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WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is weighing whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a preemptive move that would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power. The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But Biden himself has discussed the topic with some senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday to discuss the sensitive subject. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes – and usually those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for those who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. They fear that Trump and his allies, who have boasted of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for their targets even if they don’t result in prosecutions. While the president’s pardon power is absolute, Biden’s use in this fashion would mark a significant expansion of how they are deployed, and some Biden aides fear it could lay the groundwork for an even more drastic usage by Trump. They also worry that issuing pardons would feed into claims by Trump and his allies that the individuals committed acts that necessitated immunity. Recipients could include infectious-disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was instrumental in combating the coronavirus pandemic and who has become a pariah to conservatives angry about mask mandates and vaccines. Others include witnesses in Trump’s criminal or civil trials and Biden administration officials who have drawn the ire of the incoming president and his allies. Some fearful former officials have reached out to the Biden White House preemptively seeking some sort of protection from the future Trump administration, one of the people said. It follows Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter — not just for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations, but for any potential federal offense committed over an 11-year period, as the president feared that Trump allies would seek to prosecute his son for other offenses. That could serve as a model for other pardons Biden might issue to those who could find themselves in legal jeopardy under Trump. Biden is not the first to consider such pardons — Trump aides considered them for him and his supporters involved in his failed efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election that culminated in a violent riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But he could be the first to issue them since Trump’s pardons never materialized before he left office nearly four years ago. Gerald Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” in 1974 to his predecessor, Richard Nixon, over the Watergate scandal. He believed a potential trial would “cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States,” as written in the pardon proclamation. Politico was first to report that Biden was studying the use of preemptive pardons. On the campaign trail, Trump made no secret of his desire to seek revenge on those who prosecuted him or crossed him. Trump has talked about “enemies from within” and circulated social media posts that call for the jailing of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. He also zeroed in on former Rep. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican who campaigned for Harris and helped investigate Jan. 6, and he promoted a social media post that suggested he wanted military tribunals for supposed treason. Kash Patel, whom Trump has announced as his nominee to be director of the FBI, has listed dozens of former government officials he wanted to “come after.” Richard Painter, a Trump critic who served as the top White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, said he was reluctantly in support of having Biden issue sweeping pardons to people who could be targeted by Trump’s administration. He said he hoped that would “clean the slate” for the incoming president and encourage him to focus on governing, not on punishing his political allies. “It’s not an ideal situation at all,” Painter said. “We have a whole lot of bad options confronting us at this point.” While the Supreme Court this year ruled that the president enjoys broad immunity from prosecution for what could be considered official acts, his aides and allies enjoy no such shield. Some fear that Trump could use the promise of a blanket pardon to encourage his allies to take actions they might otherwise resist for fear of running afoul of the law. “There could be blatant illegal conduct over the next four years, and he can go out and pardon his people before he leaves office,” Painter said. “But if he’s going to do that, he’s going to do that anyway regardless of what Biden does.” More conventional pardons from Biden, such as those for sentencing disparities for people convicted of federal crimes, are expected before the end of the year, the White House said.
