What is the best internet provider in St. George, Utah? Quantum Fiber is CNET's top pick for the best internet provider in St. George . It's the best option for most St. George households because it offers fast symmetrical speeds at competitive prices. Most importantly, unlike many major internet service providers, Quantum Fiber comes with a Price for Life guarantee on all its plans, so you can rest assured that you won't see any sudden spikes in your bill. If you want the most affordable internet plan in the area, TDS Telecom is the cheapest internet provider in St. George . It starts at $40 a month for 300Mbps, but there’s a catch. You'll have to pay $10 to $12 monthly for equipment, and you can expect prices to increase significantly after a year or two on all plans. If you need another alternative, T-Mobile Home Internet is a solid option, covering about a third of St. George. It offers download speeds up to 245Mbps for $50 a month, but you can save by bundling with a T-Mobile cellphone plan. Best internet in St. George, Utah St. George internet providers compared Source: CNET analysis of provider data. What’s the cheapest internet plan in St. George? Source: CNET analysis of provider data. How to find internet deals and promotions in St. George The best internet deals and top promotions in St. George depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. St. George internet providers, such as TDS Telecom and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Quantum Fiber, InfoWest and Kayenta Technologies, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals . Fastest internet plans in St. George Source: CNET analysis of provider data. What’s a good internet speed? Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC . Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need . How CNET chose the best internet providers in St. George Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone , laptop , router or kitchen tool , it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov . But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to "yes" on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports . (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Internet providers in St. George FAQs What is the best internet service provider in St. George? Quantum Fiber is the best internet service provider in St. George. It offers fast, symmetrical speeds at good prices, and its Price for Life promotion guarantees that your bill won’t ever increase. Is fiber internet available in St. George? Yes, fiber internet is available to 35% of households in St. George, according to FCC data . Quantum Fiber and TDS Telecom both offer fiber internet in the city. What is the cheapest internet provider in St. George? TDS Telecom is the cheapest internet provider in St. George, with plans starting at $40 monthly for 300Mbps speeds. That said, the price increases to $74 a month in the second year. Which internet provider in St. George offers the fastest plan? TDS Telecom offers the fastest plan in St. George, with download speeds up to 1,000Mbps.Eric Sosu, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, has issued a stern warning to civil society organisations (CSOs), religious leaders, and key opinion figures. According to a report by Ghana Web on Friday, December 27, 2024, Sosu cautioned them against criticising President-elect John Dramani Mahama after he officially takes office following the 2024 elections. Sosu reportedly accused potential critics of Mahama, including some prominent religious leaders and civil society activists, of selective silence during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure, despite widespread allegations of economic mismanagement and governance failures. He also singled out several individuals and institutions for their perceived bias. Among them was Professor Stephen Adei. Sosu chastised Prof. Adei for his recent comments advising Mahama against removing Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa and her deputies, labeling the professor’s stance as hypocritical. He implied that Adei and others had chosen to remain silent during Akufo-Addo’s presidency but now felt emboldened to offer unsolicited advice. Religious bodies, including the Pentecostal Council and the National Peace Council, also came under fire. Sosu continued by accusing some individuals and bodies of tarnishing Mahama’s image during his previous presidency while turning a blind eye to the shortcomings of the current administration. He warned that the party would adopt a more combative stance when Mahama returns to office in 2025. “We are not going to spare anyone as we spared them in 2014, 2015, and 2016; it will be a thing of the past,” he declared. According to him, media figures who allegedly received payments to malign Mahama during his previous tenure would also face scrutiny. “Some of the radio presenters who were paid to destroy the image of Mahama will not be forgiven,” he warned. He made it clear that the party’s grassroots members were ready to confront critics head-on, adding that the NDC would respond decisively to any perceived hypocrisy or unfair criticism. Sosu also directed a plea to Mahama, urging him to refrain from interfering when NDC communicators take on critics. “Your Excellency, we are begging you; it’s time we, the grassroots of the NDC, let them know where they belong. We are not going to leave any stone unturned. Now we have sharpened our mouths like knives with double edges,” he said.
