NEW YORK (AP) — Gerard O'Keefe's 25 points helped Columbia defeat Merchant Marine 98-49 on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NEW YORK (AP) — Gerard O'Keefe's 25 points helped Columbia defeat Merchant Marine 98-49 on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NEW YORK (AP) — Gerard O’Keefe’s 25 points helped Columbia defeat Merchant Marine 98-49 on Saturday. O’Keefe added five rebounds for the Lions (9-1). Blair Thompson scored 11 points while going 5 of 9 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and added six rebounds. Josiah Cunningham had nine points and went 3 of 6 from the field (1 for 4 from 3-point range). Drew Zalescik led the Mariners in scoring, finishing with 21 points and six rebounds. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementWhen choosing a family car, you should first of all pay attention to the reliability of the model, and the capacity and volume of the trunk. A car should be not only comfortable, but also safe, roomy, and economical. The modern market offers a wide range of models that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding families. The availability of modern safety systems, such as ABS, ESP, will create an additional level of protection. And to save fuel, you should pay attention to hybrid or electric models. The details are provided by TopGear . Skoda Superb Estate Experts recommend the new Skoda Superb Estate as an ideal alternative to more premium station wagons thanks to its excellent combination of build quality, practicality, and space. It now has a huge 690 liters of boot space, 30 liters more than its predecessor, or a whopping 1920 liters with the seats down. A 1.5-liter mild hybrid gasoline engine with 148 hp is available. However experts advise choosing a 2-liter engine, especially if you regularly intend to pull cargo in a regular car. In the gasoline version, you can have 204 or 265 hp, and in the diesel version – 150 or 193 hp. More powerful versions have all-wheel drive. All are mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission as standard, except for the 1.5-liter hybrid, which works with a six-speed transmission. VW ID.Buzz Two versions will be available – the five-seat ID. Buzz and ID. Auto using the same MEB platform as ID. 3, ID. 4, and ID. 5. There are sliding doors on both sides. The drivetrain has also been relocated: a 77 kWh battery powers a 204 hp/228 lb-ft engine that drives the rear axle. The VW ID.Buzz is light and easy to drive and creates a sense of comfort that no other SUV can match (except maybe the Range Rover). Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 10.2 seconds. In the city, it is nimble, but since only the rear wheels are driven, the turning radius is impressively small. BMW i5 Touring This is the all-electric BMW 5 Series Touring and the first all-electric executive-size wagon on the market. BMW has offered a choice of rear- or twin-engine electric suites with a 570-liter boot and more technology. The entry-level version is the eDrive40, which transmits 335 hp to the rear wheels only. The claimed range is more than 537 km from a battery with a capacity of 81.2 kWh. The BMW i5 Touring is currently the best car in its class. Hyundai Santa Fe The Hyundai Santa Fe is a family SUV that has seven seats with cargo space. Hyundai notes that it is priced against the five-seat BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Volvo XC60, but has the space of a seven-seat X5, Q7, or XC90. In this generation, the Santa Fe runs exclusively on gasoline and electricity with a four-cylinder hybrid with front or all-wheel drive or a PHEV version of the same engine with all-wheel drive only. In both cases, the base engine is the same: A 1.6-liter direct injection and turbocharged engine developing 158 hp. The regular hybrid complements this with a 64 hp electric motor and develops a maximum power of 212 hp, the standard version has a larger engine with 93 hp and 250 hp. Dacia Jogger Now there's a completely revamped Dacia lineup on the market (the Sandero and Duster look great) and even a new model, a seven-seat MPV/utility vehicle. Sure, the Jogger doesn't look like a premium car - there's a lot of hard plastic and exposed metal - but the Jogger doesn't pretend to be anything more. In fact, it's quite decent to drive. The gasoline version has a 1-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with 109 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. The hybrid uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a small electric motor producing 138 hp to offer a combination of a gasoline engine with an electric drive and driving only on an electric car. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events .