AP News Summary at 2:36 p.m. ESTThe 2025 Carnival in Bermuda will be held from June 11–16, 2025, with the organisers saying it will be “filled with vibrant energy, infectious music, rich culture, and unforgettable island vibes.” A spokesperson said, “Carnival in Bermuda is back, and it’s gearing up to be bigger and better than ever! The Carnival in Bermuda team is thrilled to announce the dates for the highly anticipated 2025 Carnival in Bermuda Weekend: “Mark your calendars and get ready to experience a weekend filled with vibrant energy, infectious music, rich culture, and unforgettable island vibes. Carnival in Bermuda 2025 will showcase the best of Bermuda’s unique celebration, combining tradition with world-class entertainment and endless revelry. “This year’s theme, “Revelry Awaits,” speaks to the spirit of Bermuda’s Carnival, encouraging all to embrace the island’s vibrant carnival experience. Whether you’re a local or a returning visitor, Carnival in Bermuda 2025 is poised to deliver spectacular memories that showcase the best of Bermuda’s cultural heritage. “Carnival in Bermuda is more than a celebration—it’s a driver of community and economic growth. Each year, this event attracts hundreds of international visitors, creating significant economic benefits for Bermuda’s tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. “We warmly welcome international visitors to join us for this incredible weekend and invite locals to reach out to their family and friends overseas to share in the festivities. Returning visitors, we can’t wait to welcome you back! Bring your friends and family to experience the island’s rich culture and carnival spirit firsthand. “Start planning your trip to Bermuda today! Book your flights and accommodations early to secure the best rates and ensure your spot in paradise for this incredible celebration. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a Carnival in Bermuda veteran, additional travel details and event packages will be shared soon to help make your trip seamless and unforgettable. “The support of our Title Sponsor, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, reflects the Government of Bermuda’s commitment to preserving and promoting Bermuda’s cultural identity while enhancing its appeal as an international destination. Their partnership ensures that Carnival in Bermuda continues to grow as a cornerstone of Bermuda’s cultural tourism. “Stay tuned! The Carnival in Bermuda team will soon unveil exciting details about the 2025 Launch Event, including major announcements, an exciting event lineup, costume reveals, and thrilling surprises to set the stage for an extraordinary carnival season. “Get ready to immerse yourself in Bermuda’s unique carnival culture, breathtaking scenery, and electrifying energy. Spread the word, rally your crew, and join us for an experience like no other! “For the latest updates, visit or follow Carnival in Bermuda’s official social media channels.” : , ,
SMU has plenty to play for when it closes the regular season against California on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. The Mustangs (10-1, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who checked in at No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, would like to send their seniors off the right way. They would also like to complete a perfect regular season before appearing in the ACC title game in their first year in the conference. Most importantly, they want to continue to strengthen their playoff case. "You've got the College Football Playoff, so every game matters. That's what's so cool about it now. The regular season is important," SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. "We'd like to finish well in everything we do, particularly on Saturday, to finish off the regular season, continue our momentum into the following week. Hopefully, continue to show the committee and others that we're worthy of continuing to play this year." The Mustangs are a worthy playoff team to date. Kevin Jennings has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 2,521 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has rushed for 315 yards and four TDs. Brashard Smith has been another standout, rushing for 1,089 yards and 13 TDs. Defensively, the Mustangs rank tied for 14th in the country with 20 takeaways. "Obviously they've had a phenomenal season," Cal coach Justin Wilcox said of SMU. "As soon as you turn the tape on, it doesn't take very long to see why their record is what it is. They're very, very good really in every phase of the game - extremely explosive and quick and fast. They've got a dominant D-line. We've got a lot of challenges in front of us and our guys are excited for that." Cal (6-5, 2-5) is coming off an emotional win, defeating rival Stanford 24-21 on Saturday to secure a bowl berth. The Golden Bears will appear in consecutive bowls for the first time since 2018-19 and are now looking to clinch their first winning season since 2019. SMU is not overlooking Cal, as all five of the Golden Bears' losses have come by one score. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 6-5 team in America," Lashlee said. "I think you can conservatively say they very, very easily could be 9-2." Cal is led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Tight end Jack Endries leads the team with 555 yards receiving, while wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has caught a team-leading five touchdowns. Defensively, Cal has the ACC's top scoring defense (20.7 points per game) and is tied with Clemson for the ACC's best turnover margin (plus-13). Defensive back Nohl Williams is the star of the group -- he leads the country with seven interceptions. Even though oddsmakers are heavily favoring SMU, Cal is going into the game with a simple mindset. "Our task at hand is to make the best bowl game right now," Mendoza said. "And the way to do that is to go into Dallas, give it our best and ruin SMU's season." Saturday will mark the first conference meeting between these ACC newcomers, and just the second meeting between the programs all time. SMU won a 13-6 game back in 1957. --Field Level Media
‘Digital Punjab’ my dream, says Maryam Punjab CM visits Huawei Technologies’ Bantian headquarters in Shenzhen’s Longgang on her visit to China LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz marked the fifth day of her China visit with a packed schedule on Friday. She visited Huawei Technologies’ Bantian headquarters in Shenzhen’s Longgang District, where she toured various sections and was warmly welcomed by Huawei officials. During her meeting with Huawei’s Government Affairs Director, Mr. Wang Chengdong, the chief minister discussed initiatives to transform Lahore into a modern digital city. She invited Huawei’s president to visit Lahore and invest in Pakistan, particularly Punjab. The meeting concluded with a decision to make Lahore Pakistan’s first modern smart city in collaboration with Huawei. She also proposed the establishment of Huawei offices and after-sales service centres across Punjab, offering full support for setting up assembly and manufacturing plants in the province. Key discussion topics included e-commerce, ecosystem and ICT infrastructure development, and the digitisation of the health and education sectors. The chief minister reiterated her vision for “Digital Punjab” and expressed her commitment to utilising Huawei’s expertise in telecommunication and digitisation. She highlighted plans for Punjab’s first full-fledged AI university and emphasised capacity building and IT research at the Nawaz Sharif IT City. Later, the chief minister travelled to Yantian District, where she visited BGI Genomics, a global leader in genetic research and cancer treatment. An MoU was signed between the Punjab government and BGI for cooperation in cancer treatment and other initiatives. Discussions also covered advancements in rice production techniques and the establishment of a health sector working group. BGI officials briefed the chief minister on their ongoing projects, including genetic research and its applications in health and agriculture. She invited BGI to invest in Punjab by establishing research centres and laboratories for genetic testing. The collaboration aims to enhance medical research, faculty training, and the development of the health sector. In Shanghai, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Jinko Solar Company headquarters, where she praised the company’s innovative approach and environmental sustainability efforts. She invited Jinko Solar to establish a manufacturing unit in Pakistan, emphasising the growing demand for solar energy in the country. The chief minister also announced initiatives in Punjab, including free solar panels for low-consumption households and interest-free loans for middle-income consumers. She underscored the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, describing it as “ironclad,” and highlighted China’s consistent support during challenging times. The delegation concluded their day with a high-speed train journey from Shenzhen to Wangzhou, which the chief mMinister described as a memorable experience. She expressed her determination to introduce a high-speed railway system in Punjab.House Democrats who voted yes on NDAA lament transgender restrictions
Assassination plots? Sara Duterte needs what Trump has now – immunityAssisted dying ads covered up with suicide prevention posters on the Tube
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has announced the purchase of 50,250 tonnes of carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) through ClimeFi , a portfolio manager specializing in permanent carbon removal. This transaction brings BCG’s total CDR purchases to nearly 200,000 tonnes, placing the firm among the top 10 global buyers of durable carbon removal credits, according to CDR.fyi , a platform that tracks the CDR market. The purchase is part of BCG’s ongoing efforts to neutralize its carbon emissions by 2030. Through its collaboration with ClimeFi, the firm has gained access to a range of carbon removal projects, each utilizing different methods to permanently sequester CO2. These projects will be continuously monitored for performance by ClimeFi. In addition to increasing its investments in biochar through projects with Exomad Green and Euthenia Energy, BCG is expanding its portfolio to include several other carbon removal technologies. These include: Lithos , which uses enhanced rock weathering to capture CO2 in minerals Andes , which employs microbial mineralization to accelerate carbon removal in soils O.C.O. Technology Ltd , which