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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. The S&P 500 fell 66.75 points, or 1.1%, to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 333.59 points, or 0.8%, to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 298.33 points, or 1.5%, to 19,722.03. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.1%. Microsoft declined 1.7%. Each has a market value above $3 trillion, giving the companies outsized sway on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of less than 0.1% as crude oil prices rose. “There’s just some uncertainty over this relief rally we’ve witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns the combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury remained at 4.33% from late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.Published 1:01 pm Monday, December 16, 2024 By Jim Gazzolo Matt Viator has capped off his coaching staff with a pair of familiar faces. Monday, Viator, who returns as head football coach at McNeese State after a nine-year absence, announced the final two staff members. After keeping a good percentage of the previous group, Viator selected a couple of his former Cowboy players to complete his hiring. Viator picked former McNeese quarterback Tyler Bolfing from Kansas as his offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and Terence Cahee, the head coach at Wossman High School, to work with linebackers. Bolfing spent last season as the Jayhawks offensive analyst, while Cahlee was the top guy at Wossman over the previous three seasons. Both are graduates of McNeese and also began their coaching careers under Viator. Cahlee will also serve as the assistant special teams coach. “I wanted to go coach in college, but then I got here, and it was like, ‘Man, I’m OK,” Cahee told the Quachita Citizen. “I ended up going back and forth with (Viator), and we’ve been to war and we’ve been to war together. He understands who I am and what I bring to the table.” Before Wossman, Cahee was the defensive coordinator at Lake Charles College Prep for four seasons. Cahee played safety for Viator from 2009-12, spending the last season as Bolfing’s teammate. As a player for the Cowboys, he was a two-time All-Southland Conference defensive back, earned All-American honors in 2012, and was named the McNeese MVP in 2012. He was the quality control coach for defense at McNeese in 2015. Bolfing played for Viator at McNeese from 2012-14 and began his coaching career as a student assistant the following season. In 2015, he was part of the staff that led McNeese to a 10-0 regular season and its last Southland Conference championship. Bolfing worked as a graduate assistant under Viator at Louisiana-Monroe from 2016-17, working mainly with quarterbacks and receivers. He then returned to McNeese in 2018, coaching the tight ends. He returned to Monroe for two seasons, first coaching tight ends and special teams in 2019 and then quarterbacks the following year. He spent three years at Baylor as a quality control coach on offense before going to Kansas last January. Bolfing holds degrees from McNeese State (2015) and ULM (2017). He is married to the former Lakeyn Fontenot, a three-year letter winner in softball at McNeese from 2013-15. McNeese Football Coach Staff: Head Coach: Matt Viator Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Tyler Bolfing Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line: Kyle Segler Running Backs: Thomas Reese Wide Receivers: Michael Smith Tight Ends: Mason Martin Offensive Analyst: Kiefer Price Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers: Tony Pecoraro Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties: Josh Brown Defensive Line: Chris Gistorb Cornerbacks: Jordan Lee Linebackers: Terence Cahee Defensive Analyst: Chris St. John Director of Equipment Operations: Matt Saucier Director of Football Technology: Raymond Donovan
Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: Dec. 23 The Washington Post on President Biden's commutation of death sentences President Joe Biden’s Monday announcement that he would should not be seen as an act of mercy for people convicted of awful crimes. It was a substantial move to align the United States with the rest of the democratic world, which has largely abandoned the practice of killing people as an instrument of justice. In other words, Mr. Biden’s use of his commutation power was extraordinary — and insufficient. Three men will remain on federal death row, and more people could be put there in future years. Meanwhile, many states continue to execute people. We say this while acknowledging the horrors these people committed; the three men Mr. Biden left on death row were convicted of mass shootings or terrorist attacks. We also acknowledge that a majority of Americans still favors the death penalty, despite a downward trend in recent years. Mr. Biden’s attempt to split the difference, leaving what he considered the worst of the worst on death row, is therefore understandable. Yet the death penalty is expensive, impractical and too often unjustly applied. And, even if the death penalty posed none of these problems, the government should not purposely take lives outside of war or similar conflict. The state should be better — far better — than those who unnecessarily and premeditatedly extinguish human life. Our view has seen substantial wins in recent years. Executions have plummeted as public support for the practice has moderated. But 2024 offered multiple signs that the momentum may be ebbing. President-elect promised . And the Death Penalty Information Center, in its annual end-of-year report, shows that the number of executions nationwide, though still far below their heights at the turn of the century, have been ticking upward in recent years. Twenty-five people were executed in the United States in 2024, slightly up from the previous year and more than twice the reached in 2021. That’s largely the result of efforts by officials in Republican-run states to reactivate the death penalty. Three states this year — Utah, South Carolina and Indiana — carried out their first executions in more than a decade. Alabama also : asphyxiating them with nitrogen gas. The first person subjected to this method, Kenneth Smith, convulsed and gasped for air for four minutes. Following the execution, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall to adopt the method. “Alabama has done it, and now so can you,” he said. Increasingly, states are carrying out