roulette free
(The Center Square) – Legislators in Washington, D.C., have taken a number of steps over the past few days to push for insurance and pharmaceutical reforms to be passed before the end of the year. On Wednesday, a bicameral group of Republican and Democrat lawmakers held a press conference discussing the need for pharmacy benefit manager reform to protect small pharmacies across the country and “save lives.” “Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or an independent, we all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality health care,” said Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga. “We’re not here today to just discuss one bill or to discuss just one patient’s story. We're here because there's broad, bipartisan pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, reform that is needed to save lives.” Pharmacy benefit managers are the middlemen responsible for managing the drug prices covered by health insurance plans. According to the Harvard Political Review , the problem with pharmacy benefit managers is that they “have vertically integrated with pharmacy chains and health insurers through massive conglomerates.” That then allows them to abuse their power to cut out small pharmacies and increase prices. Carter also signed a letter that was released last week calling on the Department of Justice to dig into the role pharmacy benefit managers played in the opioid epidemic. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Deborah Ross, D-N.C., and Cliff Benz, R-Ore., all joined him in signing that letter. “The opioid crisis has devastated communities in North Carolina and across the country, and PBMs may have fueled it by prioritizing profits over people,” Ross said on social media . “That’s why I joined a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate their role and hold these bad actors accountable.” The letter looked at recent reports on the largest pharmacy benefit managers, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx which state that they “colluded and conspired to steer patients towards OxyContin in exchange for $400 million.” OxyContin is a trade name for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride, a painkiller available by prescription only. This and the general “lack of transparency” is just one of the many complaints that legislators aired on Wednesday. “My colleagues who are joining me today, Democrats and Republicans ... all recognize that PBMs are decreasing the accessibility, the affordability, and therefore the quality of health care in America,” Carter said. “We have an opportunity, right now, to advance bipartisan legislation that increases reporting requirements, which would heighten transparency and shine a light on the opaque practices of these PBMs.” Carter was also joined by Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who is leading the effort to get legislation passed in the U.S. Senate. “This year, we're losing about one pharmacy a day in America,” Lankford said. “We want leadership to be able to take this up and to bring it up in the end-of-year package ... Stop holding up legislation that is bipartisan, bicameral, and solving a problem that Americans need solved.”As the IIHF 2025 World Juniors take over Ottawa, the Shepherds of Good Hope are bringing sportsmanship off the ice. Beginning on Dec. 26, the social service agency has partnered with Lionhearts, a food recovery program, to collect leftover food from venues feeding players, staff and fans, and deliver it to its community kitchen to feed those in need. Jiating Lai, communications coordinator with the Shepherds, tells CityNews that the idea to target the hockey tournament was inspired by the core values of sportsmanship—teamwork, community, and inclusivity. “With hundreds of players and teams, and thousands of eager fans, large events like the junior hockey tournament will generate surplus food,” she says. “This program leverages that opportunity to address food insecurity while minimizing waste. By redistributing professionally prepared meals to those in need, it aligns with the spirit of the tournament and highlights the importance of sustainability and giving back to the community.” While the exact numbers of food collected and meals served will not be known until the tournament is over, the organization is hoping to reach over a thousand individuals in need, serving several hundred meals per day. The goal is aspirational but plausible. Data from Second Harvest shows that , and that’s just individuals. Those numbers do not include businesses like restaurants, hotels and grocery stores. While Canada’s food waste problem is showing slight improvements, overall the nation wastes more food than the global average. In Canada, around 46 per cent of all food produced ends up in landfills. Worldwide that number is 40 per cent. “The food service industry is generous. When chefs, volunteers, local organizations, and donors collaborate to address food insecurity, it shows how collective action can turn surplus food into meaningful support,” Lai says. “Each contribution—whether it’s preparing, transporting, or serving meals—reflects a shared commitment to helping others.” As the food is professionally prepared and ready to eat, the Shepherds are able to serve it as is. This also ensures same-day delivery and maintains food quality and safety standards for those receiving the meals. The program involves dozens of individuals, including staff, chefs and volunteers, as well as logistics teams who coordinate pickups and deliveries across the city. But this degree of work is not unknown to the Shepherds who run food programs and other homelessness supports throughout the year. The Shepherds of Good Hope run a community kitchen 365 days, serving hundreds of thousands of meals per year. provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for emergency shelter clients, a public community lunch, and an evening drop-in meal service. “These programs are made possible through the generous support of volunteers and donations from local grocery stores, food warehouses, schools, churches, corporations, and community members,” Lai says. She expresses how important of proper nutrition is when it comes to vulnerable populations. Especially as food prices rise, nutritious food helps prevent health issues caused by malnutrition and provides a solid foundation for striving to rebuild one’s life. “Rising costs make it even harder for those experiencing homelessness or poverty to access quality food, so programs like this not only meet a basic need but also promote equity and dignity in the community,” she says. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than to gift someone the most valuable gift of all: health. “The holidays are often a time of reflection, connection, and giving, but for many experiencing homelessness, they can amplify feelings of isolation and hardship. Providing warm, freshly prepared meals during this season brings comfort, a sense of inclusion, and hope,” Lai says. “Ottawa is a giving community that cares and supports people experiencing homelessness. The timing reinforces the community’s care and support, making a profound impact on those who receive it, both physically and emotionally.” Lai says the Shepherds look forward to see how many meals they can serve through this program and are already thinking about how they can expand programs like this one to more events, fostering a collaboration between the hospitality industry and social services.This Is What Whales Are Betting On Redfin
DTE Energy sets 2025 annual meeting date
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Humacyte, Inc. HUMA and certain of its executives are now defendants in a class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The suit, Cutshall v. Humacyte, Inc., et al. , alleges that the company misled investors about the status of its Biologic License Application (BLA) for its acellular tissue engineered vessel (ATEV) and the regulatory compliance of its manufacturing facilities. Hagens Berman urges investors in Humacyte who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now . Class Period: May 10, 2024 – Oct. 17, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 17, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/huma Contact the Firm Now: HUMA@hbsslaw.com | 844-916-0895 Humacyte, Inc. (HUMA) Securities Class Action: The complaint, filed on behalf of investors who purchased Humacyte securities between May 10, 2024, and October 17, 2024, claims that the company and its executives failed to disclose material adverse facts about the company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Humacyte's Durham, North Carolina facility had significant manufacturing compliance issues, including deficiencies in quality assurance and microbial testing. The truth emerged after the FDA's subsequent inspection of the facility and the delayed review of the BLA came to light, which led to a significant decline in Humacyte's stock price. Specifically, on August 9, 2024, the company announced that the FDA would require additional time to complete its review of the BLA. Then, on October 17, 2024, the FDA issued a Form 483 detailing multiple violations at the Durham facility. "The allegations in the complaint highlight serious violations of securities laws. If proven true, Humacyte's alleged failure to disclose material information to investors is unacceptable," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. If you invested in Humacyte or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now . If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Humacyte case and our investigation, read more . Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Humacyte should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email HUMA@hbsslaw.com . About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw . Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Californians pay for utility wildfire prevention. Is that cost-effective?
One of the framed photos on the table in the middle of the Cottonwood gym Friday morning was of Braylon Morris with a baseball in his hand when he was two or three years old. Now a Cottonwood High senior, Morris will continue to have a baseball in his hand as a pitcher for the Wallace College Govs for the next two seasons after signing to play for the Dothan community college. Cottonwood's Braylon Morris signs with Wallace College baseball as family members and Cottonwood coaches watch. “It’s a blessing to be able to sign a scholarship to play baseball,” Morris said. “I want to thank my parents and the Lord above. It’s a blessing to have a great program (Wallace) to work out with. Everything they do is to get you to the next level, so it’s a blessing to have an opportunity.” Morris has been a standout pitcher for the Bears in the last few years. This past spring, the right-hander amassed a 5-3 record and 2.93 earned run average with 73 strikeouts over 55 innings. He also starred at the plate with a .342 batting average and a .569 on-base percentage, highlighted by drawing 34 walks and being hit by nine pitches. His success both as a pitcher and hitter earned him Dothan Eagle Super 12 honorable mention recognition and helped Cottonwood to a 16-15 record and the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs. In addition to his role as a pitcher, Morris also plays third base and second base for the Bears. While he excels on both offense and pitching, Morris is expected to be a pitcher only at Wallace. “I would love to hit or DH, but as of right now, I am going to go pitch,” Morris said. On the mound, Morris says he has four main pitches – two-seam fastball, four-seam fastball, a change-up and his go to