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I’M A Celebrity fans have been left reeling after Barry McGuigan and Maura Higgins got the boot tonight. The pair became the latest stars to be kicked out of the jungle as part of a double eviction twist, which sent shock waves throughout the camp. 8 Fans are not happy to see Maura and Barry leave the camp Credit: ITV 8 Boxer Barry got the boot tonight Credit: Rex 8 Late arrival Maura said goodbye to her campmates tonight Credit: Rex 8 Oti won herself a golden ticket to the semi-finals Credit: Eroteme The news didn’t go down well with fans, with one person commenting: “Am gutted Maura and Barry gone. Didn't want anyone to leave TBH.” A second wrote: “Noooo I'm gutted to see Barry and Maura go!” And a third added: “Barry and Maura were my two faves absolutely gutted they’re both out.” Love Island star Maura , 34, was a late arrival to the jungle alongside Reverend Richard Coles. Read More on I'm A Celeb BASE CAMP I'm A Celeb stars & families pose for pic - can you guess who they all are? RUMBLED One star looks smug to make semi-final - but immunity 'twist' was to FIX results She instantly became a huge part of the camp and delighted viewers with her funny stories and extreme reaction the trials. Speaking after she got the boot, Maura said: "I'm really happy! I said it last night, I said it this morning, I was like 'It's my time,' I had a gut feeling and my gut feeling is never wrong!" Meanwhile, boxer Barry became the father of the camp, particularly to Danny Jones. Revealing his disappointment about getting the boot, Barry said: " As I'm the original cyclone, I am kinda disappointed with that slipping and looking like a clown, it would've been great ." Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 TULISA'S TRUTH The REAL reason Tulisa fled Australia revealed after I'm A Celeb mystery no maura First look as terrified Maura screams in grim I’m A Celeb trial for immunity BASE CAMP I'm A Celeb stars & families pose for pic - can you guess who they all are? RUMBLED One star looks smug to make semi-final - but immunity 'twist' was to FIX results It came after Oti discovered she would be heading straight to Celebrity Cyclone after winning immunity. The former Strictly star beat off competition from Maura , Coleen Rooney and Danny Jones to get the coveted ticket. She said afterwards: “It feels amazing, I’ve got to wash my underwear more now!” Tonight's two evicted celebs will follow axed Jane Moore, Dean McCullough, Tulisa Contostavlos, and Melvin Odoom out of camp. Now just six stars remain and will battle it out to be crown Jungle King or Queen over the weekend. 8 The news shocked the other campmates Credit: Eroteme 8 Barry had a very close bond with Danny Jones Credit: ITV 8 Maura spent much of her time screaming Credit: Eroteme 8 The star said she thought she would be leaving tonight Credit: Eroteme I’m A Celebrity final six stars 2024 Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Ant and Dec reveal the FOUR I’m A Celebrity stars in the running to win immunity after huge show shake-upSeattle (7-5) at Arizona (6-6) Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Cardinals by 2 1/2. Series record: Seahawks lead 28-22-1. Against the spread: Seahawks 5-6-1, Cardinals 8-4. Last meeting: Seahawks beat Cardinals 16-6 on Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. Last week: Seahawks beat Chargers, 26-21; Cardinals lost to Vikings, 23-22. Seahawks offense: overall (16), rush (28), pass (2), scoring (15). Seahawks defense: overall (18), rush (21), pass (12), scoring (12). Cardinals offense: overall (11), rush (6), pass (22), scoring (17). Cardinals defense: overall (17), rush (13), pass (18), scoring (11). Turnover differential: Seahawks minus-6, Cardinals minus-1. DT Leonard Williams has been one of the most dominant players in the league over the past two weeks. Williams had 2 1/2 sacks, four tackles for loss and three quarterback hits two weeks ago against the Cardinals. Williams sacked Aaron Rodgers twice and scored his first career touchdown on a 92-yard pick-6. QB Kyler Murray has had some good moments over the past two games and completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. But he also threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter which proved costly. QB Geno Smith vs. Arizona's defense. Smith has had another solid season and now he'll face an Arizona defense that's been vastly improved over the past 1 1/2 months. The Cardinals have been much more productive in the pass rush with 23 sacks over the past six games. That ranks third in the NFL over that span. Coach Mike Macdonald said he is optimistic that P Michael Dickson (back spasms) will be able to play this weekend, but bringing in another punter this week is “on the table.”