these executions behind a veil of secrecy. Just last week, Indiana, citing state law, executed Joseph Corcoran with . This year also saw an increase in the number of people sentenced to death, from 21 in 2023 to 26. of those sentences were imposed by nonunanimous juries, thanks to laws in Florida and Alabama that allow jurors to recommend the death sentence even if they don’t reach consensus. In fact, Florida in 2023 allowing death sentences to be imposed if just 8 out of 12 jurors vote in favor. Of course, as Mr. Biden acknowledged in his Monday announcement, most people with death sentences in the United States committed heinous crimes and deserve little sympathy. But one can condemn such acts while also maintaining that executing criminals cannot bring back victims of those crimes or make whole those who lost loved ones. Also, mistakes happen, even in an advanced criminal justice system such as that of the United States. In July, Larry Roberts sentenced to death to be exonerated of his alleged crime since the DPIC starting tracking wrongful convictions in 1973. No one should be comfortable with that number. Since 1976, when the Supreme Court ended its four-year moratorium on the death penalty, more than 1,600 people have been executed in the United States. How many of them were likewise innocent? ONLINE: Dec. 24 The New York Times on the teen mental health crisis Rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents have been . Millions of Americans with mental health problems are not getting the treatment they need for myriad reasons. Many families can’t afford it. And many young people also don’t know where to turn for help. The UJA-Federation of New York, an organization created in 1917 to provide Jewish New Yorkers with economic and social support, is trying to fill the coverage gap for young adults of all backgrounds. The organization helps them get care from its network of mental health professionals through educational outreach at schools, community centers and even coffee shops. This kind of because it has been shown to reach people who might not otherwise seek treatment or support. “Since UJA was founded — and that’s now well over 100 years ago — we have focused on critical issues facing New Yorkers in need,” said Alex Roth-Kahn, a managing director at the organization. That mission has led to decades of supporting people with mental health challenges. Just this year, Marcellus Williams in Missouri for a 1998 murder, even though the prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County filed a motion to vacate his death sentence because DNA testing of the murder weapon ruled him out. And in Texas, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is of Robert Robertson, convicted in the death of his 2-year-old, who prosecutors said died of shaken baby syndrome — though Robertson’s lawyers have cited medical and forensic experts she likely died from undiagnosed pneumonia. Mr. Biden’s intervention this week is a nod to the flaws of the death penalty, but also a need for a system that claims human dignity and equal application of the law as its driving values. State and federal lawmakers should finish the job by abolishing the practice. ONLINE: Dec. 23 The Wall Street Journal on rising life expectancy in the United States Some good news as 2024 nears the end: Life expectancy in the U.S. last year made an unusually sharp increase as deaths from most major causes declined, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Americans can expect more longevity gains in the future—as long as Washington doesn’t introduce harmful policies. Life expectancy in 2023 rose 0.9 years to 78.4 while the overall mortality rate adjusted for age declined 6%. Death rates among all age groups fell, and more sharply for middle-aged Americans and seniors. A typical 65-year-old can expect to live another 19.5 years, up from 18.9 years in 2022. The large rebound in a single year owes largely to a decline in Covid deaths as the pandemic receded into the past. Covid deaths last year were roughly the same as those from the flu during a bad flu season. Death rates from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and unintentional injuries (e.g., drug overdoses) also declined. It’s true that U.S. life expectancy is still lower, and deaths from most causes somewhat higher, than before the pandemic when it reached an overall average of 78.8 years. But that’s because of an increase in chronic illnesses, which may have been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdowns. Forced to stay home, many Americans ate and drank more and used more drugs. The Biden Administration claimed credit for the lifespan increase because drug overdoses declined slightly in 2023. Perhaps political attention to the fentanyl scourge is making a difference. But overdoses were still 50% higher last year than in 2019. The truth is that the Administration’s “harm reduction” policies—e.g., distributing sterile needles and opioid-overdose medicine naloxone to addicts—have failed to reduce addiction. A common lament on the political left and right is that the U.S. has a lower life expectancy despite spending more on healthcare than most developed countries. But America also has more chronic disease and drug addiction, which aren’t from failings in private healthcare. Americans have access to more treatments than any country in the world. This is why U.S. cancer survival rates are higher than in most developed countries and continue to improve. Personalized cancer vaccines and CAR T-cell therapies have shown potential to treat deadly cancers like pancreatic and glioblastoma. GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic could help extend lifespans by reducing obesity, diabetes and even drug addictions. The policy risk is that government drug price controls will discourage innovation. Expanding government control over healthcare isn’t the way to make Americans healthier. ONLINE: Dec. 24 The Boston Globe says Republicans taking directions from Elon