Industrial LFP Battery Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030
EDITORIAL: Quebec premier actually believes in secularismSPRINGFIELD — Kids, teens, older men and women, and families packed the DeBerry School on Union Street Saturday as Black Men of Greater Springfield threw its yearly Fall Festival, offering families free clothing, shoes, entertainment and a full traditional Thanksgiving meal for all. The fraternal organization invited other groups to join the celebration and to aid in serving families in need making for a one-stop shopping event. “There is always more need than resources,” said Black Men of Greater Springfield President William Zachery. “With these other groups, we can maximize the collective resources to make more impact on that need. Everybody who is here is happy to be here and everybody is asking ‘How can I help?’ There are some groups that we have had a historical relationship with. We have done some small funding for other community organizations and that’s how we kind of met them and we have been collaborating in some way for like a decade.” The Springfield Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, a motorcycle group, was one of the organizations Black Men of Greater Springfield turned to for collaboration. “The mission of the Buffalo Soldiers is to give back to the community,” said Springfield Chapter President Richard Gardner, “so we work with other like-minded community organizations to serve and help all of the community. We believe working collaboratively is better than trying to work individually.” Besides the Black Men of Greater Springfield and the Buffalo Soldiers, volunteers from Baystate Health and The Distinguished Gentlemen served the meal, while The Royals, an afterschool women’s group, also provided volunteer service. MOCHA, Men of Color Health Advocacy, also helped out. Informational tables manned by area agencies and health care outlets lined the school’s gymnasium to provide help for any issue or concern, from mental health to nutrition. “There are booths with information about health, about education, information about jobs, city services that might affect households,” Zachery said. “And everything here is free. We have about 100 coats and many more pairs of shoes for people in need. All you have to do is find what you are looking for.” The whole notion of a Fall Festival sprang from a Saturday educational program Black Men of Greater Springfield offered to high school-aged kids called Saturday School. The program offered traditional tutoring and homework help, with a bit of historical counter-programming added in. “There is so much more to the program than just tutoring help. We talked about the difference between Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day, we talked about Thanksgiving for what it represents, even though history might not be that beautiful,” Zachery said. Contact with kids in an informal setting showed the Black Men of Greater Springfield that there was a real need among some families in Springfield; a need for food, clothing and help getting necessary services. RECOMMENDED • masslive .com Pro wrestlers take care of one of their own, a fan from Holyoke Nov. 22, 2024, 5:43 p.m. Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Echoes of the Americas’ (Photos) Nov. 18, 2024, 7:32 a.m. The festival started with a Giveaway Saturday, where families could come and find needed clothing and shoes that the Black Men of Greater Springfield solicited from area businesses and organizations. Everything was free and there for the taking, no questions asked. Later, information seemed a good fit for Giveaway Saturday, so agencies were asked to bring their brochures and handouts to join in. Entertainment for kids is a given so games, coloring and other and activities were added as well. Lastly, given the time of the year the Fall Festival also includes a Thanksgiving-styled meal as well for those hungry and in need of food and for those in need of companionship and comradery. “There’s turkey, cornbread, mashed potatoes, collard greens, yes, the whole thing. It’s a mini-Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s lunch. All you have to do is come and participate,” Zachery said. “It’s really just us opening our doors. We are trying to share resources.”
