People’s Bank Aranayaka branch moved to a new location recently. The new, spacious premises offer enhanced convenience to customers, providing a full range of services supported by the latest digital banking technology. People’s Bank Deputy General Manager (Channel Management) Naleen Pathiranage, Kegalle Regional Manager J.D.R Gnanathilaka, Asst. Regional Manageress Kumari Dayananda, Branch Manageress Devika Rathnakumara, as well as bank staff members, Government officials and customers attended the event.By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 5: We must envision democracy as not merely a political framework but also a social system—one that upholds the dignity of every individual, inspires a sense of boundless potential, and fosters an environment of safety and security for all, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal said in his speech on ‘Comprehensive democracy: A journey towards Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ delivered at the Peking University of China in Beijing on Wednesday. “While taking forward the ideas of democracy, debates emerged regarding its class character, leading to the distinction between what is often termed ‘Old’ and ‘New’ democracy,” he said. According to him, in ‘old’ democracy, a privileged class—often referred to as the bourgeoisie—took the lead, while the toiling masses remained subordinate throughout the process of political transformation, while the ‘new’ democracy in contrast saw the working class take the forefront, collaborating with oppressed and exploited groups from various strata of society. He informed the students and academicians there that for much of its history, Nepalis endured autocracy, with no opportunity to participate in governance. “Nepal's journey to political transformation stands as a unique model in global history. Unlike many movements worldwide, where political struggles were predominantly led by parties representing a single class, Nepal's political revolution was a collaborative effort, uniting representatives from competing classes,” stated PM Oli. He said that Nepal’s political history is unique in the sense that both major political forces—Left leaning and the Right leaning— when they divide, monarchy usurps more power; yet, when united, they have consistently succeeded in subduing autocracy and advancing people’s freedom. “Guided by the philosophy of Marxism, and under the visionary leadership of the People's Leader Madan Bhandari, my party developed the principle of People's Multi-Party Democracy (PMD),” he said while talking about his political party – CPN (UML), and added that this doctrine represented a creative application of Marxist ideals, tailored to Nepal’s unique historical, and socio-political context. According to him, the PMD consists of synthesis of three key dimensions of the people's struggles in Nepal: patriotism, social change, and democracy. While advancing the idea of PMD, people's leader, Madan Bhandari said: "Principles are for life, not life for principles." “This vision of comprehensive democracy embraces the political, economic, social and cultural aspects to empower the individual and society. And all these aspects are mutually reinforcing,” PM Oli said. He also said that democracy cannot thrive in the echo-chambers built by algorithms of new technology. He said, “For us, prosperity means economic growth with equity—ensuring a level-playing field for all, equitable access to quality education and healthcare as fundamental rights and providing social safety nets and empowering marginalised communities.” Speaking on Nepal-China relations, PM Oli said that as trusted neighbours and steadfast partners, the two nations collaborate closely in various areas of mutual interest. “China’s miraculous economic development offers valuable lessons for Nepal as it embarks on its own developmental journey,” he said.The Be on the Lookout or BOLO campaign is out with the top 25 most wanted suspects in Canada. These are suspects in ongoing criminal investigations, identified as the most dangerous in the country. Eight suspects on the new list are wanted by Toronto police. As Chris Glover reports, police are hopeful a more advanced website using AI technology will help track some of them down.
Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon.Jadion Anthony Richards and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her. They're also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut. They're due back in court next month. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road.Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis slated to make season debut on Monday night vs LA Clippers
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democrats and Republicans agreed on at least one thing before November’s election: California would play a central role in determining control of the U.S. House. Indeed it did. Democrat Adam Gray's come-from-behind victory over Republican Rep. John Duarte in a Central Valley farm-belt district Tuesday — the final House contest decided this year — gave Democrats their third pick-up of a GOP-held seat in the state, a small victory in a tough year for Democrats nationally. While Democratic wins narrowed the gap in the House, Republicans held their ground in two other toss-up contests that helped the GOP defend its fragile majority in Washington. Republicans won 220 House seats this election cycle , with Democrats holding 215 seats. Despite falling short of a majority, Democrats stressed that the party will gain seats next year, leaving the chamber even more closely divided. “Netting three seats was a very big deal,” Rep. Pete Aguilar, the third-ranking Democrat in the chamber, who lives in Redlands, east of Los Angeles, said in Washington. Democratic enthusiasm was tempered, however, by turnout figures that lagged the 2020 presidential election in the heavily Democratic state, even with Kamala Harris leading the Democratic ticket in her home state. Also, Republicans made incremental gains in the state Legislature. Voters overwhelmingly endorsed a ballot proposal that makes shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders again and increases penalties for some drug charges amid frustration over retail crimes, a proposal opposed by some Democrats. The election showed Democrats will need to pay closer attention to issues like crime and the cost of living, even in a state where the party holds every statewide office and dominates the Legislature and congressional delegation, Claremont McKenna College political scientist Jack Pitney said. In the House, Democrats “were hoping that California would push them over the top to gain a majority. But their gains elsewhere were not strong enough,” Pitney added, pointing to GOP wins in North Carolina. Gray won by a margin of less than 200 votes, with election officials reporting Tuesday all ballots had been counted. Duarte captured the seat in 2022 when he defeated Gray by one of the closest margins in the country, 564 votes. He was often listed among the most vulnerable House Republicans given that narrow margin of victory in a district with a Democratic tilt — about 11 points over registered Republicans. Gray said in a statement: “We always knew that this race would be as close as they come, and we’re expecting a photo finish this year, too.” In other Democratic House gains, first-time candidate Derek Tran ousted Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in a Southern California district anchored in Orange County, while Democrat George Whitesides toppled Republican Rep. Mike Garcia is a district north of Los Angeles. In a district east of Los Angeles, Republican Rep. Ken Calvert again held off Democrat Will Rollins in a repeat of their 2022 contest. And Republican Rep. David Valadao kept his grip on a farm-belt seat, despite its heavy Democratic registration edge. The outcome will leave Republicans with nine of the state's 52 U.S. House seats next year. Although California is often seen as a liberal monolith, a string of House districts has proved volatile in recent elections, spotlighting their importance to both parties. Democrats snatched seven seats from Republicans in 2018, then Republicans seized four from Democrats in 2020. In the 2022 elections, Republicans gained one seat, from 11 to 12, while Democrats dropped to 40 seats from 42, after California lost a House seat in reapportionment after the 2020 census. Overall, the state dropped to 52 districts from 53. The state played a pivotal role in securing the gavel for Republicans in 2022 and installing Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield as speaker .
NoneThe nation’s Medicare system is breaking – and our senior citizens are paying the price. Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services slashed government reimbursements to physicians for the fifth year in a row, placing a severe financial burden on seniors and their doctors that will take effect in January – unless Congress intervenes first. The U.S. population aged 65 and over has grown nearly five times faster than the total population, according to 2020 census data , boosting the demand for doctors who treat seniors and accept Medicare insurance. At the same time, government payments to physicians who accept Medicare have been cut year after year. What’s more, Medicare has made no adjustments for inflation to physician payments in more than two decades, even in periods of record inflation. In fact, physicians today are paid nearly 30% less by Medicare than they were in 2001 when accounting for inflation, according to the American Medical Association. Over the same period, between 2001 to 2023, the cost of operating a medical practice increased 47%. The math is simple: When payments to physicians fall below the cost of delivering care, the system destabilizes. It becomes economically unsustainable for doctors to see Medicare