Musk might want to reconsider Until last week’s budget debacle, Elon Musk was a warm-up act for President-elect Donald Trump. Like the many adulatory openers at Trump rallies and Republican gatherings, he amped up the crowd — but strictly in preparation for the main act. While Democrats like to flash star power at events — A-listers, movie stars, and pop icons — in today’s Republican Party, Trump is the star power. But the rise of Musk as a political figure means that another successful, powerful businessman is potentially poised to eclipse Trump’s voice in the Republican Party, whether he intends to or not. That’s a problem for Trump, who isn’t exactly used to sharing the limelight. The MAGA movement, as Trump allies describe it, is built around the idea that politicians of all stripes are too blinded by corruption, political complications, and self-interest to serve the needs of the American people. Such a movement necessitates an audacious leader who isn’t afraid to break with the pack and stand out — someone exactly like Trump. His no-holds-barred style of leadership has allowed him to quickly overhaul the Republican Party, elevating loyalists and his favored policies with little regard for pushback from liberals or traditional Republicans. Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, owner of X (formerly Twitter), and the world’s richest man, has been one of Trump’s most important allies in spreading that message. His endorsement, his campaigning efforts, his dollar America PAC, his energizing rally appearances, and even his transformation of X into a “town square” have been vital to spreading Republican messaging. Musk has been a dutiful “First Buddy.” But he could become more than that, as he revealed last week. Starting early Wednesday morning, a mere series of X posts from Musk helped to derail a bipartisan congressional deal to fund the government and avert a shutdown. That Musk had concerns about a 1,500-page budget bill isn’t the issue here; it’s safe to assume that any impenetrable packet of government spending contains eyebrow-raising allocations. What is of concern is how Musk seemingly single-handedly hijacked the process — and how Republicans let him. On X, Musk and his sidekick Vivek Ramaswamy praised Republicans who bowed to his opposition of the bill and put on notice those who didn’t. “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!” Musk early Wednesday afternoon, generating more than 47 million views. He beat Trump to the punch — or, maybe, pushed the president-elect into action. Twelve hours after Musk’s first post opposing the bill, JD Vance and Trump a statement condemning the bill. And that evening, Trump on Truth Social that “Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be primaried.” So Republican leaders dutifully withdrew the bill and replaced it with a slimmed-down alternative that met Musk and Trump’s demands. That bill failed on Thursday. So on Friday, rather than allow the government to shut down, the House voted on and passed a third bill — which looked suspiciously like the initial version with some face-saving changes to placate Musk and Trump — with Democratic votes. That Musk is using his platform to share his views isn’t an issue. As he often points out, he has made X a public square for many different viewpoints — including many of his own detractors. The problem is that Republicans have allowed Musk to disproportionately sway their leadership. That’s not necessarily a problem when Musk is advocating for budget cuts and bureaucratic overhaul in his self-conceived Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE will be an extragovernmental advisory board that might have the potential to help trim some federal fat. In this advisory role, an innovator like Musk, along with his cochair Ramaswamy, have the potential to make helpful recommendations unburdened by the political pressures of being in the federal government. But advisers advise, they don’t direct. Will it be a problem when the new ascendant voice on the right wants to, say, protect his business interests with American adversaries ? He has many potential conflicts of interest in dictating how the American government should spend and not spend its money. His companies Tesla and SpaceX, for example, in government contracts over the past decade. Musk is doing more than swaying policy. He’s also creating a new line of attack for Democrats who are more than pleased to point out that Republicans’ reimagined “working people’s party” is being led by a billionaire puppeteered by a far richer billionaire. On X, Democrats lined up to highlight “President Musk’s” pull, with Senator Chris Murphy about the Trump administration’s “Billionaire First” agenda. Trump is no stranger to criticisms from the left, nor is he particularly stringent about consistency in his policy positions. Like any good populist, Trump has shown himself willing to adapt to his supporters’ whims. He might bristle, however, at the prospect of being relegated to an opening act, a mere figurehead for a party driven by someone younger, richer, and more influential. The bristling may have already started. Trump’s transition spokesperson immediately went on the defense: “President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop,” Karoline Leavitt . And maybe some resistance from Team Trump is for the best. Even if Trump agrees with Musk, an unelected billionaire with a long list of conflicts of interest should not have such a direct line of influence over our government. Trump was elected, he should be making the decisions — not waiting for his rich friend to endorse them before Trump himself has even weighed in. Republicans are going to have to answer plenty of tough questions about Musk’s influence on their party over the next four years. None might be as difficult as this: Is Trump willing to let Musk steal his show? ONLINE: Dec. 24 The Philadelphia Inquirer says RFK Jr. cannot be taken seriously as HHS Secretary America’s public health could be