focuses on concrete mineralization to store CO2 in building materials Graphyte , which specializes in subsurface biomass burial for long-term carbon storage By supporting a variety of carbon removal approaches, BCG aims to reduce risks and scale solutions that contribute to broader climate goals. The diversity of these projects reflects the firm’s strategy to invest in multiple technologies that address carbon removal from different angles. David Webb, BCG’s Chief Sustainability Officer, noted that the firm’s continued investment in CDR technologies aligns with its commitment to sustainability and efforts to neutralize its own emissions. “Through this expanded portfolio, we aim to support the development of carbon removal solutions that are essential to global climate targets,” Webb said. Paolo Piffaretti, CEO of ClimeFi, also commented on the partnership, saying, “We are pleased to support BCG in expanding its carbon removal portfolio through this transaction. Their interest in exploring a range of CDR solutions is an important contribution to the growth and diversification of the carbon removal market.” This comes after ClimeFi recently announced the Global1000 challenge together with XPrize at the 2024 COP. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email RedditNone
Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI): Hedge Funds Boost Holdings Despite Nasdaq Delisting RiskSMU has plenty to play for when it closes the regular season against California on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. The Mustangs (10-1, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who checked in at No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, would like to send their seniors off the right way. They would also like to complete a perfect regular season before appearing in the ACC title game in their first year in the conference. Most importantly, they want to continue to strengthen their playoff case. "You've got the College Football Playoff, so every game matters. That's what's so cool about it now. The regular season is important," SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. "We'd like to finish well in everything we do, particularly on Saturday, to finish off the regular season, continue our momentum into the following week. Hopefully, continue to show the committee and others that we're worthy of continuing to play this year." The Mustangs are a worthy playoff team to date. Kevin Jennings has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 2,521 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has rushed for 315 yards and four TDs. Brashard Smith has been another standout, rushing for 1,089 yards and 13 TDs. Defensively, the Mustangs rank tied for 14th in the country with 20 takeaways. "Obviously they've had a phenomenal season," Cal coach Justin Wilcox said of SMU. "As soon as you turn the tape on, it doesn't take very long to see why their record is what it is. They're very, very good really in every phase of the game - extremely explosive and quick and fast. They've got a dominant D-line. We've got a lot of challenges in front of us and our guys are excited for that." Cal (6-5, 2-5) is coming off an emotional win, defeating rival Stanford 24-21 on Saturday to secure a bowl berth. The Golden Bears will appear in consecutive bowls for the first time since 2018-19 and are now looking to clinch their first winning season since 2019. SMU is not overlooking Cal, as all five of the Golden Bears' losses have come by one score. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 6-5 team in America," Lashlee said. "I think you can conservatively say they very, very easily could be 9-2." Cal is led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Tight end Jack Endries leads the team with 555 yards receiving, while wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has caught a team-leading five touchdowns. Defensively, Cal has the ACC's top scoring defense (20.7 points per game) and is tied with Clemson for the ACC's best turnover margin (plus-13). Defensive back Nohl Williams is the star of the group -- he leads the country with seven interceptions. Even though oddsmakers are heavily favoring SMU, Cal is going into the game with a simple mindset. "Our task at hand is to make the best bowl game right now," Mendoza said. "And the way to do that is to go into Dallas, give it our best and ruin SMU's season." Saturday will mark the first conference meeting between these ACC newcomers, and just the second meeting between the programs all time. SMU won a 13-6 game back in 1957. --Field Level MediaA poor start to Erik ten Hag’s third season in charge last month led the Red Devils to turn to the 39-year-old, who immediately lifted the mood after swapping Sporting for Old Trafford. Amorim followed a draw at Ipswich in his opening match with entertaining wins against Bodo/Glimt and Everton, yet he repeatedly attempted to manage expectations. The Portuguese said United would “suffer for a long period” and then warned a “storm will come” ahead of Wednesday’s 2-0 loss at Arsenal – a reality check before hosting Nottingham Forest on Saturday. “I think that is very clear,” Amorim said of the scale of the job. “We are a massive club, but we are not a massive team, and we know it. It’s no problem to say it. “So, we want to improve, we are