BREWSTER, Mass. – Francis “Frank” Joseph Steponaitis, a devoted family man, beloved educator, and proud Cape Cod resident, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2024, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family. Known for his humor, quick wit, passion for history and teaching, basketball and golf, Frank leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. Frank was born on Nov. 30, 1944, in Waterbury, Conn., to the late Edward and Anna Marcella Steponaitis of Watertown, Conn. He shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his wife Ruth (Murray), celebrating a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they raised two daughters, Dayna (Chris) Sierakowski of Ridgefield, Conn., and Marcy Sterlis (Ed Slezak) of Halesite, N.Y. Frank was a proud grandparent, known as “Daduke” to grandchildren Ryan and Lindsay Sierakowski. He is also survived by his sister Margaret (Bernie) Zailskas; brother Paul (Vicki) Steponaitis; aunt Susan Blais; and numerous cherished relatives and friends. Frank was predeceased by his sister Mary Anne. Frank earned his bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 in Nuremberg, Germany. Upon his return, he began a remarkable career in education, teaching and serving as principal at St. Thomas School in Thomaston, Conn., for 15 years, while simultaneously earning a master’s in American Studies and CAS in Administration at Fairfield University. In 1986, he joined the Social Studies Department at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Conn., where he taught for 25 years and also helped coach cross country and basketball, retiring in 2011. Affectionately known as “Mr. Step,” Frank was renowned for his engaging teaching style, memorable nicknames, and the fun he brought to the classroom. Frank’s life will be celebrated on Jan. 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Conn. To honor his vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear colorful attire, reflecting Frank’s love for his signature red plaid hat, bright ties and sweaters. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Frank Steponaitis Scholarship at Holy Cross High School, ensuring his legacy lives on in future generations of students. Checks should be made payable to “Holy Cross High School” and sent to 587 Oronoke Road, Waterbury, CT 06708; or Venmo to @holycrosswtby and note the “Frank Steponaitis Scholarship.” Donations may also be made online at: https://www.holycrosshs-ct.com/giving/make-a-gift. Frank’s humor, warmth, and dedication to education touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
NoneFunding research for economic return sounds good – but that's not how science really works
Georgia QB Carson Beck knocked out by hand injury in SEC championship game against TexasJessica Tisch officially became the 48th police commissioner in NYPD history on Monday, as Mayor Eric Adams swore in the second woman ever to hold the post during a ceremony at One Police Plaza. Tisch, previously the sanitation commissioner, arrived at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan on Nov. 25 with her children in hand and a round of applause from attendees that included NYPD brass and previous top cops such as Dermot Shea and Raymond Kelly. The new commissioner does not have uniformed police experience but has served in civilian roles within the NYPD over the years—something Mayor Adams addressed before the ceremony. “I push back on anyone who believes she had to wear a police uniform to take the Police Department to the next level. She can wear any uniform and accomplish the task,” Adams said. Tisch arrived at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan with her children in hand and a round of applause from attendees that included previous top cops such as Dermot Shea and Raymond Kelly and police brass. Photo by Dean Moses Tisch placed her hand on her grandmother’s Bible and took the oath as the city’s new top cop. “I solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the position of police commissioner of the city of New York to the very best of my abilities,” Tisch said. Both cops and sanitation workers filled the audience. Following the ceremony, the new police commissioner pledged to lead the city in a safe return to normalcy. “My greatest hope is that together, we will return this noble undertaking, this job of high moral purpose, to a time and a place where you want your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, your nephews, to follow in your footsteps and become police officers,” Tisch said. “The police exist to eliminate fear and disorder, your cops, like generations before them, nobly put their lives on the line each and every time they put on that uniform to protect you and your families, and they do a damn good job of it. We will continue to do that most important foundational work to make you safe.” Tisch was sworn in by placing her hand on her grandmother’s bible. Both cops and sanitation workers filled the audience. Following the ceremony, the new police commissioner pledged to lead the city in a safe return to normality. Photo by Dean