at risk if the incoming administration doesn’t correct some of the campaign rhetoric that may have helped Donald Trump win an election but has no merit now that voting is over. For example, inaccurate comments about water fluoridation that prospective U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not taken back. “ , bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease,” Kennedy said in a November social media post in which he also claimed the president-elect would advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. As is typical with Trump, he has neither embraced nor denied Kennedy’s assertions, preferring to instead suggest support of ideas that he may later reject by nebulously saying of Kennedy: “I’m going to let him go wild on health. I’m going to let him go wild on the food. I’m going to let him go wild on medicines.” Please, don’t. America doesn’t need anyone “wild” in charge of public health. Kennedy can’t be taken seriously when he makes misleading comments about water fluoridation that may have a veneer of truth but don’t hold up when someone takes the time to review the facts. Fluoride is not an industrial waste product. It is a leaches naturally into streams and other water supplies. Its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay was discovered in the 1920s when it was observed that Colorado Springs, Colo., residents whose teeth were stained by excessive fluoride in their water sources had fewer than normal cavities. Kennedy is wrong to suggest the subsequent fluoridation of community water supplies across America occurred hastily and without due investigation of potential dangers. The National Institutes of Health began investigating how fluoride affects the human body in the 1930s, but the first major trial of fluoridation of a community’s water supply didn’t occur until 1945 in Grand Rapids, Mich. President Harry S. Truman signed an act creating the National Institute of Dental Research in 1948 in large part because 20% of young men being drafted for military service were rejected because their teeth were so bad. Meanwhile, 10 years after the Michigan study began, the cavity rate among Grand Rapids children was reduced by more than 60%. Subsequent research shows drinking fluoridated water not only reduces cavities and associated dental pain but correspondingly cuts missed school and work days. Such results prompted cities and towns across America — including Philadelphia — to begin fluoridating their water, so much so that by 2010 the tap water of more than 200 million Americans was flowing from fluoridated systems. There have been virtually zero instances in which putting fluoride in a water system has been blamed for a public health issue since the fluoridation of most of America’s water supplies began. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ranked water achievements of the 20th century. Kennedy is trying to solve a problem that doesn’t seem to exist. The National Institutes of Health did complete a study that concluded there might be a after long-term exposure to more than twice the federal government’s recommended level of fluoride in drinking water. But why would any town knowingly exceed the government’s fluoridation guidelines by such a large margin? There’s no incentive for local officials to risk their children’s or adults’ health. Kennedy also says fluoridating water systems is no longer necessary. “ when they put it in, but now we have fluoride in toothpaste,” he said. That’s true, fluoride today is in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other oral hygiene products, but that’s why the recommended level of fluoride in water supplies was reduced from 1.0 parts per million to 0.7 parts per million in 2011. Future research may lead to more reductions in recommended fluoride levels, but there’s no basis for Kennedy’s call for a ban now. Trump’s choice to plot the course of public health agencies that make life-and-death decisions based on scientific evidence is a bad one. Kennedy comes across as someone who loves basking in the limelight too often afforded contrarians who pay little attention to facts. In that same vein, Kennedy has criticized vaccines that have long protected millions of Americans from crippling and deadly diseases. Surely the president-elect can do better with his nominations. ONLINE:
Millions of people across the country are expected to shop in-store and online, looking for last-minute sales and deals. Many of them turned out through the weekend and on Monday at the outlet stores and other shops in Vacaville. The National Retail Federation estimates that 157.2 million people planned to shop the last weekend before Christmas, up from $141.9 million just last year. The Federation also says because Thanksgiving was held during the last week of November, people had less time to shop making these final days before Christmas a critical time for final shopping tasks. That was the case for the Favre family from Novato, who were happily scooping up bargains at the Reebok outlet store Monday. “We wanted a time when we could all go shopping together,” explained Michelle Farve. “And we figured there wouldn’t be as many shoppers on a weekday as there was on the weekend.” Husband Gary Favre agreed. “It was tough getting off work before now,” he said, insisting they hadn’t procrastinated. “Besides, it’s better this way,” said daughter Lauren Favre, a student at College of Marin who is now home on holiday break. “This way, I can go out with them and point out what I want!” According to the Federation, 69.5 million people say they plan to shop in-store and online. But no matter where or how people shop, they’re hoping to find a good deal. There were plenty of deals, said Dixon resident Lorena Maya, who made a quick trip to the outlets to help her sons Adriel and Itzae purchase a gift for their dad. “They wanted to give him something instead of just a gift card,” she explained. A recent federation survey also showed that clothing or accessories and toys were the most purchased items so far this holiday shopping season. That was the case of Dana Rodriguez of Sacramento who turned out to find last minute items at the outlets. “I’m mostly done with my shopping this year but I can’t resist a bargain,” she said with a laugh. “I’m mostly looking for stocking stuffers now.” Earlier this month, U.S. Census Bureau stats saw overall retail sales climbing with November numbers up 0.7% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 3.8% unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 0.5% month over month and 2.9% year over year in October. November’s core retail sales as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were up 0.4% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 3.8% unadjusted year over year.