in a different moment from Arsenal, but you could feel it during the game. “I think we have to believe more because we were not dominant in the game, but we had control in the game. “Not so many chances for Arsenal – of course a lot of set pieces – but we were OK, especially in the first half. We had some good things in that moment, but you could feel that there’s so much to do. “We need to be better in the final third, we have to create more danger, they have to feel it. “I felt that Arsenal had problems to block our build up but then when they were defending the goal it was quite comfortable for them, so we are learning these things and trying to improve in two days.” United’s problems mean they enter the weekend 13th in the Premier League standings – quite the sight for fans of a club who have won an English record 20 league titles. Asked if perceptions around the club need to change, Amorim said: “That will not change because this club has glories in the past. “Our players have to understand that this is a very difficult position, so we are not (one of) the best teams in the league, and we have to say that and to think that clearly. “But our past, our club is maybe the best one in the league, so we have here a problem, but we have to focus on the little things, the little details. “If you think in everything, it will be a problem. Let’s focus on the small details and then we will improve it as a team.” Amorim has had precious little time to work on such details having started during an international break followed by a relentless winter schedule. Saturday’s home game against Forest is United’s third of nine matches in December and came with a demand for effort on top of technical quality. “It’s impossible to win the Premier League without a team like that – that every moment runs back, runs forward,” Amorim said. “It is impossible to win. If you want to win, we have to do it. “Even with the best starting XI in the planet without running they will not win nothing, so that is very clear. “If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to win.” Interestingly, Amorim’s comments come six years after compatriot Jose Mourinho spoke about United’s lack of “mad dogs” following a December draw at Southampton. “It doesn’t matter about the system,” the former United manager said. “It has to do with the characteristics of the players and we don’t have many, with all the respect, mad dogs – the ones who bite the ball all the time and press all the time. We don’t have many with that spirit.” Amorim will hope not to be feeling similar after facing Forest, having previously said he needs to improve the “physical aspect of the team”. “The problem to be fit enough is if they can cope with that,” United’s head coach said. “If they are used to do that in training, they will do that in games. “So, they are professional athletes, they can improve this. You cannot be faster, but you can run more with training. We are in that path.”
Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | Army and Navy team up for hypersonic missile launch from Cape Canaveral Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees Business | HOA Homefront: Can our board meet in secret? Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. 1. Use the Rule of 25 to get a ballpark number A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. 2. Compare your savings to Fidelity guidelines Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. 3. Use an online retirement calculator Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. 4. Map out your retirement budget Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. 5. Talk to a financial adviser For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. 5 ways to catch up on retirement savings Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . 1. Scale back your spending now and in retirement Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” 2. Delay retirement by a year or two Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. 3. Save more It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. 4. Invest more aggressively If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. 5. Take advantage of new retirement account catch-up contributions Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. Bottom line There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Kingstone Companies' chief accounting officer sells $80,395 in stockGreen scores 20 as Rhode Island downs Detroit Mercy 81-75Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is solidifying his standing as a pro-Israel politician with the New York City mayoral race just months away. Cuomo joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legal team, which is fighting war crime charges from the International Criminal Court, and recently called out the New York Times for its coverage of the murder of a Dubai rabbi. The tactics could be a plan from Cuomo to garner support from the Jewish and pro-Israel community in New York City in a bid to lead the Big Apple, though he'd have to fight through a crowded Democratic field. When asked about Cuomo's plans, a spokesperson didn't deny he would run for mayor and touted his past accomplishments. “This is all premature," Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi told the Washington Examiner. "But New Yorkers know