Moses “My greatest hope is that together, we will return this noble undertaking, this job of high moral purpose, to a time and a place where you want your children, your grandchildren, your nieces, your nephews, to follow in your footsteps and become police officers,” Tisch said. Photo by Dean Moses Fourth new commish in three years While several of the aforementioned top cops were in attendance to witness the historic moment, several others were noticeably absent. Tisch’s forebear, Keechant Sewell, resigned from the position in 2023 after reported frustrations with Adams for allegedly micromanaging her and refusing to allow her to make her own calls. She was then followed by the first Latino top cop, Edward Caban, who only lasted about a year in office after becoming embroiled in a federal investigation and accusations that his twin were using police resources to shake down nightclub owners. Thomas Donlon then became interim police commissioner before Adams announced last week that Tisch would step into the role. Bill Bratton, who served as NYPD commissioner during the Giuliani and de Blasio administrations, expressed enthusiasm that Tisch will make a lasting impact during her administration of the NYPD — provided that Mayor Adams gives her the leeway to do so. “I think she’s going to do a great, if the mayor lets her,” Bratton said, according to ABC Bews. “I think it’s quite important that the mayor make it quite clear what he wants and gets out of the way and lets her do it. I think that was the issue with his previous three commissioners... and that’s why he had three previous commissioners.” Tisch arrived at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan with her children in hand and a round of applause from attendees that included previous top cops such as Dermot Shea and Raymond Kelly and police brass. Photo by Dean Moses “I solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the position of police commissioner of the city of New York to the very best of my abilities,” Tisch said. Photo by Dean Moses
CARSON, Calif. — Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic scored in the first half, and the LA Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final with goals from their star forwards, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing decade, even finishing 26th in the 29-team league last year. But the Galaxy turned everything around this season with a high-scoring new lineup that finished second in the Western Conference and then streaked through the playoffs with a whopping 18 goals in five games to win another crown. Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable charge through the playoffs ended one win shy of its first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win MLS' playoff tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons. He was the MVP of the 2022 MLS Cup Final for the Galaxy's crosstown rival, Los Angeles FC. The Galaxy won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the Western Conference final. Puig watched the game in a suit, but his teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their fans during the celebration. Paintsil put the Galaxy ahead in the ninth minute when he ran onto that sublime pass from Brugman and pounded home his 14th MLS goal — including four in the playoffs — in the Ghanaian forward's outstanding first season. Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home the 21st goal of his outstanding year as the Galaxy's striker. Nealis got New York on the scoreboard in the 28th minute when he volleyed home a ball that got loose in LA's penalty area after a corner. The Galaxy's usually shaky defense gave up another handful of good chances before reaching halftime with a tenuous lead. The second half was lively, but scoreless. Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Gabriel Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose again in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. The Galaxy bench rushed onto the field and prematurely celebrated a victory in the seventh minute of injury time, only to be herded back off for another 30 seconds of play. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of traveling Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough on MLS' biggest stage. The Galaxy's Greg Vanney became the fourth coach to win an MLS title with two clubs. The former Galaxy player also won it all with Toronto in 2017. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández rebuilt itself this season with lesser-known young talents from around the world. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and the Ghanaian Paintsil out of Belgium, and the duo combined with incumbent Serbian striker Joveljic to form a potent attack that could outscore almost any MLS opponent. But the Galaxy also relied heavily on Puig, their Catalan catalyst and one of MLS' best players. Puig stayed in last week's game after injuring his knee, and he even delivered the decisive pass to Joveljic for the game's only goal.Strickland served as an assemblymember from 1998 to 2004 and as a state senator from 2008 to 2012.