This commitment ensures the competitiveness of Vietnamese eels in high-value markets, paving the way for further expansion and solidifying Vietnam’s position as a global player in the eel export industry. Leveraging advantages to expand exports In recent years, Vietnam’s eel farming and export industry has experienced rapid growth, establishing a relatively complete industrial chain encompassing breeding, farming, feed manufacturing, processing and export. Annual eel production is estimated at 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes, with the majority concentrated in the Mekong Delta provinces, including Dong Thap, An Giang, Hau Giang, Tien Giang and Can Tho. These regions boast ideal natural conditions for eel farming. Eel farming has become a key aquaculture component, creating numerous jobs, alleviating poverty and boosting incomes in rural areas. The adoption of innovative techniques, such as mud-free eel farming in composite tanks, has further enhanced productivity and efficiency. Eels are a popular freshwater aquatic species worldwide. Vietnamese eels ( Monopterus albus ) are highly regarded for their nutritional value and adaptability to freshwater environments. They are especially prized for their nutritious meat, which is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Often referred to as ‘ginseng of the water,’ eels are favoured for their health benefits and exquisite taste. Vietnam’s eel exports have surged over recent years. In 2023, total export revenue reached about US$1.7 million, primarily driven by demand in the US and Japan. By 2024, with China emerging as a significant market, several Vietnamese companies gained approval to export eels through official channels. As of October 2024, Vietnam’s eel exports totalled $2.98 million, with a volume of around 670 tonnes. China accounted for nearly half of the exports (300 tonnes), followed by Japan (50 tonnes), the US (38 tonnes) and South Korea (33 tonnes). Export revenue is projected to reach $3.6 million in 2024, doubling the 2023 figures. Meeting rising standards Continuous innovation, technological advancement and enhanced management practices are pivotal for Vietnam’s eel industry to meet growing market demands and boost exports. State agencies, research institutions and businesses prioritise the development and application of advanced technologies to produce disease-resistant eel breeds, improve breed quality, control farming environments and manage disease outbreaks. These efforts aim to optimise efficiency and product quality. Seafood enterprises have also diversified processed eel products to better meet the requirements of export markets. Meanwhile, authorities have intensified food safety supervision at both central and local levels and guided the industry toward standardisation. Eel farms are adopting quality certification systems, including VietGAP and GlobalGAP. Transparent documentation of farming processes, feed origins, medication usage and eel breeds is also required. Standardised closed-loop farming minimises disease risks, reduces costs and enhances product quality, aligning with stringent international standards. Currently, over 60 Vietnamese seafood companies are certified to export eel products to demanding markets, including the EU, Japan, the US, South Korea and China. The recognition and approval from these markets signal a strong opportunity for Vietnam’s eel industry to expand production and scale up exports in the coming years. Promising prospects for eel exports The growing demand for high-quality eel among Chinese consumers and Asians in global markets presents significant opportunities for Vietnam’s eel export industry to thrive in the coming years. Along with continuing to exploit and leverage favourable natural conditions, Vietnam’s eel farming export industry will improve modern, safe and sustainable farming practices free of antibiotics and heavy metal residues. Enhanced management systems, traceability and compliance with international food safety standards will give Vietnam’s products a competitive edge, especially in stringent markets. Domestic companies are actively exploring new market opportunities, building brand recognition and improving product quality to align with global standards. As a result, Vietnamese eel is increasingly recognised for its quality and ability to meet the preferences of consumers worldwide. Vietnam’s eel export industry expects greater support and collaboration from international regulatory bodies for import approvals and encourages importers to choose Vietnamese eel. This will ensure more global consumers can enjoy high-quality, safe and competitively priced eel products. Hashtag: #MARD The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.AP News Summary at 3:38 p.m. EST
