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Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha As the world celebrates the annual International Volunteer Day on 5 December, volunteers from the Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 are looking forward to delivering another world-class tournament in Qatar. Volunteers have long been the heartbeat of Qatar’s iconic sporting events, and the upcoming club competition is no exception. A total of 450 volunteers will ensure the seamless delivery of a world-class tournament by providing support across 17 functional areas. These include pre-tournament operations, fan assistance, media operations and accreditation. “I am a huge football fan. It’s part of who I am. Being part of major sports events in Qatar is such an inspiration. There’s nothing quite like helping fans enjoy the incredible atmosphere in our stadiums and seeing their excitement.” said Shaikha Al Kuwari, a Qatari who works in the educational sector. “My role will be to assist with accreditation and uniform distribution, as well as guest services during matches. I can’t wait to see that electric vibe again - fans filling the arenas, their smiles, the energy. If you have the chance to volunteer, I encourage you to join. It’s an unforgettable experience”, added Al Kuwari. Qatar’s volunteer movement is built on a rich history of unity, diversity, and engagement through sport. The FIFA World Cup 2022 left an unparalleled social legacy, uniting thousands of volunteers from around the world, whose energy and commitment were instrumental in creating unforgettable experiences and setting new standards for global sporting events. “Volunteers are the foundation of every successful event in Qatar, embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication that makes these moments extraordinary. Their role goes beyond just operations -they create connections, deliver exceptional hospitality, and ensure every fan and participant feels welcomed. As we continue to build on Qatar’s legacy of world-class events, the contribution of volunteers remains essential to creating unforgettable experiences for all,” said Haya Al Noaimi, Executive Director of Administration of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 Local Organizing Committee (LOC). “With a strong volunteering legacy from past events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup 2023, this movement continues to showcase the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defines Qatar. Volunteers will undoubtedly play a vital role in making the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 a remarkable success,” added Al Noaimi. Volunteers at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 embody Qatar’s commitment to bringing people and communities together through football. Their involvement will not only elevate the fan experience but also add another chapter to Qatar’s legacy as a global sports and events destination. Samah Abuisneenah, a tournament volunteer sees her participation in tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup as a central part of life in Qatar: “The volunteer community in Qatar is something truly special - it’s like a big movement. We’ve built strong personal connections, stay in touch through WhatsApp groups, and everyone is always ready to support.” “I started volunteering in 2018, and ever since, whenever there’s an event in Qatar, I make sure to apply. Helping people and giving back has always been part of my nature. That’s why volunteering inspires me so much,” added Abuisneenah. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 Volunteer Programme reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to fostering community involvement and connection. Participation was open to individuals with prior experience in Qatar 2022 or the AFC Asian Cup, emphasizing the continuity of Qatar’s social legacy.A total of 450 volunteers are set to support 17 key functional areas Copy 10/12/2024 10In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s to claw back money that — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Morrissey throws 67-yard TD pass to Calwise Jr. to lift Eastern Kentucky over North Alabama 21-15
In his year-end press conference on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected on a range of issues, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to Russia’s evolving nuclear doctrine and its foreign policy. Putin acknowledged that, in hindsight, Russia should have prepared more systematically for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which he continues to refer to as a “special military operation.” He added that the country should have launched a full-scale invasion earlier, highlighting the lessons learned from the conflict, which has entered its second year. Putin’s statements underscored his belief that Russia was forced to act to protect its sovereignty, particularly in light of what he described as a period leading up to the invasion when the country was at risk of losing its sovereignty. He reflected on how Russia had regained its autonomy since his time in office, contrasting it with the challenges faced during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency 25 years ago. In his view, Russia’s sovereignty had been preserved against overwhelming external pressures. Turning to foreign policy, Putin was asked about the recent developments in Syria, particularly regarding the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He insisted that the situation was “complicated,” but not a defeat for Russia, which had supported Assad militarily throughout the conflict. Putin mentioned that he had not yet spoken with the ousted Syrian leader, who fled to Moscow as rebel forces advanced on Damascus, but intended to do so soon. Russia, he said, would continue its talks with Syria’s new leadership to retain strategic military bases on the Mediterranean coast, which could potentially be repurposed for humanitarian efforts. Putin was also questioned about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting that it had been four years since the two leaders last spoke but expressing readiness to meet him again if Trump desired. In a moment of levity, when asked if he was in a weaker position compared to the incoming U.S. President, Putin quipped, quoting Mark Twain: “The rumours of my death are much exaggerated,” which drew laughter from the assembled journalists. On relations with China, Putin asserted that Russia’s ties with its eastern neighbor had reached unprecedented levels. He described the bilateral cooperation between Russia and China as historically unparalleled, with both nations coordinating actions on the world stage. The majority of Putin’s remarks, however, focused on the war in Ukraine, where he claimed Russia was making progress on the frontlines “every day,” describing his troops as “heroes.” He presented a signed flag from Russian marines fighting in the Kursk region as a symbol of their bravery and commitment. He also emphasized the ongoing construction projects in territories seized from Ukraine, citing improvements in infrastructure, particularly in the Luhansk region, which has been under Russian control since 2014. Putin was pressed on the West’s response to Russia’s nuclear posture, specifically its updated nuclear doctrine, which was passed in November. Under this new policy, Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against any nation that launches an attack on it, or its allies, if those nations are backed by nuclear powers. The doctrine, he argued, was a necessary safeguard of Russian sovereignty, and he hinted that the West might not fully appreciate the message behind it. On military technology, Putin highlighted Russia’s newly developed intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, which was used in a November strike on Ukraine. He provocatively suggested that Russia should test the missile’s power by firing it at Ukraine, with the expectation that Ukraine’s air defenses, which rely on U.S.-supplied systems, would try to intercept it. When asked about the missile’s name, Putin jokingly admitted, “Honestly, no idea. No clue.” Throughout the press conference, the theme of “Russian sovereignty” was prevalent, with Putin emphasizing that less reliance on foreign partners—especially due to Western sanctions—was one of the key outcomes of the Ukraine invasion. While he claimed that Russia’s economy was stable, he acknowledged that inflation, at 9.1%, was “alarming,” though he pointed to higher growth rates than countries like Germany. He also discussed the country’s economic challenges, noting that it was increasingly reliant on military production to sustain its economy. On domestic issues, Putin touched on a variety of topics, from the difficulties faced by young people in securing mortgages to the rise in telephone scams. However, his remarks underscored the sense of self-sufficiency he believed Russia had achieved, despite the ongoing hardships. The four-hour press conference, titled “Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin,” was tightly controlled, with Putin answering questions from the public, foreign journalists, and pensioners. It was broadcast live across state TV channels and served as an opportunity for the president to assert his narrative on Russia’s role in global affairs, the economy, and the war in Ukraine. As the country faces a challenging year ahead, Putin’s reflections provide insight into his stance on sovereignty, military power, and Russia’s place in the world.
Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz end 4-game losing runs in Champions League Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz ended four-game losing runs in the Champions League to get their first points and wins. The 1991 European Cup winner Red Star rallied for a 5-1 rout of Stuttgart which had taken the lead in the fifth minute. Sturm Graz won 1-0 against Girona the Spanish newcomer to European competitions this season. The later games, included Liverpool taking the only perfect record in the competition into hosting Real Madrid. Red Star’s goal to level the game in the 12th was scored by on-loan forward Silas, playing against his parent club Stuttgart. Daniel Jones is signing with the Vikings after his release from the Giants, AP source says A person familiar with the decision says former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn’t been finalized. Jones will join Minnesota’s practice squad less than a week after the Giants released the former No. 6 overall draft pick. Sam Darnold has helped the Vikings start 9-2. Jones joins Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien in Minnesota’s quarterback room. Rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy had season-ending knee surgery in August and a second procedure on his knee earlier this month. LIV Golf will hire sports and entertainment leader Scott O'Neil to replace Greg Norman, report says Scott O'Neil is set to become the next CEO of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. The Athletic is reporting the move for the former head of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. O'Neil recently was CEO of Merlin Entertainments. The company that owns resorts like Legoland announced O'Neil was leaving for a new opportunity. O'Neil would replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf. Sports Business Journal reported last month that Norman would move to a different role that has not been announced. Norman has been CEO of the rival golf league since it launched in 2022. The PGA Tour and Saudi backers are still negotiating an investment deal. Two companies drop McGregor after civil jury ruled he must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her LONDON (AP) — Two companies have cut ties with Conor McGregor after a civil court jury in Ireland ruled last week that he must pay nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) to a woman who accused the mixed martial arts fighter of raping her. Proximo Spirits, the owner of Irish whiskey brand Proper No. 12, will no longer feature McGregor’s name or image. Video game developer IO Interactive ended its collaboration with McGregor, who had played a character in a game. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, with other games, times and odds The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here is a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. Israeli soccer team prepares for closed-door match in Hungary after attacks on fans in Amsterdam DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) — Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team has returned to Europe for the first time since its fans were assaulted in the Netherlands earlier this month. The attacks in Amsterdam were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Israel and across Europe. Macabbi will face off Thursday against Turkey’s Besiktas in an Europa League match that was relocated to Hungary. The contest will be played without fans due to security concerns following the violence in Amsterdam. Hungary has hosted several home games for Israel’s national team for security reasons since the war in Gaza began. Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley prepare for earliest matchup ever between 1,300-yard running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry combined for 395 yards rushing on back-to-back nights at SoFi Stadium as the dynamic playmakers keep proving that investing in running backs can pay off in the right situation. Next, they will play on the same field at the same time when Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles take on Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in the first matchup ever between two 1,300-yard runners in Week 13 or earlier. Before this year, no player had rushed for at least 1,300 yards and 10 TDs in the first 12 weeks of the season since Shaun Alexander in 2005 as teams moved away from bell-cow backs and diminished the importance of the position. Staley counsels some South Carolina fans to keep calm after No. 4 Gamecocks 1st loss in two seasons COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is not in panic mode, even if some of famous “Fams” are following her team's first loss in two seasons. The Gamecocks had won 85 of their previous 86 games, including a program record 43 in a row before falling to UCLA 77-62 this past Sunday. South Carolina slipped from No. 1 to No. 4 in the rankings while the Bruins took over the top spot. Still, it caught Staley by surprise that some supporters were worried about the November loss. Staley said the defending national champions are still finding their way. SEC losses are big gains for SMU and Indiana in latest College Football Playoff rankings The Southeastern Conference’s losses were almost everyone else’s gain in the College Football Playoff rankings, with SMU nudging its way into the top 12 and Indiana staying in the mix at No. 10 despite a lopsided loss of its own. The latest 12-team bracket placed undefeated Oregon on top for the fourth straight week. It did not include Alabama or Mississippi of the SEC, both of which suffered their third losses of the season last week. That helped place SMU in the ninth spot, joining No. 6 Miami to give the Atlantic Coast Conference two teams in the 12-team bracket.