.. LB Uchenna Nwosu has a chance to play this week. Nwosu missed the first four games of the season with a knee injury, then injured his thigh in his first game back in Week 5, and has been on injured reserve since. ... The Cardinals are relatively healthy. DLs Darius Robinson (calf) and Dante Stills (back) have been limited in practice this week. The Seahawks have won six straight games in the series going back to 2022. The Cardinals last won 23-13 on Nov. 21, 2021. The Cardinals haven't won at home against the Seahawks since 2020. The Seahawks' next win will be the 400th in franchise history. ... Since Week 9, Seattle’s defense ranks fifth in the NFL with 17.5 points allowed per game, 299 yards allowed per game, and 84.3 rushing yards allowed per game, while ranking sixth in the league with 18.8 first downs allowed. ... The Seahawks have two pick-6s in the past two games, the first time the team has done so since 2012. ... The Seahawks have held three straight opponents to under 300 yards, and fewer than 100 rushing yards. ... Seattle has outscored its opponents by 37 points in the final two minutes of halves this season, the best in the NFL. .. WR DK Metcalf needs one receiving TD to pass Steve Largent for the most in a player’s first six seasons in franchise history with 47. ... Smith needs one 300-yard game to tie Russell Wilson for the most 300-yard games in a single season in franchise history with five. ... WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Needs 171 yards for his first 1,000-yard season, and to become the 10th player in franchise history to reach that mark. ... Arizona has won three straight games at home. The Cardinals outscored those opponents 77-30 while scoring nine touchdowns and allowing none. ... TE Trey McBride has caught 12 passes in two straight games, which is the first time a tight end has had at least 12 receptions in two straight games in NFL history. ... Arizona's six losses have come to teams with a combined 55-18 record this season entering Week 14. ... S Budda Baker has 114 tackles this season, which ranks sixth in the league. ... McBride's caught 73 passes this season. He needs just nine more catches over the next five games to break his franchise record for a tight end. ... WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has caught seven TD passes this season, which leads all NFL rookies. ... The Cardinals have been flagged for 61 penalties this season, which is the fewest in the NFL. But the team was flagged 10 times in last week's loss to the Vikings. Arizona's defense is a strong play at home. The Cardinals are giving up just 17 points per game at State Farm Stadium, which is second in the league behind Pittsburgh. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) revealed the club had informed the fans forum that changes to certain ticket policies will take effect immediately “and that this price will apply for kids and over-65s as well as adults”. The news comes as the club confirmed the cost of paying off former manager Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4million, while a release clause to bring in new head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff amounted to £11m. The figures were part of a longer version of the club’s first-quarter accounts which were released to the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. United and Everton fans are set to stage a protest against ticket prices ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday. Supporters are being asked to gather next to the trinity statue outside Old Trafford to support the Football Supporters’ Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign. As well as increasing prices generally, fans are unhappy about the removal of concession tickets for certain groups. An MUST statement read: “Suffice it to say that the idea that the fans must pay their ‘fair share’ for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement — and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades — is offensive. “We fans have done everything we have been asked. We have cheered the players on even in the face of substandard performance. “We have objected to this action in the strongest possible terms, both for the action itself and the complete lack of consultation, which is a step backward based on the process we had agreed with the club before INEOS’ arrival. “Over the coming days MUST will be seeking urgent discussions with the club to get them to listen to fans’ concern at this policy. “United fans have sucked up a lot. We will not be silent on this and we need to be prepared to resist any attempts to further drive up ticket prices.” Supporters’ group The 1958 said along with United and Everton, both Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will also display an FSA banner ahead of their match on Sunday. “With 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increasing ticket prices this season, FC58, Everton, Liverpool and City supporters will display the FSA banner to raise awareness that any future season ticket price increases, removal of concessions, and treating match-going supporters as an easy target to make quick revenues will not be tolerated,” the fans’ group said. “With the discussions around the rebuild or redevelopment of Old Trafford, we need to send a message to the club that we are laser focused on keeping football affordable and looking after our loyal, match-going fan base. “Manchester United have announced that they will be selling tickets to members for the remainder of the season at a minimum of £66 irrespective of if you are under 16, youth, OAP or disabled, which is a clear exploitation of the loyal fan base and their first move towards dynamic pricing.”What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected

Q3 2024 Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Grew 19% Year-Over-Year, SEMI Reports Compiled from data submitted by members of SEMI and the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ), the WWSEMS Report is a summary of the monthly billings figures for the global semiconductor equipment industry. Following are quarterly billings data in billions of U.S. dollars with quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes by region: The SEMI Equipment Market Data Subscription (EMDS) provides comprehensive market data for the global semiconductor equipment market. The subscription includes three reports: For more information about the report or to subscribe, please contact the SEMI Market Intelligence Team at [email protected] . More details are also available on the SEMI Market Data webpage . About SEMI SEMI ® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON ® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org , contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more. Association Contact Samer Bahou /SEMI Phone: 1.408.943.7870 Email: [email protected] Q3 2024 Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Grew 19% Year-Over-Year, SEMI ReportsCVS Health Corp. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitorsGov. Little sends Idaho State Police to U.S. southern border

Angry Patrick Mahomes accuses the NFL of risking player safety before huge run of Chiefs games READ MORE: Travis Kelce breaks his silence on NFL Man of the Year nod By JAKE NISSE Published: 23:45, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 23:52, 11 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have an extremely congested schedule coming up - and the passer is far from thrilled with the NFL. The two-time defending champions will embark on a stretch of three games in 11 days beginning this weekend when they face the Browns on Sunday, before hosting the Texans on December 21 and then traveling to the Steelers on Christmas . And while the Chiefs are sitting pretty atop the AFC with a 12-1 record, Mahomes seems to be dreading his team's next couple of weeks. 'It is not a good feeling,' he told reporters on Wednesday, per ESPN . 'I'm excited to play on Christmas to hopefully get back from what we did last year [when the Chiefs lost to the Raiders], but you never want to play this many games in this short of time. 'It's just not great for your body. But at the end of the day, it's your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it.' Mahomes added, 'All you can do is focus on the game and the practice that you had that day. I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch by tailoring my workouts, tailoring how you practice and you prepare. The coaches do a great job of taking care of us on the practice field. We practice hard as anybody, but they know how to kind of dial it back when we need it.' QB Patrick Mahomes is not looking forward to the Chiefs' upcoming stretch of games The quarterback and his team haven't had a break since returning from their Week 6 bye In addition to the Chiefs, the Texans, Steelers and Ravens will also be playing three games in the next 11 days. Crucially, though, the Ravens and Texans are coming right off of a bye in Week 14, while the Steelers had their break in Week 9. The Chiefs haven't had a rest since they returned from their Week 6 bye - a fact that defensive star Chris Jones was eager to point out. 'This is one thing I'm doing this offseason is I'm going to the NFLPA, especially with us having three games in [an 11-day] span, that we're mandatory to have a late bye week,' he said. Read More Travis Kelce suggests NFL retirement could be imminent with shock statement on New Heights 'With our schedule, it's kind of awkward, to say the least. ... That's a conversation to have this offseason. If a team has somewhat of a schedule like that, they should get a late-season bye. We don't need a Week [6] bye ... Give it to us in Week 8, Week 10, something like that.' Mahomes and Co. will have a week-and-a-half to recover after their Christmas Day game before facing the Broncos in Week 18 on January 5. And if Kansas City manages to wrap up a first-round playoff bye before Week 18 - as they currently have a two-game AFC lead over the Bills - Mahomes and the team's other starters could be held out of the final regular season game. The quarterback then wouldn't play until January 18 or 19 in the divisional round. Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Royals Share or comment on this article: Angry Patrick Mahomes accuses the NFL of risking player safety before huge run of Chiefs games e-mail Add commentManchester United criticised over ‘offensive’ price increase for match tickets

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week, killing at least 11 people on Monday after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were Israeli truce violations . The projectiles were apparently the first time that Hezbollah took aim at Israeli forces after the 60-day ceasefire went into effect last Wednesday. The increasingly fragile truce aimed to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel — part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza . In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he takes office in January there would be “HELL TO PAY.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The U.S. has given Israel crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly 15-month conflict. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Haris killed five people and wounded two while another airstrike on the village of Tallousa killed four and also wounded two. Israel's military carried out a string of airstrikes late Monday against what it said were Hezbollah fighters, infrastructure and rocket launchers across Lebanon, in response to Hezbollah firing two projectiles toward Mount Dov — a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported. Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired on an Israeli military position in the area as a “defensive and warning response” after what it called “repeated violations” of the ceasefire deal by Israel. It said complaints to mediators tasked with monitoring the ceasefire “were futile in stopping these violations.” Before the Hezbollah projectiles, Israeli carried out at least four airstrikes and an artillery barrage in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a person on a motorcycle, according to Lebanese state media. Another strike killed a corporal in the Lebanese security services. Israel has said its strikes are in response to unspecified Hezbollah violations, and that under the ceasefire deal it reserves the right to retaliate. Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon's airspace. Officials in the U.S. — which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal — played down the significance of Israeli strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding.” “We’ve gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day,” Kirby told reporters, referring to Israeli strikes. “We’re going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.” Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump called for Palestinian militants to free all of the roughly 100 Israeli hostages still held inside Gaza , around two-thirds of whom are believed to be alive. If not, Trump said, “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” Hours earlier, the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Trump's post though President Isaac Herzog welcomed it. In Gaza, meanwhile, alarm is mounting over increasing hunger. The amount of food allowed in by Israel has plunged over the past two months, compounded by a decision Sunday by the United Nations to halt aid deliveries from the main crossing into the territory because of the threat of armed gangs looting convoys. Experts have already warned of famine in the northernmost part of Gaza , which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October, saying they're fighting regrouped Hamas militants there. Displaced families have set up tents surrounded by piles of garbage on the streets of Gaza City. Bilal Marouf, 55, said he and 11 family members fled the Israeli offensive “barefoot and naked.” “We had nothing. Hunger and thirst killed us, and we did not have a single shekel, nor clothes, nor a mattress, nor a blanket,” he said, speaking near his tent. Israel’s campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has driven almost the entire population of the territory from their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now live in squalid tent camps, relying on international aid. The Israeli military said it allowed 40 trucks carrying 600 tons of flour for the World Food Program to enter the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, as well as 16 other food trucks. Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. November saw an increase in the average number of humanitarian trucks it let into Gaza, up to 77 daily from 57 the month before, according to official Israeli figures. But the levels are still nearly the lowest of the entire 15-month war. And the U.N. says less than half of that actually reaches Palestinians because Israeli military restrictions, fighting and robberies make it too dangerous to deliver the aid. The World Food Program was able to only deliver aid to some 300,000 Palestinians in November across the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military offensives and the looting of convoys, Carl Skau, WFP’s deputy executive director, said Monday. In a tent camp in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinians lined up at makeshift mud ovens trying to buy a few loaves of flatbread for their families. With the price of flour mounting because of scarcity, the bakers — women displaced from further north — said they could bake less bread, and families could afford far less. “They divide them to their children, one loaf every day,” said one woman baker, Wafaa al-Attar. Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Fatma Khalid in Cairo contributed to this report. Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars

In conclusion, the story of the 33-year-old female director's support for Wu Liufang, her dissolution of the fan group, potential withdrawal from online platforms, and the subsequent renewal of public attention following the unbanning of her account, serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring struggle against online harassment and bullying. It is a reminder that, in a world driven by clicks and shares, it is the voices of compassion and empathy that have the power to truly make a difference.While Greenwood may still be in the early stages of his career, his performances on the pitch have already drawn comparisons to some of the game's greatest goal scorers. His instinctive finishing, intelligent movement, and natural talent make him a constant threat to opposition defenses and a nightmare for goalkeepers.With temperatures dropping to unprecedented levels, the nation is faced with a challenge unlike any other. Public services are stretched thin as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens during this trying time. From road crews clearing snow-covered highways to emergency responders aiding those in need, the battle against the cold air is fought on all fronts.fortuner grs price philippines 。

In the meantime, the hospital administration has pledged to keep patients informed about the progress of the renovation project and any updates regarding the resumption of medical services. Patients are encouraged to stay connected with the hospital through official channels, such as the hospital website, social media platforms, and customer service hotlines, for the latest information and updates.

Furthermore, Alibaba Cloud emphasized their commitment to customer service and support during this challenging time. They assured customers that they were working around the clock to minimize disruptions and ensure business continuity. This dedication to customer satisfaction is crucial for maintaining long-term relationships and loyalty in the competitive cloud computing market.As the pilot program for the quick delivery service unfolds in India, Amazon will closely monitor customer feedback and make necessary adjustments to optimize the service. By listening to the voice of the customer and actively seeking ways to enhance the user experience, Amazon aims to build a long-term relationship with Indian consumers and establish itself as the preferred online shopping destination in the country.None

Furthermore, advances in agricultural technology have opened up new possibilities for corn growers. From precision machinery and drones to data analytics and biotechnology, these tools enable farmers to optimize their operations, maximize yields, and minimize waste. By embracing these innovations, the corn industry can not only improve efficiency and profitability but also reduce its carbon footprint and conserve natural resources.Boeing's decision to lay off nearly a thousand employees is sure to have a significant impact on the affected workers and their families. Many of these employees have dedicated years, and in some cases decades, to the company, and now find themselves facing uncertain futures in the midst of unprecedented economic challenges.The outpouring of support and solidarity from friends, acquaintances, and even strangers during this trying time was a testament to the strength of human connection and compassion. People from all walks of life came forward to offer their assistance, whether it was through spreading the word, providing information, or simply offering a shoulder to lean on.

As the clean-up and recovery efforts continue, the Alibaba Cloud data center fire serves as a grim reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of infrastructure failures. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard critical technology assets.As the first rays of dawn broke through the night sky, it became apparent that the servers were struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand. The sheer number of users trying to access the platform simultaneously caused a bottleneck, leading to slow loading times and intermittent outages. It was a chaotic scene as users frantically tried to refresh their browsers and gain entry to the much-hyped service.

Market Madness Unfolds! Tech Giants Propel Nasdaq to New HeightsAs the transfer saga unfolds, fans of both clubs are eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping that their club will emerge victorious in the pursuit of Jonathan Davies. The player himself remains focused on his performances on the field, letting his agent handle the negotiations while he concentrates on his game.

NoneNEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of Microsoft 365 customers worldwide reported having issues with services like Outlook and Teams on Monday. In social media posts and comments on platforms like outage tracker Downdetector, some impacted said that they were having trouble seeing their emails, loading calendars or opening other Microsoft 365 applications such as Powerpoint. Microsoft acknowledged “an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar” earlier in the day. In updates posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the company’s status page said it identified a “recent change” that it believed to be behind the problem — and was working to revert it. Microsoft shared that it was deploying a fix — which, as of shortly before noon E.T., it said had reached about 98% of “affected environments.” Still, the company’s status page later added , targeted restarts were “progressing slower than anticipated for the majority of affected users.” As of midday Monday, Downdetector showed thousands of outage reports from users of Microsoft 365 , particularly Outlook .In the midst of this controversy, Mourinho's words serve as a reminder that integrity and fairness should be at the core of football governance. While he may not want to see Manchester City face severe consequences, he believes that the principles of financial fair play must be upheld to maintain the credibility of the sport.