Tampa, FL, 12/23/2024 / 16:15, EST/EDT - EQS Newswire - The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) today announced its combined October and November 2024 sales volumes and revenue by business segment. Potash Oct./Nov. 2024 Oct./Nov. 2023 Sales volumes (000 tonnes (1)) 1,228 1,638 Sales revenues (million USD) $299 $506 Phosphates Oct./Nov. 2024 Oct./Nov. 2023 Sales volumes (000 tonnes (1)) 946 1,019 Sales revenues (million USD) $680 $677 Mosaic Fertilizantes Oct./Nov. 2024 Oct./Nov. 2023 Sales Volumes (000 tonnes (1)) 1,640 1,472 Sales Revenues (million USD) $823 $811 (1)Tonnes = finished product tonnes Phosphate sales volumes in the first two months of the fourth quarter of 2024 reflect the impact of lost production and shipments related to hurricanes Helene and Milton. Potash sales volumes in the first two months of the fourth quarter of 2024 reflect a delay in Canpotex shipments caused by Canadian rail and port strikes which are expected to be recovered by the end of the quarter. Potash revenues for the first two months of the fourth quarter were impacted by additional Canpotex logistics costs incurred to mitigate volume losses from the strikes. Mosaic has successfully completed a third ammonia supply agreement in line with our strategy to ensure raw materials supply reliability and competitiveness. About The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphates and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at . Mosaic will publish a market update on the company's investor relations website immediately after this press release. Mosaic - Market Education (mosaicco) The Mosaic Company Contacts Investors: Media: Jason Tremblay 813-775-4226 ... Joan Tong, CFA, 863-640-0826 ... Ben Pratt, 813-775-4206 ... This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about proposed or pending transactions or strategic plans and other statements about future financial and operating results. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of The Mosaic Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: political and economic instability and changes in government policies in countries in which we have operations; the predictability and volatility of, and customer expectations about, agriculture, fertilizer, raw material, energy and transportation markets that are subject to competitive and other pressures and economic and credit market conditions; the level of inventories in the distribution channels for crop nutrients; the effect of future product innovations or development of new technologies on demand for our products; changes in foreign currency and exchange rates; international trade risks and other risks associated with Mosaic's international operations and those of joint ventures in which Mosaic participates, including the performance of MWSPC, the future success of current plans for MWSPC and any future changes in those plans; risks related to the anticipated value of the Ma'aden shares to be issued in the proposed transaction at transaction announcement and at closing, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending Ma'aden transaction, including the 5 inability to receive the required approval by Ma'aden shareholders and other approvals, including potential regulatory approvals, necessary to complete the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the applicable agreement; the risk that there may be a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of Ma'aden and MWSPC; difficulties with realization of the benefits of our natural gas based pricing ammonia supply agreement with CF Industries, Inc., including the risk that the cost savings initially anticipated from the agreement may not be fully realized over its term or that the price of natural gas or ammonia during the term are at levels at which the pricing is disadvantageous to Mosaic; customer defaults; the effects of Mosaic's decisions to exit business operations or locations; changes in government policy; changes in environmental and other governmental regulation, including expansion of the types and extent of water resources regulated under federal law, carbon taxes or other greenhouse gas regulation, implementation of numeric water quality standards for the discharge of nutrients into Florida waterways or efforts to reduce the flow of excess nutrients into the Mississippi River basin, the Gulf of Mexico or elsewhere; further developments in judicial or administrative proceedings, or complaints that Mosaic's operations are adversely impacting nearby farms, business operations or properties; difficulties or delays in receiving, increased costs of or challenges to necessary governmental permits or approvals or increased financial assurance requirements; resolution of global tax audit activity; the effectiveness of Mosaic's processes for managing its strategic priorities; adverse weather conditions affecting operations in Central Florida, the Mississippi River basin, the Gulf Coast of the United States, Canada or Brazil, and including potential hurricanes, excess heat, cold, snow, rainfall or drought; actual costs of various items differing from management's current estimates, including, among others, asset retirement, environmental remediation, reclamation or other environmental regulation, Canadian resources taxes and royalties; reduction of Mosaic's available cash and liquidity, and increased leverage, due to its use of cash and/or available debt capacity to fund financial assurance requirements and strategic investments; brine inflows at Mosaic's potash mines; other accidents and disruptions involving Mosaic's operations, including potential mine fires, floods, explosions, seismic events, sinkholes or releases of hazardous or volatile chemicals; and risks associated with cyber security, including reputational loss; as well as other risks and uncertainties reported from time to time in The Mosaic Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE: The Mosaic Company 12/23/2024 EQS Newswire / EQS Group MENAFN23122024004691010666ID1109025688 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Moxie Launches Compliance Defender to Simplify Regulatory Compliance for Medical Aesthetic PracticesBarclays PLC decreased its holdings in Redwood Trust, Inc. ( NYSE:RWT – Free Report ) by 79.