pitch – a slider. His velocity is usually around the 87 mile per hour range, said Morris. “His location is what makes him great as a pitcher,” Cottonwood head coach Danny Coachman said. “He studies the batters If he knows what a batter can’t hit, that batter is going to get that pitch. He has control of his pitches. He can throw a 3-2 breaking ball, a 3-2 change-up or 3-2 off speed. He can place the pitch really well.” Coachman said a strong work ethic has made Morris a standout baseball player. “He is a dedicated hard worker,” Coachman said. “I know it is a cliché, but he really is the first to come and last to leave. He displays his leadership skills on the field by doing what is supposed to be done. He is just a great kid – a great kid that I have enjoyed working with for the last five years. “I know he will do well at Wallace because he is going to work to be a great player.” The Bears’ senior credits his baseball success to his older brother, Brody, who was a pitcher and infielder at Cottonwood before graduating in 2021. Cottonwood's Braylon Morris thanks teammates, family members and friends for their support during a ceremony after signing with Wallace College baseball. “My brother has blessed me. I spent most of my weekends watching my brother (play baseball),” Morris said. “I watched him, and I picked up a lot of things and that is what has made me so successful.” Morris has shown himself to be a big-time pitcher in the pressure situations. As a sophomore, he had a three-hit shutout over six innings in a playoff game against Pike Liberal Arts. This past spring, he allowed only four hits and a run, while striking out 11 in a 10-1 opening-playoff win over Ranburne. A week later, he gave up only five hits and three runs over six plus innings with eight strikeouts and only two walks against Pike Liberal Arts before hitting the 120-pitch limit and having to come out of the game. In addition to baseball, Morris has also starred at Cottonwood in football. For the past two years, he has been the Bears’ starting quarterback. This past season, the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder threw for 1,587 yards (122.1 a game) with 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions off 77-of-115 (66.9 percent). He also rushed for 1,009 yards (77.6 yards a game) with 13 touchdowns on 154 carries (6.6 yards a carry). Combined rushing, passing, receiving, he accounted for 2,614 yards (201.1 yards a game) and 30 TDs. He also recorded 37 tackles on defense as a linebacker with 11 tackles for loss and three QB sacks, while helping Cottonwood to a 12-1 record, a region title and to the Class 2A state quarterfinals. Morris “Going into high school, I didn’t think I would be a quarterback,” Morris said. “I was more of fullback. I was a heavier set kid. Over the years, I put on some muscle and got a little slender. Last year, another quarterback went down (with an injury), and I said, ‘Give me a shot.’ They put in there and the rest is history.” Morris said he chose to play baseball at Wallace for several reasons. “The coaches are great people,” Morris said. “It is closer to home. It is a great program and why not stay home when you have a great program around you.” He added, “I am blessed that they picked me. They make kids from the Wiregrass great athletes and develop them a lot better than some others do. They were the No. 2 JUCO in the nation last year for a long time and I think they can help me reach my goals after I get done playing with them.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
None
Topline Sam Altman joined fellow billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos in announcing $1 million donations to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund, as the tech industry seeks to strengthen relationships with the incoming president after an antagonistic past. Key Facts Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Are Companies Allowed To Donate To Trump’s Inaugural Fund? Yes. The Federal Election Commission states corporations and labor organizations are allowed to make donations to an inaugural committee and contributions are not subject to any limits. The inaugural committee has to file a report with the FEC detailing donations by the 90th day after the inauguration. What Does The Inaugural Fund Do? After the election, an inaugural committee is appointed by the president-elect and it is responsible for planning the inauguration ceremony and activities connected with the ceremony, according to the FEC. The inaugural committee plans and finances inaugural events—save for the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol and a luncheon—that it wants to host, including opening ceremonies, parades, galas and balls. Key Background The slew of donations from tech companies comes as executives are working to repair or build relationships with Trump ahead of his second term in the White House. Trump has been openly critical of a number of tech executives—including Bezos and Zuckerberg—and tech companies, especially after being removed from some social media platforms in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Bezos posted on X , formerly known as Twitter, for the first time in nearly a year after the first assassination attempt on Trump earlier this year, saying the then-candidate “showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire tonight. So thankful for his safety and so sad for the victims and their families.” After Trump won, Bezos congratulated him on “an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory.” When Zuckerberg met with Trump last month, a Meta spokesperson said the CEO was “grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and...meet with members of his team about the incoming administration,” and a Trump aide told Fox Zuckerberg saw Trump as an “agent of change and...prosperity.” What To Watch For Other donations coming in. The Washington Post reported Google CEO Sundar Pichai had a scheduled sit-down with Trump earlier this week. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce and owner of Time magazine—which just named Trump its person of the year—said in a post on X , “This marks a time of great promise for our nation. We look forward to working together to advance American success and prosperity for everyone.” Forbes Valuation Forbes’ estimates Altman has a net worth of $1.1 billion as of Friday afternoon. We estimate Bezos has a net worth of about $242 billion, making him the second wealthiest person in the world, and Zuckerberg has a net worth of about $214.3 billion, making him the third wealthiest person. Further ReadingToronto Argonauts sign American running back Kevin BrownWASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors . The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people , including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use . The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people, showcasing the uneasy intersection between law, politics and individual rights. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism of arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights , questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should be weighing in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. ”The Constitution leaves that question to the people’s representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor,” Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. The court’s three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers. But it’s not clear that any of the conservatives will go along. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents aged 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. “Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn’t protect them. It didn’t protect women for whole centuries,” Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from the 57-year-old decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that “the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature.” Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The arguments produced some riveting moments. Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that’s susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito’s questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. “So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?” Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court’s marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like “Champion God’s Design” and “Kids Health Matters,” while the other side proclaimed “Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights” and “Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner that she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state “decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors.” She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Rice countered that lawmakers acted to regulate “risky, unproven medical interventions” and, at one point, likened the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments to lobotomies and eugenics, now thoroughly discredited but once endorsed by large segments of the medical community. Rice argued that the Tennessee law doesn’t discriminate based on sex, but rather based on the purpose of the treatment. Children can get puberty blockers to treat early onset puberty, but not as a treatment for gender dysphoria. “Our fundamental point is there is no sex-based line here,” Rice said. While the challengers invoked the 2020 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County for support, Tennessee relied on the court's precedent-shattering Dobbs decision in 2022 that ended nationwide protections for abortion and returned the issue to the states. The two sides battled in their legal filings over the appropriate level of scrutiny the court should apply. It's more than an academic exercise. The lowest level is known as rational basis review and almost every law looked at that way is ultimately upheld. Indeed, the federal appeals court in Cincinnati that allowed the Tennessee law to be enforced held that lawmakers acted rationally to regulate medical procedures, well within their authority. The appeals court reversed a trial court that employed a higher level of review, heightened scrutiny, that applies in cases of sex discrimination. Under this more searching examination, the state must identify an important objective and show that the law helps accomplish it. If the justices opt for heightened scrutiny, they could return the case to the appeals court to apply it. That's the course Prelogar and Strangio pushed for on Wednesday, though there did not seem to be much support for it. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. But Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh all highlighted a point made by Tennessee in its legal briefs claiming that health authorities in Sweden, Finland, Norway and the United Kingdom found that the medical treatments "pose significant risks with unproven benefits.” If those countries “are pumping the brakes on this kind of treatment," Kavanaugh said, why should the Supreme Court question Tennessee's actions? None of those countries has adopted a ban similar to the one in Tennessee and individuals can still obtain treatment, Prelogar said. Kavanaugh, who has coached his daughters’ youth basketball teams, also wondered whether a ruling against Tennessee would give transgender athletes "a constitutional right to participate in girls' sports.” Prelogar said a narrow decision would not affect the sports issue. Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst, Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas, Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee contributed to this report.