it was Governor Cuomo who raised wages for hundreds of thousands of workers, codified Roe v. Wade into state law before the Supreme Court overturned it, put the strongest gun protections, and paid family leave laws in the nation on the books and built projects previously declared impossible, such as the Moynihan train station, the new LaGuardia and JFK airport, the Second Avenue subway and the Kosciuszko Bridge, all while cutting taxes and reining in spending.” Cuomo spoke at an event for the National Committee for the Advancement of Jewish Education on Sunday. "This is the moment that counts," he said. "This is the moment that is going to be in the history books. ... This is the moment that true friends stand up, shoulder to shoulder, and fight for the state of Israel." According to Jewish Insider, some Jewish leaders and political observers believe Cuomo will run for mayor. Leon Goldberg, an Orthodox business leader in Brooklyn and an ally of Mayor Eric Adams, told the outlet he would “seriously” consider looking at Cuomo if he decided to enter the race. “He’s probably the only normal person there,” he said. Past speculation has been that Cuomo would only enter the race if Adams, who Cuomo considers a friend, declines to run for reelection or resigns under the weight of his corruption charges. However, it's possible that time is running out for Cuomo. The Democratic primary is held in June, about six months from now, and the field of Democrats aiming for Adams's office continues to grow. At least six Democrats, including city comptroller Brad Lander and former city comptroller Scott Stringer, will run in June's primary. Adams has already said he will run for reelection, and his corruption case appears to be heading in the right direction with the election of Donald Trump. Adams has been more friendly to Trump than most Democrats, and Trump appointed a new Southern District of New York attorney. But if Cuomo runs along with Adams, they could split the moderate and pro-Israel vote, allowing a challenger like progressive Lander to triumph, an outcome neither likely wants. A rightward shift in the city, indicated by larger vote shares for Trump in the presidential election, is good for Adams and Cuomo. But both have sustained enough controversy to damage their respective hopes. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Whether that's enough for voters to shy away from them is another story, but Cuomo would be a major contender if he decided to enter the mayoral race. His name recognition alone dwarfs most contenders outside of Adams. Cuomo's entry into the race could reflect a larger shift in New York City politics. Rep.-elect George Latimer defeated Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) in New York's 16th congressional District, riding his pro-Israel sentiment to a decisive victory over the skeptical-on-Israel Bowman.
On Thursday, millions of families will sit down for a dinner that, in general, centers around turkey . And in a sizable portion of those homes, Butterball will be the turkey they devour. But with just days remaining until Thanksgiving feasts, the poultry producer has found itself in the middle of a PR crisis from almost two decades ago when the company was under a previous owner. On Friday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) posted to its Instagram account a graphic Butterball turkey video it shot in 2006, which has since gone viral on social media and stirred up a maelstrom of protests. The footage shows then-employees of the company abusing live turkeys at a plant in Ozark, Arkansas. Butterball, in a statement, acknowledged the video, and said it did not reflect current conditions at its facilities. “This video is not current and was taken prior to Butterball becoming a private company and prior to our engagement and certification through American Humane,” said a Butterball spokesperson. “Animal care and well-being is central to who we are as a company, and we are committed to the ethical and responsible care of our flocks.” | In 2013, Butterball became the first (and is still the only) turkey company to be American Humane-certified, the company said. It undergoes yearly third-party audits to verify it follows best practices in caring for the turkeys. “We are proud of this designation that no other turkey company can claim and have a zero-tolerance policy for animal mistreatment,” the company said. A company spokesperson was unable to recall how the company responded to the allegations when the Butterball turkey video first surfaced in 2006, as Butterball was then owned by ConAgra, and the company does not have access to any statements issued at that time. Timing-wise, the rerelease of this video couldn’t have been worse for Butterball (or better for PETA). This is peak turkey-selling season, but as the video has spread, many people have called for a boycott, while others say they are returning the turkeys they’ve bought to stores. Despite rumors on social media, however, there are no active recalls for any Butterball products. PETA’s investigation PETA, in 2006, sent a team undercover to work as “live hangers,” employees who receive live birds and shackle them for slaughter, at a ConAgra facility. While there, they surreptitiously filmed the abuses they saw. In an interview at the time , Matt Prescott, who