tamil Nadu 60 years ago, was out of power for over 30 years in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and 25 years in Bihar, he said. On the other hand, the BJP governments stood by the wishes of the people, whose trust in them is of a very high order. The BJP won in Gujarat for a record sixth time, four times in Madhya Pradesh, thrice in Haryana and Goa and twice in UP, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Assam and other states. The anti-women, anti-farmer, anti-employees and anti-BCs government in Telangana would be sent packing by the people, Nadda saud. He pointed out at the state-of-affairs in the Congress-led Karnataka. Stating that the Revanth Reddy government had failed to fulfill its promises to the people, Nadda said that the party would be dealt a major blow in all states it is ruling. Nadda asked the gathering whether they had received Vidya Barosa card, unemployment allowance, farm loan waiver, Rythu Bharosa benefits, Shadi mubarak cheques, and the people responded negatively. The Telangana BJP organised the public meeting after week-long awareness programmes in all 119 Assembly segments and having releasing a charge-sheet against the incumbent government. State BJP chief and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy said that Revanth Reddy and his predecessor L. Chandrasekhar were behaving like twins. A number of party MPs, MLAs and office-bearers, including Union minister of state Bandi Sanjay, MPs Dr K. Laxman, Etala Rajendar, D.K. Aruna and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, MLAs and party leaders took part in the meeting.

 

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}tBۗOiĒRȌi/ZȰT Yw174b$u Llj6;䀫AF}'Mሖ޺(c8H\V8]EJT)@=2଴3l`CHKNavL䡧la&ꚤ?4 Ju�3}tBۗOiĒRȌi/ZȰT Yw174b$u Llj6;䀫AF}'Mሖ޺(c8H\V8]EJT)@=2଴3l`CHKNavL䡧la&ꚤ?4 Ju3Tweet Facebook Mail A suspect stabbed people in the Canadian city of Vancouver and was shot by police officers, police said. There were no immediate details on the status of the suspect or the stabbing victims. Vancouver police said in a post on X that the stabbing happened on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) near the main library in the downtown area of the city in western Canada. READ MORE: CEO killed in 'brazen, targeted attack' outside New York Hilton Vancouver police officers at the crime scene in a 7-Eleven in the Canadian city. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) (AP) Evidence markers, debris and blood at the crime scene. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) (AP) A video seen by The Canadian Press shows police aiming their guns over the counter of a convenience store and firing at least 10 times. Police are heard on the video yelling "move over" as several officers aim their weapons inside the 7-Eleven store. Mainul Islam, a student and part-time delivery worker who captured the scene on video, says he was stopped by police from entering the store before witnessing the shooting of a man he described as "homeless." Other video footage posted online shows a person being taken to an ambulance on a stretcher as paramedics perform chest compressions. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .QUEBEC CITY , Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - iA Financial Group is pleased to announce that Caroline Drouin has been appointed Head of Investor Relations, effective January 1, 2025 . Ms. Drouin already holds the position of Vice-President, Investor Relations, Sustainability and Public Affairs since last July. In this role, Ms. Drouin will be responsible for managing relations with investors, as well as with the various players in the financial markets. She will also be responsible for the company's public affairs, sustainability and philanthropy programs. Caroline Drouin holds a Bachelor in Actuarial Science from Université Laval and is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries. She joined iA Financial Group in 2018, where she has since held various management positions. Marie-Annick Bonneau , who has been Head of Investor Relations since 2019, will take on a new challenge as Senior Vice President, Integrated Risk Management at iA Financial Group. The careers of these two leaders clearly illustrate the importance of internal mobility at iA Financial Group, as a significant lever in career and personal development. About iA Financial Group iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada , with operations in the United States . Founded in 1892, it is an important Canadian public company and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG (common shares). iA Financial Group is a business name and trademark of iA Financial Corporation Inc. and Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. SOURCE Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/05/c8064.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