None
Chairman of NPP UK chapter, Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party(NPP)UK chapter, Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong, commonly known as Wofa K, has claimed that the Akufo-Addo-led administration is leaving behind a strong economy. He argued that the incoming Mahama-led administration should have no excuse to send the country back to the dark days. “If Mahama fails to build on the growth we have achieved, the growth rate will drop and the country will head back to the challenges and difficulties we complained about,” he said. He asserted that Mr Mahama has a poor track record of mismanaging the economy, and the example could be traced to when the Atta Mills increased our GDP from 8% under Kufuor to 14%, which dropped to 3.5%. Mahama destroyed all the gains made and plunged us into five years of dumsor with the collapse of industries, which cost the country an annual figure of GHC 10.88 billion. That was the state of the country. He added the NPP came in with every fibre in us and worked hard; in 2017, 2018, and 2019, Ghana was the fastest-growing economy in the whole world. If not for the outbreak of Covid-19, we would have experienced something different. He stressed the need for Mahama not to have any excuse but to put in motion all his promises to make the living conditions of the people better than what the NPP had done
WASHINGTON — The man tapped to be Donald Trump’s top legislative liaison will face challenges on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue as he manages a mercurial boss and tough math in both chambers of Congress. If the president-elect’s late-night and pre-sunrise social media blasts about legislation and lawmakers don’t prove challenging enough for former congressional aide James Braid and his incoming White House legislative affairs staff, the tight margins in what will be the Republican-run House and Senate will likely only further complicate matters. But Republican sources say Braid’s history in conservative circles should help the Trump team clear any potential hurdles, predicting several legislative wins next year. Braid is a former policy director for the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus and was a staffer for former South Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Sanford and for North Carolina Republican Ted Budd, when he served in the House. He most recently was a senior aide to Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the incoming vice president. “James is a very serious staffer. He works so hard and puts a lot of blood, sweat and tears into whatever he’s working on,” a former Senate GOP aide who has worked directly with Braid said this week. “I could see James and Trump getting along very well. Both are very ‘America First.’ They’re both very boisterous and full of energy — and they’re both hardcore and get-down-to-business guys.” A veteran of the first Trump administration as a legislative affairs aide in the White House Office of Management and Budget, Braid will be able to “tap into his vast well of knowledge about the appropriations process,” according to the former Senate GOP aide. “He’s a strategic thinker and has a lot of political savvy, and is someone who has a history of working with coalitions to get things done,” the former aide added. ‘One of the toughest jobs’ Several Republican sources this week said Trump and his incoming team were eager to, as one said, “put points on the board early.” That means Braid will be busy even before Day 1, as sources noted that House and Senate Republicans and their aides already have begun to look toward the new Congress and advancing Trump’s agenda. G. William Hoagland, a former senior Senate Republican staffer, said in an email that Braid will have “one of the toughest jobs in the White House.” “I would expect there could be some real shouting matches, or at least difficult discussions, with Trump as to why [Braid] cannot get certain House members to fall in line, unlike 2017, when Republicans had nearly a 40-seat majority,” added Hoagland, now with the Bipartisan Policy Center. “I don’t envy his job at all and he will be inundated with outside advisers — Elon Musk, etc. — not to mention new Cabinet officers and [OMB Director pick] Russ Vought.” Vought, who also served as acting OMB director toward the end of Trump’s initial term, could push Braid particularly hard from the White House side of Pennsylvania Avenue. Vought was also a key driver of the conservative Heritage Foundation-led “Project 2025” initiative which calls for deep cuts to federal programs and spending as well as a major overhaul of the federal apparatus — all of which would need Congress’ blessing. “Based on the conversations that I’ve had with the Trump team and some folks who are probably going in [the administration], a big part of what that will be, at least at the start, will be going after the ‘woke’ and weaponized pieces of appropriations,” the former Senate GOP aide said. “And also dealing with Ukraine aid, if that conflict isn’t already over by March,” when a potential pre-recess stopgap spending measure could be due to expire. (Lawmakers are expected this month to extend government funding through the early spring.) Braid did not respond to a message seeking an interview. Nor did Vance’s Senate office. Working the margins Republicans expect to move out on fast-track budget legislation under Congress’ special reconciliation rules, but crafting legislation that both moderate and conservative members can support has been tricky in the past. Finding a way to get that done will be crucial, GOP sources said, because any reconciliation legislation likely would not garner a single Democratic vote in either chamber. “It may be that James’ biggest issue for his future in that position is to quickly establish a good working relationship with the House leadership team including both the speaker’s and minority leader’s offices,” Hoagland said. “This is critical, given the margins.” With the last House race being called by The Associated Press early Wednesday, House Republicans will hold just a paper-thin majority next year — 220-215, assuming full attendance. That margin is, at least temporarily, on track to shrink in the early months of next year. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month shortly before withdrawing from consideration to be Trump’s attorney general, has said he will not return next year despite winning a fifth term in November. Two other members are expected to depart to join the new administration — New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House GOP conference chair who is Trump’s pick to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, the incoming national security adviser. While special elections are organized and held for those seats, Braid will have his work cut out for him maneuvering members of a House GOP conference that the former senior aide quipped “can go at each other often.” But in doing so, the former aide noted, Braid will have a political reality on his side during the sometimes-testy talks about the contents of legislation. “Remember, all those House members are up for reelection in two years,” he said. “So going against Trump won’t be very wise if they don’t want a primary opponent. I’d expect them to, eventually, fall in line.” Aaron Cutler, a former House GOP leadership aide, said in an email this week that “with tight margins in both chambers, Braid’s task will be to maximize every opportunity for legislative success,” adding: “By focusing on shared priorities and leveraging the president’s strong connection with the Republican base, they’ll have an opportunity to secure wins even in a closely divided Congress.” Beyond the fast-track reconciliation bills, however, Trump and Braid would need to secure at least some Democratic votes for other priorities. Some members of the opposition party already this week were giving Republicans some subtle advice. “Our divisions still run very deep, but our task in this chamber cannot and will not change,” Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer, fresh off being elected by his conference to continue in his role, said Tuesday. “We are sent here to make life better for the American people.” ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.ISLAMABAD: In a groundbreaking move to combat climate change, the Federal Cabinet has approved Pakistan’s first-ever Carbon Market Policy. The policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, is a bold step toward achieving the country’s climate and development goals while aligning with global efforts under the Paris Agreement. The Carbon Market Policy provides a comprehensive framework to operationalize carbon markets in Pakistan, creating opportunities for emissions reductions across sectors such as energy, agriculture, waste management, and forestry. According to Climate Ministry Spokesperson, the initiative aims to attract both domestic and international investments while ensuring social equity and environmental integrity. The Ministry highlighted that the policy is rooted in three pillars: environmental integrity, economic development, and equitable benefit sharing. These priorities ensure that projects under the carbon market generate real, verifiable emission reductions and deliver economic and social benefits for communities. The approval process has been made simple and efficient to attract investors, with minimal fees. A Corresponding Adjustment Fee (CAF) will allocate 12% of net revenues to provincial and national climate funds, while only 5% of credits generated will be adjusted toward Pakistan’s voluntary climate commitments. The policy is supported by international organizations such as USAID, World Bank, UNEP, and GIZ, which are aiding Pakistan in building carbon market regulations, a carbon registry, and a pipeline of projects. These partnerships are expected to mobilize significant capital and expertise to turn the policy into impactful actions for climate resilience. Federal officials emphasized that the policy will channel investments into sectors with high emissions reduction potential, foster the deployment of clean technologies, and contribute to achieving Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). With this policy, Pakistan has extended an invitation to global carbon market players to collaborate in developing projects that support national development, uplift local communities, and contribute to a sustainable low-carbon economy. “This policy marks a decisive step forward for Pakistan’s climate ambition. It’s a call to action for both domestic and global partners to join hands in creating a resilient, low-carbon future for Pakistan,” stated the ministry spokesperson. As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan’s proactive approach through its Carbon Market Policy could set a benchmark for other developing nations striving for sustainable growth and climate action.