PASADENA, Calif. (CNS) -- UCLA will play host to USC Saturday evening at the Rose Bowl in a matchup of teams seeking a victory over their crosstown rival to provide a highlight to a lackluster season. The 5-5 Trojans need either a victory over the Bruins or sixth-ranked Notre Dame next Saturday in their regular-season finale to become bowl eligible for the fifth time in six seasons. The 4-6 Bruins need to both beat USC and Fresno State next Saturday in their regular-season finale to become bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. In their first seasons in the Big Ten Conference, both teams are 3-5 in conference play, tied for 12th in the 18-team conference. USC is a 4 1/2- to five-point favorite, depending on the oddsmaker. The Bruins won last year's game, 38-20, with Ethan Garbers throwing three touchdown passes and UCLA's defense, then coached by D'Anton Lynn, sacking 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams four times and limiting the Trojans to 3 rushing yards. Lynn left the Bruins 13 days later to become the Trojans' defensive coordinator. Cornerback John Humphrey and safety Kamari Ramsey joined Lynn in making the move from UCLA to USC after being starters in 2023. Ramsey leads the Trojans with five pass breakups and is fourth with 43 tackles. Jayden Maiava will be making his second consecutive start at quarterback for USC. He threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns in his first start as a Trojan in last Saturday's 28-20 victory over Nebraska, which ended USC's five-game losing streak in one-score games. Garbers, a redshirt senior, has thrown for multiple touchdowns in each of his past four games, the first time he has accomplished that feat. Statistically, the Trojans' strongest facet is their punting game, leading Football Bowl Subdivision teams in net punting with a 46.18-yard average. Their next-highest ranked area is passing offense, 13th in FBS, averaging 288 yards. UCLA is seventh in rushing defense, allowing 100.6 yards per game and 11th in kickoff return defense, allowing 16 yards per return. USC leads the series 50-34-7, not including victories in 2004 and 2005 that were vacated as part of the penalties issued by the NCAA for improper benefits accepted by 2005 Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush and his family. The Bruins have won just seven of the past 25 meetings. The winner will get possession of the Victory Bell, a 295-pound bell that originally hung atop a Southern Pacific freight locomotive and was given to the UCLA Alumni Association in 1939. In 1941, it was taken by a group of USC students who hid it in a variety of locations for more than a year. Following an intervention by school administrators, the student body presidents of both schools signed an agreement in 1942 providing that the winner of the football game would keep possession for the next year, a tradition that has continued, along with painting the bell's carriage in the school color of the winner.The Hidden Challenges of Mental Health Billing and How to Overcome ThemWe've all heard someone claim they have a "high pain threshold" as if it's a mark of strength or resilience. But does science support the idea that some people genuinely feel less pain than others? Pain is an experience shaped by our psychology and social context, with many variables. In our interviews with children about their experiences of pain, many link pain to "toughness". It seems that social expectations shape our understanding of pain from a young age. There are also plenty of misconceptions about pain thresholds, which contribute to health-care inequities that affect millions of people. What is (and isn't) a pain threshold? A pain threshold technically refers to the point at which an event – such as heat, cold, or pressure – becomes painful. While these two terms often become muddled in everyday language, they describe different facets of the pain experience. Distinguishing between them is crucial, especially in research settings. How stable is a pain threshold? The stability of a pain threshold is controversial, and probably depends on how it is tested. Certain techniques produce fairly consistent results. But the pain threshold may be more of a "zone of uncertainty" than a fixed point of transition from non-painful to painful. We have argued that how variable someone's pain threshold is may, in future, provide valuable information that could help us understand their risk of chronic pain and the best treatment options for them. Biological influences on pain thresholds Pain thresholds are influenced by a variety of biological factors. For now, let's explore genetics, hormones, and the nervous...