patients, entire clinics are forced to close and seniors must seek care in places intended for other things, like emergency rooms. Unfortunately, without an urgent fix to our nation’s outdated Medicare reimbursement system, millions of American seniors are suffering the consequences. What does this look like in practice? Let’s take a composite case of real patient scenarios we have seen and heard as doctors and as members of Congress who hear regularly from constituents. A patient we will call Jean one day noticed a mole on her skin that was growing, darkening in color and starting to itch. Jean tried to make an appointment with her doctor, but her clinic had to close due to inadequate Medicare reimbursements. The earliest appointment she could find with a new doctor was at least three to four months away. That kind of wait time is typical of many metro areas across the country , especially as more doctors shut their doors and are unable to see Medicare patients at all. Unfortunately for Jean, in the months that followed, the mole grew even larger, and it began to hurt and bleed – so much so that she went to the emergency room at her nearest hospital. After waiting 10 hours to be seen, she was told she would need a biopsy of the mole. The biopsy showed that she had melanoma skin cancer that would require surgery and perhaps chemotherapy. Since Jean’s cancer was detected at a later stage, her health care costs included thousands of dollars of scans, procedures and drugs – instead of hundreds of dollars to remove the mole had it been caught early. Hospitals cannot be expected to compensate for shortages and long wait times in outpatient care caused by the underfunding of Medicare. Hospital emergency department overcrowding was already a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation has only worsened. With an ever-expanding population of seniors, sending them to emergency rooms instead of doctor’s offices is not sustainable. ER overcrowding carries risks for safety, worse health outcomes for patients and financial damage for patients and the health care system. The average cost of treating a common medical problem at an ER is approximately $2,032, more than 12 times higher than treating the same issue in a physician’s office ($167). Insurance data shows that 18 million of the 27 million annual visits to U.S. emergency rooms are for “non-emergency” problems. That adds $32 billion in additional costs to our health system, much of which could be saved if the government were to adequately reimburse doctors for the costs of caring for Medicare patients in the first place. One solution is to ensure that Medicare payments grow with the Medicare Economic Index , which measures health care operating costs adjusting for inflation. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the independent government agency that advises Congress on the Social Security program, has recommended that lawmakers tie Medicare payments to doctors to the index. Congress must act now and adjust the formula to stabilize the Medicare payment system permanently. That’s why two of us who are members of Congress – Reps. Bera and Bucshon – are co-sponsoring the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act , which would adjust the Medicare system to account for inflation. Medicare is a promise that the federal government made to American seniors – who have already paid their share in taxes into the system. We urge our fellow members of Congress and supporters of better, more cost-efficient health care for seniors to work together to pass this vital reform before the end of the year. Shadi Kourosh , M.D., M.PH, is an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and associate professor of public health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Ami Bera , M.D., is a Democratic U.S. congressman from California. Larry Bucshon , M.D., is a Republican U.S. congressman from Indiana.
Julen Lopetegui says West Ham were worthy winners at NewcastleIf a new family home with space for a commercial venture is at the top of your 2025 wishlist, this modern, detached, four-bedroom house with huge potential could be just the property for you. Occupying an extraordinary riverside garden plot in the heart of Crowlas village, Kernyck is within walking distance of Marazion and close to the towns of and . Offering a rare mix of attributes, the family-sized, detached house has planning permission for an extension and a double garage and stands in an exquisite large and level garden. Within walking distance of schooling, a general store and the village inn, the property also has long road frontage with a full-length drop kerb and a large parking or yard area with a workshop to its rear, all of which separates the house and its gardens from the village scene. The yard area has previously been the setting for various businesses, therefore a new owner could have an ideal opportunity to either advertise their business or even run one from the property. The commercial part of the property would of course be subject to necessary consents first being obtained. The yard area is currently used for general storage and parking of numerous vehicles, keeping the grounds around the house free to enjoy. Believed to have been built in the 1960s, the smartly-presented house may have been later extended and provides well-proportioned, stylish accommodation with high vaulted ceilings on the upper floor. On the ground floor, the living space offers a semi-open-plan layout with the kitchen opening to a larger living and dining room that has plenty of windows filling the space with light, plus a pair of glazed doors opening to an