It is well known that San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for innovation and technology. Consequently, it's no surprise that there is a growing demand for data science jobs in this area. Companies in San Jose are among the top employers seeking tech talent, and they offer many high-paying positions for skilled data scientists. This article highlights some of the best data science job opportunities currently available in the region, along with an overview of salary trends and the broader job market for data scientists. Best Paying Data Scientist Jobs in San Jose San Jose is a place where professionals who specialize in data science are in high demand. Some of the positions mentioned here pay better than others, and there are many chances for vertical promotions as well. Below is the list of the richest posts of the data scientists located here. Salary Range: $196,000 - $364,000 Right at the top of that list is a Product Engineering Group Director at Cadence Design Systems - a very senior leadership role whose compensation level is quite considerable, again because it requires experience and strategic stewardship in the leadership of product engineering teams in a state-of-the-art technology company. So the data science experience and leadership capability to manage teams and projects at the most senior levels are expected from someone applying for this role. Salary Range: $219,352 - $351,256 Intel is a leading company in semiconductor technology. For the position of Senior Director of Design Engineering , the company is offering a competitive salary package. This role demands extensive experience in managing engineering teams and a deep understanding of data science principles as they relate to design engineering. The salary range reflects the significant responsibilities and expertise required, making this opportunity appealing to seasoned professionals in the field. Salary Range: $172,500 - $321,600 Adobe is well-known for its innovative products, and the position of Research Scientist/Engineer 5.5 offers a competitive salary range for experienced data scientist s specializing in research. This role involves working on advanced projects in data science that can contribute to future Adobe products and technologies. A solid background in data analytics and research is essential, making this position a great fit for individuals looking to apply their expertise to cutting-edge solutions in the tech industry. Salary Range: $211,536 - $287,100 PayPal is a leading company in the digital payment industry and is currently advertising for a Data Scientist 3 position with a specified salary range. PayPal's data scientists work with big data to enhance customer experiences, improve fraud detection, and provide various financial services. The ideal candidate should have experience in machine learning , data modeling, and statistical analysis, among other skills. This position represents an exciting opportunity for data scientists to contribute to innovation in financial services and make a meaningful impact in the fintech sector. Salary range: $153,000 to $312,000 Micron is a leading provider of memory and storage solutions. The company is currently seeking a Principal Hardware Development Engineer for a firmware development role. Although this position is primarily hardware-oriented, Micron emphasizes the importance of strong data science skills to further advance next-generation technologies. In terms of compensation, the salary for this role aligns with that of a senior, technically demanding position, making it one of the highest-paying opportunities available for data scientists in San Jose. Salary Range: Between $151,700 and $293,200. Vectra Networks is hiring for a Technology Alliances Solution Engineer/Architect position. This position comes with an attractive compensation package for candidates experienced in data science, network security, and artificial intelligence . This role is challenging because it requires a combination of technical expertise and business acumen, as you will be working closely with customers on designing and deploying AI-driven network security solutions. The key competencies needed for this position include data science, machine learning, and network security. Salary Range: $170,000 to $288,500 Micron's Principal CQE Engineer position is one of the highly competitive salaried jobs in the automobile industry. This role requires a strong focus on delivering high-quality performance to customers by utilizing data science and quality engineering principles. It is an analytical position that seeks candidates with experience in the automobile sector, making it an appealing choice for data scientists who are interested in both data and engineering. Salary Range: $150,700-$284,400 The attractive salary range for the data scientist with deep software engineering skills would be the position of Staff Software Engineer in Adobe. In this job, the data scientists would utilize their ability to analyze data to enhance the functionalities of the software and usability experience by working on a set of Adobe products. This role also involves much coding and experience in the development of algorithms, along with working with large sets of data. The job market for data scientists in San Jose is highly robust, offering lucrative opportunities for professionals at all stages of their careers. On average, data scientists in the region earn about $144,780 per year. However, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, skills, and specific roles. Top earners in this field can make as much as $230,296 annually, typically requiring advanced technical expertise or leadership skills. The average salary range for data scientists in San Jose falls within the 25th and 75th percentiles, with averages of $115,400 and $159,400, respectively. Career advancement and opportunities for growth increase considerably as professionals gain experience and further their training. San Jose is a highly competitive market for data scientists. The region offers diverse opportunities across various industries, including major tech companies like Adobe, Intel, and PayPal, as well as specialized sectors such as network security and automotive engineering. As a result, some of the highest-paying data science jobs in the nation are available here. With ample opportunities for career growth and significant salary advancement, San Jose continues to be a top destination for data science professionals seeking lucrative and fulfilling roles in the tech industry. Looking ahead, the region is expected to remain a hotbed of technological innovation, with a sustained demand for data scientists. This environment presents exciting challenges and opportunities for advancement in one of the most dynamic tech hubs in the world.Nvidia stock is set up well for 2025 as chip demand to remain red hot: Jefferies