SANTA CLARA — Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze. Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025. Not necessarily, even if Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after missing a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. “I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year.I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.” But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season, beginning with a spotlight game on Monday night in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won 34-31 by the 49ers. Since the game is at Levi’s Stadium, Moody should enter with some confidence. He’s 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road — one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles. Which apparently came as news to Moody. “I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.” Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson. “Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.” Having a midseason injury was a “learning experience,” according to Moody. “Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything that it was prior to the injury,” Moody said. “It’s not like you can really blame something.” Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything that it was prior to the injury. It’s not like you can really blame something. While tempted to alter his approach and preparation, Moody thought better of it. He considers kicking similar to golf, and said it can take years for golfers to master a swing change. “In this business you don’t have that much time to try and dial something in and do big changes like that,” Moody said.”You’ve got to be consistent and not be changing too many things or you’ll be overwhelmed by everything.” While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1. “I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.” Shanahan hinted strongly Monday that linebacker Dre Greenlaw wouldn’t play in the last two games, saying he’d wait until talking to him before making it official. “He’s not going to play in these two games,” Shanahan said. “He understood.” Left tackle Spencer Burford (calf) did not practice and Shanahan thought there was a chance he’d be ready to face Detroit with Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore both on injured reserve. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee), who hasn’t yet been placed on I.R., did not practice and neither did edge rusher Robert Beal Jr. Those who were limited were safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/ankle). Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) was off the injury list. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Hennessey was added to the roster with Williams going on injured reserve, with Sebastian Gutierrez joining the practice squad. Shanahan will try to piecemeal an offensive line heading into Detroit, with newcomer Charlie Heck also in the mix. “We’ve got to mix and match a number of guys,” Shanahan said. The 49ers activated the practice clock on rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been out with a knee injury in hopes of getting him back before the end of the regular season. Detroit Dan Campbell thinks last year’s loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game helped prepare them for taking another run at this season. “I think we’re really more mature,” Campbell told the Detroit media. “Every year you learn something about winning and losing. And when you take an `L’ like we did last year you learn from that . . . I think we’re much more prepared than at that time. You feel like you’re (prepared) but you get into that with a heavyweight that’s been there numerous times, you don’t always know. I think that as an experience has served us well moving into this year.” The Lions have also taken notice of what happened to the 49ers in 2022 when Brock Purdy tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in the NFC title game against Philadelphia and didn’t have a viable quarterback. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed to the roster, giving the Lions three quarterbacks along with starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker. — Tight end George Kittle (68 receptions, 967 yards) needs 33 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career and second in succession. With eight touchdown receptions, he his three shy of his career high of 11 in 2022. — Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (63 receptions, 856 yards) needs 144 yards in his last two games to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. HIs six touchdown receptions are a career high. Related Articles — Defensive end Nick Bosa has has seven sacks and needs three over the last two games for his fourth consecutive season in double figures. Bosa had 15 1/2 in 2021, 18 1/2 in 2022 (winning NFC Defensive Player of the Year) and 10 1/2 last season. First, Bosa is thinking about his eighth sack. “Just trying to get to the next one,” Bosa said. “But it would be cool.” — Defensive end Leonard Floyd has 8 1/2 sacks and needs 1 1/2 over the last two games to reach double figures for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in his career. — Middle linebacker Fred Warner (117 tackles) needs 21 in his last two games to exceed his career high of 137 in 2021. Warner has exceeded 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons. — Quarterback Brock Purdy has 31 rushing first downs, three more than Colin Kaepernick had in 2013 and 2014.WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seemed likely Wednesday to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices' decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which restrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender health care for minors. Supporters of transgender rights rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court in Washington. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism over arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights, questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should weigh in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. "The Constitution leaves that question to the people's representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor," Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The court's three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers, but it's not clear that any conservatives will go along. People attend a rally March 31, 2023, as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility, near the Capitol in Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. "Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn't protect them. It didn't protect women for whole centuries," Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from that decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that "the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature." ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, left, and plaintiff Joaquin Carcano address reporters after a June 25, 2018, hearing in Winston-Salem, N.C., on their lawsuit challenging the law that replaced North Carolina's "bathroom bill." Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that's susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito's questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. "So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?" Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court's marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like "Champion God's Design" and "Kids Health Matters," while the other side proclaimed "Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights" and "Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that "sex plays an unmistakable role" in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Demonstrators against transgender rights protest Wednesday during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state "decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors." She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. For many trans and nonbinary people, bathrooms can be complicated places to navigate — a fact highlighted by the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is far from an outlier when it comes to failing to provide safe and equitable bathrooms for transgender people. According to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks LGBTQ+ policy, 13 states have a policy that prevents transgender people from safely or legally using public bathrooms. But data shows that even in states with trans-friendly policies, transgender and nonbinary people report high rates of harassment in public bathrooms. Advocates say everyday people can have a big impact in interrupting discrimination in gendered restrooms. The 19th shows how anyone can help prevent abuse. Sex-segregated restrooms have historically been a hostile space for Tat Bellamy-Walker, a Seattle-based journalist and Black gender-fluid trans person. In graduate school and at journalism internships, they had to go far out of their way to find all-gender single-stall restrooms they could use safely. "You never forget being told you don't belong in a restroom, you never forget not having a place to dispose of sanitary products if you're on your period in the men's bathroom," Bellamy-Walker said. "It's just clear you do not belong in public spaces." Allies can help tremendously by locating and pointing out gender-neutral bathrooms to friends or family who might need them. This is especially important for people planning events or parties. Make sure your space has safe bathrooms. Carrie Soto, a South Dakota parent of a transgender child, said she lives by the mantra "see something, say something." That means speaking up when there is bullying and harassment and volunteering to accompany a trans/nonbinary friend or family member when they have to head into a public bathroom. "Validate a trans person's fears and anxiety about the situation," Soto said. " If [my daughter] uses a gendered restroom and feels anxious, I go with." It may seem obvious, but transgender health advocate Jamison Green notes this step can really help trans people feel safe. Consider first that according to 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey , 59 percent of trans people avoided using a public restroom due to fear of harassment. Data from 2022 found that 6 percent of trans people said they were physically or verbally attacked while trying to use a bathroom, while 4 percent were denied access to a bathroom. "If you see someone who you clock as trans or nonbinary, just smile or pay them a non-provocative compliment. ... Wish them good day or good evening, and move on," Green said. "Of course that only goes for the women's room! In the men's room, talking is extremely rare." Green recommends that cisgender people offer a kind, silent nod. Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., allow residents to opt for "X" gender markers on their IDs in addition to selecting "M" or "F." Still, in every state, regardless of laws, most bathrooms in government buildings, schools, businesses, places of worship and cultural institutions are gendered. Advocates say people can help change this by simply asking businesses and building owners for more options to accommodate all genders. "Advocacy is the most important part of the fight for transgender rights," Lambda Legal notes in its guide to restrooms. "And if employers adopt pro-trans policies proactively, instead of waiting for a transgender person to pave the way, there's much less chance of having problems down the line." The internet is full of rants not appropriate for a news article about people using the only single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms available not for safety but for ... well, pooping. As a result, gender-neutral bathrooms, especially in airports, are almost always occupied. There are many reasons why a cisgender person might need a single-occupancy bathroom (accessibility, illness, child care and, yes, even a little more privacy). Just like accessible stalls, it's a kindness to leave gender-neutral restrooms unoccupied when you don't need them. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.