evening terrace with a barbecue area. An inner hall leads to bedrooms three and four which are served by a shower room. Off the first-floor landing, bedroom one has windows looking down the garden and to the Red River. Bedroom two is also on this floor and these bedrooms are both served by a modern bathroom. Kernyck’s current owners have gained planning permission to greatly extend the first floor of the house while also increasing the ridge height to create a dramatic four-bedroom house with a vast covered outdoor space beneath the first floor. The current ground-floor bedrooms would be opened up to make one large additional reception room. Outside, one large lawn makes up a majority of the gardens and there are several mature trees, well-established hedgerows and specimen-stocked, sleeper-edged beds. To the south eastern side of the house there is a large gravelled patio and a slightly raised paved terrace set above the Red River. A large golden flint area is ideal for further entertaining or driveway space and next to this is a huge bark chipped area ideal for children’s play equipment. It is here that there is planning permission for the detached garage. While the village of Crowlas has a primary school, general stores, takeaway and an inn, a walk up to Ludgvan Churchtown leads to a pretty village with a church and another pub. A bus stop just a few yards away from the property provides a regular service to Penzance and amongst other locations and is useful for access to restaurants in the evening and secondary schooling during the day. Looking out across Mounts Bay and straight to St Michael’s Mount, Marazion beach is about one and half miles away, and is a relatively simple walk, mostly on quiet lanes and footpaths, from Kernyck’s front door. The larger towns of Penzance and Hayle are nearby and offer a full range of facilities including hospitals, schooling for all ages, high street shopping and out-of-town supermarkets, as well as many attractions. For sale with no onward chain, this wonderful family home has an asking price of £550,000. To find out more about Kernyck, contact Lillicrap Chilcott on 01872 273473.
Spruce power director buys $4,729 in stock
Satanic Temple to Offer Religious Program for Public Elementary StudentsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Democrats and Republicans agreed on at least one thing before November’s election: California would play a central role in determining control of the U.S. House. Indeed it did.
NoneUnlikely battleground California plays key role -- again -- in setting US House's political balance
Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away
Seoul-based cinema technology pioneer CJ 4DPLEX has elevated company veteran Jun Bang as its new CEO. The announcement, made Wednesday, highlights Bang’s contributions to the company’s ongoing success in revolutionizing the cinematic experience in South Korea and beyond. Bang, who joined CJ 4DPLEX in 2018, most recently served as COO of content and marketing, where he oversaw original content investments, theatrical distribution, and global marketing operations. He was instrumental in building the company’s alternative content business, producing and distributing nearly 20 original films annually, including concert films from K-pop stars and major U.S. acts, like Coldplay’s , as well as other live theatrical broadcasts of top-billed events like the Korean Baseball Organization’s playoff series, shown in the immersive ScreenX format. Before leading the content division at CJ 4DPLEX, he was a senior director of content business innovation, overseeing investment and distribution strategies as well as ScreenX and 4DX studio operations. He was also instrumental in building the ScreenX VFX Production Studio, which houses nearly 100 visual artists and has allowed the ScreenX format to significantly increase its content slate to encompass major Hollywood blockbusters as well as local tentpole projects from Japan and Korea. “Transitioning into the role of CEO at CJ 4DPLEX, I am excited to lead the company in its next phase during a pivotal moment in cinematic entertainment,” said Bang. “With all the recent momentum our theaters have gained, we will aggressively expand all facets of our operation as more moviegoers seek out 4DX and ScreenX experiences worldwide.” CJ 4DPLEX operates two innovative cinema technologies that have attempted to redefine the theatrical experience. The 4DX format offers a multisensory experience through motion-based seating synchronized with effects like wind, water, scents, and vibrations, creating an immersive connection to on-screen action. There are over 800 4DX theaters across 70 countries. The ScreenX format expands select sequences of a film onto the left and right walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree panoramic experience. With over 420 ScreenX theaters in 40 countries, the technology provides a virtual reality-like experience with cinema-quality resolution. CJ 4DPLEX is a subsidiary of CJ CGV and a part of the larger CJ Group, which includes entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM. Bang’s appointment was hailed by Don Savant, CEO and president of CJ 4DPLEX America. “Jun’s leadership in developing alternative content and expanding our VFX capabilities has been a game changer for the cinema industry, which is fighting to differentiate itself from home and streaming platforms,” Savant said in a statement. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood ReporterJulen Lopetegui says West Ham were worthy winners at NewcastleNC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson is named head coach at Marshall