“My twin sister Nicola got sick when she was 24 years old. It was determined that she had stomach cancer and passed away two months to the day she was diagnosed.” Natasha Benn lost her sister to a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer in 1993. Before Nicola, her mother had passed away from the same cancer when Benn was two. So did her grandmother, aunt, and great-grandfather. “My dad always thought it might be some kind of hereditary component to the type of cancer that my mom had, but it was never confirmed at the time,” Benn said. Shortly after Nicola's death, a gastroenterologist strongly suggested that Benn undergo surgery to remove her stomach, given the close genetic link between the twins. Nine months later, the young woman decided to go forward with full gastrostomy, unbeknownst to her if she was carrying the same ailment. Grieving the loss of her sister and uncertain if she had made the right decision, Benn received news six years later confirming her choice had been the correct one. After performing a biopsy on the young woman’s stomach, pathologists discovered traces of cancer in the organ’s lining - something that could not have been detected even with an endoscopy. Little did they know, the Benns, along with another family from Detroit, were part of a groundbreaking discovery that transformed the lives of countless families. For the first time in history, researchers identified a genetic mutation in Natasha’s stomach which they named CDH1. This mutation was found to carry an 83 per cent risk of developing stomach cancer and 60 per cent likelihood of lobular breast cancer. Thanks to the technological advances and research, organizations like BC Cancer can find this mutation through risk-free, non-evasive, and efficient ways. A simple sample of saliva, or blood, can be all that’s needed to determine if one carries the rogue gene. “Genetic testing can be helpful in clarifying whether or not you have an increased risk [of cancer] and then determining what's available in terms of screening and prevention for those specific types of cancer,” said Jennifer Nuk, leader in genetic counsellor for the BC Cancer Hereditary Cancer Program. For decades, identifying hereditary cancer solely relied on analyzing one’s family history, without having certainty if members were carriers of the ailment, explained Nuk. In the early days of genetic testing, means were limited, costly, and slow. Today, however, researchers can examine more genes than ever before with greater efficiency, at a higher rate, for a fraction of what it once cost. “We've had families that were seen years ago where it looks like there was something going on in the family... and we didn't find anything,” said Nuk. “Now we go back to test that same family [and] we're actually picking up mutations because the technology has improved so much.” Though many remain to be studied, Nuk and her team can now detect rogue genes causing numerous cancers including ovarian, breast, and colon. The lead geneticist added that the services offered by the program are twofold; genetic testing to identify individuals carrying mutated genes, and the provision of personalized care plans for those at increased cancer risk. “If we can figure out someone's at higher risk... we have a much better chance of offering better outcomes for the patient,” she said. People are provided with comprehensive information and a range of options, allowing them to make informed decisions about their next steps. As prevention is key to combating cancer, Nuk and her team will discuss and propose to their patients appropriate screening options, such as mammograms or MRIs, as well as preventative measures like vaccines and surgeries suited to their respective conditions. In turn, Nuk added that if one treatment can be given over another more invasive one, this will ultimately result in a better quality of life for individuals and benefit the overall health-care system. Since its inception in 1997, the prevention program has not only saved thousands of lives but also reduced health-care costs for taxpayers, freed up time and resources for other cancer patients, and alleviated the burden on B.C.'s hospitals. Benn and her sisters benefited from this very program. “My older sister did have the gene and decided to go through with the surgery and had her stomach removed,” she said. “[It] was riddled with cancer and she's still living today.” Her other sister, luckily, tested negative for the CDH1 mutation. Benn herself, facing a significant breast cancer risk from possessing the gene, opted for a preventative mastectomy. Reflecting on her journey, the self-proclaimed “cancer avoider” acknowledges the challenges she faced, including the grief of losing her sister and the uncertainty that followed her surgery. However, she strongly recommends the importance of prioritizing preventative care. “To have that knowledge and to be willing to [use it] is so important,” said Benn. “I know a lot of people avoid going to the doctor, especially when you might be feeling completely healthy, but you don't know what else is happening in your body. “Having a screening place that you can go to determine if you have a history of any kind of illness that you can prevent it in advance, why wouldn't you go?”KINGSTON Jamaica – Dates for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Six exams have been pushed back on account of disruptions caused by recent bad weather. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information advised that after consultation with key stakeholders, a decision was taken to adjust the dates to provide additional preparation time to students. The revised dates for administration of the tests are: Ability Test, Thursday, February 20, 2025; Performance Task Tests – Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (Language Arts), and Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Mathematics); Curriculum-Based Tests – Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (Language Arts and Science), and Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Mathematics and Social Studies). The ministry, in a bulletin, said it recognises the challenges faced by students, educators and parents during these trying times, and has, therefore, taken proactive measures to facilitate the best possible outcomes for the learners. School administrators are being urged to encourage teachers and parents to maximise the additional time given to ensure adequate preparation of the students for the assessment. -JIS