Nebraska defensive lineman Kai Wallin enters the transfer portalSOLON, Ohio , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarkett, a global leader in innovative and sustainable flooring solutions, recently led the renovation of the Niles Township Respite Center near Chicago, Illinois . The initiative was part of the company's charitable giving program, Tarkett Cares , which encourages employees to share their time, talents and corporate flooring donations with local communities where the company operates. While planning Design Days 2024, an annual, three-day interior design show in Chicago , the Tarkett team wanted to find a way to contribute to their host city in a new way. "Instead of focusing on one-off customer giveaways, we wanted to invest in something that could create lasting value for the community that hosts our industry each year," said Roxane Spears , vice president of sustainability for Tarkett. Spears contacted Lisa Kaplan , a Chicago -area resident and former commercial flooring professional, who directed her to the Niles Township Respite Center as a place in need. Located in Skokie, Illinois , the Niles Township Respite Center provides relief to residents facing housing and food insecurities. The space offers access to showers, laundry facilities, a clothing closet, food pantry and more. "The Respite Center's efforts to serve community members struggling with housing and food insecurity align perfectly with Tarkett's commitment to social equity and the Tarkett Cares program," Spears said. "While the center operates on a tight budget, it does so much to help so many. If we can support the center's work by providing cleaner, safer spaces for people as they work through challenging circumstances—that's the impact we want to make." With a deep knowledge of how thoughtfully designed interiors and healthy materials can contribute to better indoor air quality and an overall sense of well-being, the team updated the center's flooring with third-party certified products featuring soothing patterns and colors that would help everyone at the center feel more at home and at peace. Tarkett donated new floors (including the costs of labor for installation) for a quiet room, multi-purpose room, entryway and stairs. The team's enthusiasm for the project spread to other local contractors; FloorsMD provided installation services and their president, Michelle DeLuco , served as an onsite coordinator throughout the project. Tarkett's ethos® carpet tile was installed in the quiet room. ethos is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and has a non-PVC backing that can be recycled back into itself. Contour LVT, which can be recycled into auto mats when taken back through Tarkett's ReStart® take-back and recycling program, was installed in the entryway and multi-purpose room. Coordinating Johnsonite® stair treads were also added to enhance safety and durability. After seeing the newly installed floors, DeLuco felt energized and determined to find a way to go a little further. The project scope grew to include a room expansion, ceiling height adjustment, fresh coat of paint and additional carpet tile for four offices that had suffered flood damage. The additional flooring materials and labor were covered by Tarkett and FloorsMD. ECI and its Executive Construction Foundation, Maxxon and Aspen Commercial Painting also contributed to the expanded project scope. The Respite Center was not charged for any portion of the renovation. "The center had such good bones and was already doing tremendous work for the community. It was very heart-pleasing to see what impact we could make with just a little bit of elbow grease and a group of people who cared," DeLuco said. Ruth Orme-Johnson , a social worker for the Respite Center, said the renovations drastically improved the energy of the space. "It was just wonderful to know that we're giving our clients the kind of calm, positive and inviting environment that we really have always wanted to. You can just feel everyone relax a little bit," Orme-Johnson said. "Our new floor, our new space has been such a gift in terms of being welcoming to everybody. It's also helped me feel proud of the work I do. The space allows the people we help believe they're capable and have the agency to take those steps that will have a positive impact on their lives long term." Mike Isaacs , public relations outreach coordinator for Niles Township Government, said the impact of the renovation exceeded everyone's expectations. "It's been really inspiring," he said. "Our gratitude is forevermore, that's for sure." In addition to corporate giving, the global Tarkett Cares program empowers employees to donate two days of volunteer activity each year. Globally, Tarkett employees have volunteered 3,800 days and contributed to over 900 community initiatives between 2017 and 2023. Take a virtual tour of the renovated Niles Township Respite Center. About Tarkett With a 140-year history, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and durable flooring and sports surface solutions, generating net sales of 3.4 billion euros in 2023. The Group has around 12,000 employees, 23 R&D centres, 8 recycling centres, and 34 production sites. Tarkett designs and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, shops, and sports fields, serving customers in more than 100 countries. To build "The Way to Better Floors", the Group is committed to the circular economy and sustainable development, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design ® approach. Tarkett is listed on the Euronext-regulated market (compartment B, ISIN: FR0004188670, ticker: TKTT). www.tarkett-group.com Every Step Matters For years, Tarkett has raised the sustainability standards of the flooring industry. The company designs floors with transparency you can trust as it creates healthy impacts on indoor spaces and protects our air, water, soil, and every living thing. Tarkett's ReStart ® take-back and recycling program will either repurpose or recycle every type of flooring from any manufacturer. Its near-term science-based carbon emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement objective to limit global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius. For more information, visit commercial.tarkett.com/sustainability . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tarkett-leads-effort-to-renovate-chicago-area-respite-center-as-part-of-tarkett-cares-program-302315799.html SOURCE Tarkett USA , Inc.