served as head of corporate affairs at PETA and made headlines in 2008 when he purchased a plot in the cemetery where Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Col. Harland Sanders is buried and erected a gravestone reading “KFC Tortures Birds,” said the group’s investigation “resulted in countless emails and phone calls from people interested in becoming vegetarian.” PETA is often active around Thanksgiving, holding rallies and encouraging people to opt for vegan options over turkey. In 2022, it accused workers at another food processing company of abusing the birds, providing video to state law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania. There is no indication that either of the videos have resulted in any legal action against the companies involved. The application deadline for Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards is Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th down Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh's refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Noah Trister, The Associated Press Nov 26, 2024 3:16 PM Nov 26, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) scores a rushing touchdown past Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden (22) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh's refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Even when his Baltimore Ravens faced fourth down at their 16-yard line in the second quarter, John wasn't giving up the ball without a fight. The Ravens converted that fourth down and two others on their way to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving their coach a third victory in three matchups against his brother. It was the first time they'd faced off since Baltimore beat San Francisco — then coached by Jim Harbaugh — in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season. “We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that’s not what the game is about,” John Harbaugh said. “The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.” On this night, it was Baltimore's players who shined. Specifically Derrick Henry, who rushed for 140 yards. Lamar Jackson threw a couple of touchdown passes, and the defense was solid, allowing touchdowns on the first and last Los Angeles drives but not much in between. “I’m proud of our guys,” John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points — we were down 10-0, and our guys stepped up.” After converting fourth-and-1 at their 16 late in the second quarter, the Ravens scored on a 40-yard pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, taking the lead for good at 14-10. Baltimore's other two fourth-and-1 conversions came on a 14-play touchdown drive that spanned the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. “We’re just confident that we’ll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking,” said Henry, who converted the last two of the fourth downs. "All we had to do was make a play, and we did.” What's working The Ravens got back to their identity a bit, rushing for 212 yards. And it wasn't just Henry and Jackson contributing. Justice Hill broke free for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 30-16 in the fourth. “Nobody wants to stand in front of (Derrick Henry) every single play, every single run,” Hill said. "You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I’m glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us.” What needs help There were still too many penalties, with the Ravens flagged nine times for 102 yards. Baltimore played a pretty clean game until the fourth quarter, so several of those flags came after the Ravens had the game reasonably under control, but this is still an area of concern. Stock up With star linebacker Roquan Smith out because of a hamstring injury, Malik Harrison led the Ravens with a dozen tackles. “It’s a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I’m happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level,” Harrison said. Stock down There was a time when Isaiah Likely seemed as if he might be supplanting Mark Andrews as Baltimore's top tight end threat, but Likely went without a catch Monday. He did, however, recover the onside kick that effectively ended the game. Injuries Although Smith was out, DT Travis Jones (ankle) and C Tyler Linderbaum (back) were able to start. Key number Jackson has now thrown 22 touchdown passes with no interceptions on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 124.3. Next steps The Ravens have one more game before their open date, and it's a showdown this weekend against a Philadelphia team that has won seven in a row. Saquon Barkley (1,392) of the Eagles and Henry (1,325) have both surpassed 1,300 yards rushing already. Nobody else in the NFL has more than 1,000. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Saquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis Nov 26, 2024 3:01 PM J.K. Dobbins' knee injury could be tough news for the Chargers offense Nov 26, 2024 2:31 PM Giants QB Tommy DeVito has a sore throwing arm after loss to Bucs Nov 26, 2024 2:19 PMBill Belichick didn't wait around for a call that he might not get from an NFL team. With no guarantees that another opportunity might come his way — only the Atlanta Falcons interviewed Belichick last offseason — and unsure whether he could find the right fit in the NFL, the 72-year-old future Hall of Fame coach decided to go back to school. Belichick took his eight Super Bowl rings to North Carolina on a mission to build a college program the way he constructed two dynasties during 24 seasons with the New England Patriots. It starts with doing things his way. The Patriot Way is legendary. Perhaps it'll translate into the Tar Heel way. That's to be determined. But Belichick is back doing what he loves: coaching. And, he's going to run the show with his guys around him. An NFL team giving Belichick full control the way he had in New England seemed unlikely. Success at North Carolina could change that thinking. For now, Belichick's quest to break Don Shula's all-time record for most wins in the NFL is on hold. He's 15 victories short but the buyout clause in his college contract — a $10 million fee if done before June 2025 and $1 million after that date — leaves the window open for a return to the league. If Belichick stays in college or retires without returning to the NFL, his legacy is already cemented. Winning at North Carolina will only enhance his reputation. Losing won't impact his NFL resume. "He's one of the all-time great coaches. What he's done for the NFL and the game, we all know where he'll end up — in the Hall of Fame with a gold jacket," Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said Wednesday shortly before Belichick agreed on a five-year deal with North Carolina that pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary annually with up to $3.5 million in bonuses per year. Belichick has his detractors. There's no denying he couldn't win without Tom Brady. He was 29-39 and had no playoff wins without No. 12 in his final four seasons with the Patriots. Critics have labeled him a cheater because of the Spygate and Deflategate scandals. He overlooked Aaron Hernandez's issues. He was tough on players, even alienating Brady in the end and letting him walk him away in free agency in 2020 only to see him lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl in his first season there. But Belichick instilled in players the importance of doing their job and presided over an unprecedented two-decade run of dominance that withstood changing times, free agency, salary-cap restrictions and much more. Brady has always maintained how important Belichick was for his career, giving him credit for helping him become one of the best players in sports. Now, Belichick is onto Chapel Hill in a surprise twist after he spent most of the NFL season reinventing himself as an entertaining and engaging analyst. Belichick is a football genius and his knowledge came across on television. But he also displayed a fun personality, trading quips with the Mannings and cracking jokes with Pat McAffee. "College kind of came to me this year," Belichick said at his introductory news conference. "I didn't necessarily go and seek it out. I had many coaches, probably a couple dozen coaches, talk to me and say, 'Can we come down and talk to you about these things?' Let's call it the salary cap of pro football relative to college football. The headsets, the green dot, the two-minute warning, the tablets on the sideline. Those were all rules changes this year for college football that were either or the same or similar to what we had in the NFL. These coaches said, 'Hey coach can we talk to you about how you did this? How you did that? How did you use this?'. "As those conversations started and then the personnel conversations started relative to salary cap and how you spend whatever the allotment of money you have. I'd say that started to make me a lot more aware of it because the first thing I would have to do is learn about it. .... As you learn different things about different programs you start to put it all together. There is some common threads and there's some variables." How will he do as a college coach? Nobody knows yet. Three of Belichick's former players were skeptical before he took the job. "There's a lot of things he can do, and obviously he's tremendous, and even showing his personality. But getting out there on the recruiting trail and dealing with all these college kids, that would be ..." Brady said before trailing off during a conversation on Fox's NFL pregame show last Sunday. Fellow former Patriots Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman also wondered the same. "Can you imagine NIL, and all that nonsense?" Gronkowski said. Edelman added: "Can you imagine Bill on a couch recruiting an 18-year-old?" But Belichick doesn't have to recruit kids on visits. These are new times in college sports. The NIL has dramatically changed the landscape. Plus, Belichick's name is enough. Just like Deion Sanders at Colorado. "I think it could be great for this game, honestly, if he can find a way to make college football more like this in terms of what's being asked of the coaches, the recruiting staff, the personnel, the NIL, and all those different things," Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Cohen said. "If he can make it a little bit less demanding on some of the coaches and create a great atmosphere and have success, I think it's great for our game. It's pretty cool to see, actually." Time for Belichick to do his job.
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