The Titans have issues to fix and hope to keep slim playoff hopes alive when they host the Jags

First steps being taken to repeal Troubles immunity and replace legacy case laws, says Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary BennThe Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 94th annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Harold Newman Arena. This tradition celebrates nearly a century of growth, honoring the accomplishments of local businesses, individuals, and organizations that make Jamestown thrive. ADVERTISEMENT This year’s theme, “Growing with the Chamber,” reflects the chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community and fostering success. Attendees will enjoy an evening celebrating the growth of the Jamestown area. The banquet will also unveil the chamber’s new brand, a visual representation of its dedication to growth and evolution alongside its members. The event will recognize Customer Service and Business of the Month award recipients, community beautification and the prestigious Business of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Above and Beyond and Citizen of the Year awards. “The annual Awards Banquet is one of the most meaningful ways we honor the incredible contributions of those in our community,” said Emily Bivens, executive director of the chamber. “It’s an evening to celebrate, reflect and look ahead to even greater success.” The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Raffle proceeds from the event will benefit the Past Presidents Scholarship, helping to support future community leaders. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the chamber office at 120 2nd St. SE, by calling 701- 252-4830 or online at JamestownChamber.com .

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Sutton scores 23, Omaha knocks off Sacramento State 70-60NYC taxi driver was having a medical episode when he jumped the curb and hit people, police say NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police say a taxi driver who hit six pedestrians when he jumped a curb in Manhattan on Christmas Day was having a medical episode at the time. An NYPD spokesperson would not elaborate on the type of type of medical episode but said Thursday no criminality is suspected at this time. The 58-year-old was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation. Also hospitalized after the yellow taxi drove onto the sidewalk across the street from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square were a 9-year-old boy with a laceration to his right thigh, a 49-year-old woman with a leg injury and a 41-year-old woman. All were in stable condition. 'Baby Driver' actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek has died after he fell out of a moving vehicle in Alabama. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Meek was hurt on Dec. 19 while on a street in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham. He died two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department has not issued any public statements. Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014’s “The Santa Con,” and had roles in various TV series, including “MacGyver.” He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film “Baby Driver,” in which he played a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s titular character. Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — A line of severe thunderstorms are firing up in Texas and could spark severe weather, including high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. Some flights were delayed or cancelled early Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk on Thursday would stretch across Texas east of Dallas, between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western and northern Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes and wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour. Parts of the region could see hail as large as one inch in diameter. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A pizza deliverer in Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says that Brianna Alvelo has been charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday. The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and Alvelo told her they didn’t make change. The woman got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2. Hwang Dong-hyuk on killing off his 'Squid Game' characters and wanting to work with Jake Gyllenhaal As season two of Netflix's hit series “Squid Game” returns Thursday, viewers can expect more untimely deaths for many of its characters. Its creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk says whittling down the cast made him happy because less people were easier to manage on set. The show follows a deadly competition in South Korea that targets contestants who are heavily in debt and desperate for money. Hwang told the Associated Press in a Q&A that a third and final season has already filmed and it's better than season two. He also says his next project will be even darker in tone than “Squid Game.” Friday's Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion, one of the game's top jackpots Americans still dreaming of a really big Christmas present can keep that dream alive during Friday’s Mega Millions drawing for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.15 billion. Friday’s jackpot will potentially be the fifth largest in the game’s history. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. But the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials. Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded, 1 stabbed PHOENIX (AP) — Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people wounded by gunfire and another person stabbed. Phoenix police say the evening shooting was related to a family dispute that happened at a restaurant outside the security checkpoints in Terminal 4. An adult female and two adult males were shot, leaving the female with injuries police describe as life-threatening. Police say the two men were in stable condition. Police say the people involved knew each other. They had a physical fight that led to one of them pulling a gun. A man and a girl were detained in a nearby parking garage. Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon authorities say a house cat died after eating raw frozen pet food that tested positive for bird flu. The Oregon Department of Agriculture says the indoor cat contracted the H5N1 virus by eating the pet food. In response, Oregon-based pet food company Northwest Naturals has recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food. The company says the product was sold nationwide through distributors in a dozen states, and in Canada's British Columbia. Oregon authorities say no human cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident, but that those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms. Beyoncé's performance highlighted Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas Day Beyoncé provided more excitement than either game during Netflix’s NFL debut on Christmas Day. Riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse, the 32-time Grammy winner rocked her hometown Houston crowd in a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday. She surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform “Sweet Honey Buckiin” and Post Malone joined her for “Levii’s Jeans.” The action on the field didn’t live up to expectations as the NFL showcased four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed a glitch in Pittsburgh’s defense during Kansas City’s 29-10 rout in the first game. The broadcast itself went off just fine. Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79 PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Former Surinamese dictator Desi Bouterse has died at 79. He was a military strongman who led a 1980 coup in the former Dutch colony and then returned to power by election three decades later despite charges of drug smuggling and murder. Surinamese Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk wrote on Facebook Wednesday that Bouterse’s “life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten.” The cause of death was not immediately known. Bouterse was applauded by supporters for his charisma and populist social programs. For his opponents, he was a ruthless dictator who was convicted of drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.

Macron, Trump, Zelenskyy discuss 'crazy' world in Paris