Exa is not just a tool for organizing information – it is a gateway to enhancing your productivity and creativity. By having a centralized repository of all your online findings, you can save time and energy that would have been spent searching for the same information repeatedly. This freed-up mental space can be redirected towards generating new ideas, deepening your understanding of a subject, or simply enjoying a more stress-free browsing experience.On the other hand, some argue that relegation may be a necessary and just consequence if Manchester City is found guilty of breaching the EPL's regulations. The principles of fair play and compliance with rules are fundamental to the integrity of any sporting competition, and deviations from these principles must be met with appropriate sanctions. Relegation would serve as a powerful deterrent to other clubs, sending a clear message that no team is above the rules and regulations set forth by the league.In a surprising turn of events, one of the leading tertiary hospitals in Guangzhou has announced plans to suspend its medical services temporarily. The decision to temporarily pause medical services comes as part of a comprehensive renovation project aimed at enhancing the hospital's facilities and services to better meet the healthcare needs of its patients.

Alkami technology directors sell $119.25 million in stock

On the other hand, Jonny Evans, who has been struggling with a calf injury, is still not ready to return to action. The experienced defender's absence has been keenly felt at the back, and Solskjaer will be hoping for a swift recovery for Evans as United look to shore up their defensive unit.

Hunters seeking to challenge the Crimson Wyvern must be prepared for a battle of epic proportions. Its mastery of aerial maneuvers and blistering speed make it a formidable opponent, capable of launching devastating swoops and breath attacks that can decimate an unprepared hunter in seconds. Only those with quick reflexes and strategic thinking will stand a chance against this formidable foe.Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward more records

In addition to the new content, the update also includes improvements to the game's performance and stability. Players can expect faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and reduced instances of crashes or bugs. These enhancements not only enhance the overall gaming experience but also showcase the developers' dedication to delivering a high-quality product.fortuner q 2025 。

10. Lack of Accountability:

Gathering around the sedan, the drivers and parents engaged in a calm but assertive conversation with the sedan driver, urging him to take responsibility for the accident and not to flee the scene. Despite initially showing signs of resistance, the sedan driver eventually relented under the pressure of the combined voices of the drivers and parents, realizing the gravity of his actions.As the tech landscape continues to evolve and innovate, these latest developments highlight the dynamic nature of the industry and the exciting possibilities it holds for both consumers and businesses. Stay tuned for more updates on the ever-changing world of technology and its impact on our daily lives.10. Lack of Accountability:

Salvation Army and Walmart in Burbank threw a holiday party on Friday, Dec. 6 that included a Red Bull freestyle motorcyclist doing tricks and Walmart employees giving gifts to low-income families who enjoyed live music, food trucks and entertainment. The event included the kickoff of the Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns for all West Coast Walmart stores, featuring a $3,000 “Spark Good” check presentation to the Salvation Army. Walmart surprised a local Burbank family by fulfilling their wishlist ahead of Christmas. The family of five lives in a two-bedroom apartment, and for the past seven years has relied on the Salvation Army’s Family Service and Food Pantry program for monthly assistance. Red Bull freestyle motorcyclist Aaron Colton puts on a show at the Salvation Army Angel tree and Walmart event Friday, Burbank CA. Dec 6, 2024. The ceremony had hundreds of donated toys, Salvation Army Angel tree, Walmart providing lunch for 500 store associates, live music, motorcycle tricks from RedBull stunt driver, other entertainment performances.. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) Workers bring in gifts to needy families at the Salvation Army Angel tree and Walmart event Friday, Burbank CA. Dec 6, 2024. The ceremony had hundreds of donated toys, Salvation Army Angel tree, Walmart providing lunch for 500 store associates, live music, motorcycle tricks from RedBull stunt driver, other entertainment performances.. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) Red Bull freestyle motorcyclist Aaron Colton burns up the rubber at the Salvation Army Angel tree and Walmart event Friday, Burbank CA. Dec 6, 2024. The ceremony had hundreds of donated toys, Salvation Army Angel tree, Walmart providing lunch for 500 store associates, live music, motorcycle tricks from RedBull stunt driver, other entertainment performances.. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) Workers bring in gifts to needy families at the Salvation Army Angel tree and Walmart event Friday, Burbank CA. Dec 6, 2024. The ceremony had hundreds of donated toys, Salvation Army Angel tree, Walmart providing lunch for 500 store associates, live music, motorcycle tricks from RedBull stunt driver, other entertainment performances.. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) Red Bull freestyle motorcyclist Aaron Colton puts on a show at the Salvation Army Angel tree and Walmart event Friday, Burbank CA. Dec 6, 2024. The ceremony had hundreds of donated toys, Salvation Army Angel tree, Walmart providing lunch for 500 store associates, live music, motorcycle tricks from RedBull stunt driver, other entertainment performances.. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) The family, whose name was not released, received everything they wished for on a list they gave to Salvation Army several months ago. According to a spokesperson, Walmart gave the family “the entire list, including toys, technology, and several pantry items.” Walmart Senior Vice President Steve Schrobilgen attended, as did hundreds of Walmart store managers and associates, local community members, and Salvation Army officers. Schrobilgen said, “For years, we’ve been proud to partner with the Salvation Army because their unwavering dedication to serving local communities aligns perfectly with our commitment to making a difference. We’re honored to kick off the holiday season by celebrating the incredible efforts of the Salvation Army and our associates, who work tirelessly to give back.” Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Southern California divisional commander of the Salvation Army, said in a prepared statement, “With Walmart’s generous support, we can bring stability, hope, and joy to local families in need.”