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 218,900 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock after selling 861,811 shares during the quarter. Barclays PLC owned 0.17% of Redwood Trust worth $1,692,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Redwood Trust by 6.9% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 14,611,264 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $112,945,000 after purchasing an additional 941,223 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Redwood Trust by 2.0% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,189,667 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $40,116,000 after purchasing an additional 102,274 shares in the last quarter. Clear Harbor Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Redwood Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $722,000. Van ECK Associates Corp lifted its holdings in Redwood Trust by 21.7% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 976,283 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $6,336,000 after purchasing an additional 174,317 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its position in shares of Redwood Trust by 37.2% during the third quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 291,563 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $2,254,000 after acquiring an additional 79,094 shares during the last quarter. 74.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Redwood Trust Price Performance NYSE RWT opened at $6.57 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $868.99 million, a PE ratio of 11.95 and a beta of 1.57. Redwood Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $5.45 and a 52-week high of $8.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.55, a quick ratio of 44.36 and a current ratio of 44.36. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $7.11 and its 200-day moving average price is $7.17. Redwood Trust Increases Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on RWT shares. JMP Securities boosted their target price on Redwood Trust from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the stock a “market outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, October 4th. StockNews.com raised Redwood Trust from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, November 11th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Redwood Trust from $7.50 to $8.50 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, September 20th. Raymond James raised their target price on shares of Redwood Trust from $8.50 to $9.50 and gave the stock a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a “neutral” rating and issued a $7.00 price target (down previously from $8.00) on shares of Redwood Trust in a report on Monday, December 9th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Redwood Trust currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $8.03. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on RWT Redwood Trust Company Profile ( Free Report ) Redwood Trust, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty finance company in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Residential Consumer Mortgage Banking, Residential Investor Mortgage Banking, and Investment Portfolio. The Residential Consumer Mortgage Banking segment operates a mortgage loan conduit that acquires residential loans from third-party originators for subsequent sale, securitization, or transfer to its investment portfolio. See Also Five stocks we like better than Redwood Trust Options Trading – Understanding Strike Price S&P 500 ETFs: Expense Ratios That Can Boost Your Long-Term Gains The Significance of Brokerage Rankings in Stock Selection How AI Implementation Could Help MongoDB Roar Back in 2025 Why is the Ex-Dividend Date Significant to Investors? Hedge Funds Boost Oil Positions: Is a Major Rally on the Horizon? Receive News & Ratings for Redwood Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Redwood Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 16th Dec, 2024) The ’s payments is poised to achieve significant growth, with total revenues projected to reach $27.3 by 2028, according to the latest Global Payments Report 2024 by Consulting Group (BCG). Despite a global slowdown in growth rates, the continues to in the GCC, driven by its rapid digital transformation and strategic investments in the financial sector. The Global Payments Report 2024 marks BCG’s 22nd annual analysis of the global payments , emphasising the need for decisive action in navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. The report aptly titled Fortune Favors the Bold highlights the importance of adapting to shifting customer expectations, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and technological disruptions. While growth is slowing globally, the remains a bright spot in the region, continuing its high growth and innovation trajectory. Globally, payments revenue growth is projected to slow significantly, with CAGR halving to 5% through 2028, resulting in a global payments revenue pool of $2.3 trillion. This marks a sharp decline the 9% CAGR observed over the previous five years, which pushed the global revenue pool to $1.8 trillion in 2023. North America and are expected to experience the most significant slowdowns, with projected annual revenue increases of just 3%. In contrast, regions like the East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific are forecasted to see higher growth, with the projected to grow at a 7% CAGR, driven by accelerating digital payments in emerging . The ’s payments sector has seen robust growth in recent years. to 2023, the country’s payments revenue grew $9.8 to $18.8 , with a CAGR of 13.8%. By 2028, the is projected to reach $27.3 in revenues, marking a 45% increase over the next five years. Transaction volumes in the are also forecast to rise significantly, 1.7 in 2023 to over 3.1 by 2028, representing a 78% increase. The shift cash-based to digital payments, spurred by initiatives and increased fintech adoption, continues to drive this expansion.Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’
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