Bruker director Richard Packer sells $193,682 in stock

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law late Tuesday before backing down, placing the military in control of all government and judicial functions in a power grab that came after months of political stalemate. The hours of crisis and chaos have thrown the future of his presidency into doubt. As the military and police sought to contain protesters who had poured into the streets around the National Assembly, the president announced he would lift the order as soon as he could convene his Cabinet, heeding a defiant vote from the opposition-led legislature. The Cabinet met before dawn Wednesday local time, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, as protesters chanted for Yoon’s impeachment. It remained unclear what immediately precipitated Yoon’s decree — the first time martial law has been declared in South Korea since 1980, when a military junta ruled the country. In a televised address to the nation announcing his declaration of martial law, Yoon called the legislature a “den of criminals” engaged in “legislative tyranny” and “anti-state activities.” “Honorable citizens, as president, I appeal to you with a feeling of spitting blood,” he said. Accusing his opponents of being “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people,” Yoon lambasted lawmakers for rejecting his government budget proposal and moving to impeach several public officials. His presidency has been plagued by scandal since soon after he took office in 2022, with relentless accusations that he and his wife had abused their positions for personal and political gain. Yoon’s approval ratings have plummeted in recent months amid growing calls for his impeachment. South Korean television broadcasted Yoon’s address over and over again. One news anchor noted in grave disbelief that “we are now reporting a situation to you that we had only seen in movies.” Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, whom Yoon had named martial law commander, banned all political activity and proclaimed that the media was under military control. Outside the National Assembly, around a thousand protesters tussled with police guarding the gates as military helicopters hovered overhead. Bundled in thick winter jackets, they waved banners and umbrellas, chanting “lift the martial law!” Reporters, legislative staff and lawmakers had barricaded themselves inside the building as soldiers stormed the entrance, shattering a window and setting off what appeared to be either a smoke grenade or tear gas canister in an attempt to force their way in. Early Wednesday — less than three hours after Yoon declared martial law — the legislature voted to overturn his decree. By law, the president is required to lift his order immediately. Yoon soon announced he would comply. Upon learning of the vote, the protesters broke out in cheers, which quickly turned into another increasingly familiar refrain: “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol!” In the minds of most South Koreans, martial law is strongly associated with the country’s pre-democratic military dictatorships, which used it as a tool to crush political dissent, oftentimes with violence. Under a state of martial law, the military can restrict citizens’ basic rights, including detaining or searching them without a warrant. Crimes can be prosecuted in military courts. The last leader to declare emergency martial law was military general Chun Doo-hwan, who rose to power in a coup in 1979. Chun later declared martial law over the entire country in 1980, during which his military opened fire on pro-democracy protestors in the city of Gwangju, killing at least 165. This is not the first time that democratically elected presidents have toyed with martial law. Under former president Park Geun-hye, a conservative whose corruption scandal led to her impeachment in 2017, military officials had secretly prepared their own plans of declaring martial law in the event that the courts upheld her impeachment. But Park would ultimately be ousted and jailed without those plans ever being set into motion. In September, opposition politicians raised the alarm that Yoon himself was preparing to declare martial law, citing the fact that Kim Yong-hyun, the defense minister, had held an uncustomary meeting with the three military commanders who would likely play key roles in a martial law regime. At the time, the presidential office denied the allegations, which it dismissed as political incitement akin to that of Stalin or Nazi Germany. Yoon , a former prosecutor, rose to political prominence as a straight-shooting investigator who handled high-profile corruption cases. But since being elected president May 2022, he has been a divisive leader, inviting controversy by engaging in misogynistic rhetoric and cracking down on critical media outlets . Yoon has been accused of interfering in a military investigation into the death of a young marine who drowned during a search and rescue operation last year, while his wife has been under fire for accepting a luxury handbag from a Korean American pastor in what critics have characterized as a clear case of graft. The opposition party has also moved to impeach Yoon’s interior minister, who it holds responsible for a crowd crush that killed over 150 people on Halloween in 2022. In addition, liberal party legislators have tried to remove several prosecutors who investigated Lee Jae-myung, their leader and presidential hopeful. In April, Yoon’s conservative party suffered a crushing defeat in the parliamentary general elections, which many saw as a referendum on his presidency. Legislators of all stripes quickly denounced Yoon’s decree of martial law. “There is no reason to declare martial law. We cannot let the military rule this country,” opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said in a video he recorded in a car on his way to the National Assembly. “President Yoon Suk Yeol has betrayed the people. President Yoon’s illegal declaration of emergency martial law is null and void. From this moment on, Mr. Yoon is no longer the president of South Korea.” Even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party, had condemned Yoon’s actions as unconstitutional. “With the National Assembly’s vote to lift it, the state of emergency martial law has now been rendered invalid,” he said. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona got back to winning in the Spanish league in style, routing Mallorca 5-1 on Tuesday with a pair of goals by Raphinha. Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Víctor also scored for Barcelona, which hadn't won in three consecutive league games to allow Real Madrid to inch closer at the top of the standings. Madrid is now four points back although it has two games in hand. Torres, who got to start in place of league-leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Mallorca defenders failed to clear an easy ball from inside the area. One defender tried to kick it away but it ended ricocheting off a teammate to give Ferran an easy shot on goal. The hosts equalized with Vedat Muriqi in a breakaway just before halftime in what was Mallorca's only shot on target, but Raphinha put Barcelona back in front by converting a 56th-minute penalty kick. He added to the lead in the 74th after a nice assist by Lamine Yamal. Raphinha now has 11 goals in 16 league games this season. “This is probably my best moment, but I want to do more,” Raphinha said. “We knew it was important to win again after three matches in which something was lacking. It wasn't our best match, but it was important to win.” Yamal also helped set up De Jong's goal five minutes later, not long after the midfielder had come off the bench. It was De Jong who then assisted Víctor's goal in the 84th. Barcelona has scored five or more goals in a match for the sixth time this season across all competitions. It has outscored opponents 48-17 in the league alone. Story continues below video Barcelona had lost twice in its last three league matches — 2-1 to Las Palmas at home on Saturday and 1-0 at Real Sociedad three rounds ago. Its other setback was a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo when it was winning 2-0 until late in the match. The game against Mallorca was moved forward in the schedule because both clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup in January. Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, the other two clubs in the Super Cup, will meet on Wednesday in Bilbao. Barcelona, which beat Brest in the Champions League last week, will visit Real Betis in its next league match on Saturday. Mallorca, sitting in sixth place in the Spanish league, faces Celta on Friday. Mallorca was coming off two straight league victories — against Valencia and at Las Palmas. In the second round of the Copa del Rey, fourth-division club Barbastro ousted top-flight club Espanyol 2-0, while Celta Vigo trounced Salamanca 7-0, Las Palmas defeated Europa 2-1 and Valladolid beat Ávila 4-2. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and current co-host of the MSNBC show The Weekend , said that Republicans "don't give a damn" about members of the U.S. military in a recent conversation with CNN 's Michael Smerconish. On the latest episode of The Michael Steele Podcast , the former RNC chair and Smerconish, who hosts the Saturday show Smerconish on CNN, discussed President-elect Donald Trump 's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a U.S. Army veteran and former Fox News weekend host, has been at the center of controversy after Trump announced his plans in early November to nominate him to lead the Pentagon . One of the latest scandals about Hegseth involved his mother, Penelope Hegseth, who wrote her son an email in 2018 accusing him of mistreating women for years , telling him, "It pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth," according to a report from The New York Times on November 29. "On behalf of all the women (and I know it's many) you have abused in some way, I say...get some help and take an honest look at yourself," Penelope Hegseth wrote to her son. Penelope Hegseth later went on Fox News to say that her son "is a new person. He's redeemed, forgiven, changed. I think we all are after seven years. I believe he's the man for the job." Steele, a Trump critic, mentioned the Times ' reporting during his conversation with Smerconish, saying, "Who knows you better than the woman who cleaned your nasty behind when you were born, who raised you, who tried to teach you to be the right kind of man, and you turned out to be that thing that she's now calling out." "This is the problem I have with a lot of Republicans because they, at this point in time, are pushing guys like Hegseth because of the political opportunism it creates for them to grab and hold power," Steele said. "They don't give a damn about the men in the military, the men and women serving. This guy has already said that women shouldn't be serving in a combat position, despite the fact that that's what they're doing today in significantly important ways. And yet he wants to come in and say that women don't have a role here." During an appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show on November 7, Hegseth said, "I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated." But on December 3 when a reporter asked Hegseth, "How do you feel about the women in combat?" he responded, "We have amazing women who serve in our military." Women made up 17.5 percent of active-duty service members in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Department of Defense's (DOD) 2022 demographics report. Newsweek reached out to the DOD via email on Saturday afternoon asking for any updated demographics data. When reached for comment by Newsweek on Saturday afternoon, Hegseth's lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, said via email Saturday afternoon, "I really can't spend the time responding to every single ignorant comment that people make." Newsweek also reached out to Trump's transition team via email and the RNC via online form for comment Saturday afternoon. Hegseth has also repeatedly said that standards are being lowered for women to qualify to serve in combat roles, military veteran Charlotte Clymer, a writer and activist, wrote in an opinion piece for MSNBC published Tuesday. There is no evidence to support Hegseth's claims, and, according to Clymer, the claims have been debunked by defense officials. "I don't think Hegseth truly believes that women are incapable of performing combat roles to a high standard of excellence, because it has been obvious to all service members for quite some time that there are women who meet and exceed that standard," Clymer wrote in her op-ed titled, "There are many reasons to disqualify Pete Hegseth. His opinions on women are enough." She added: "The reason Hegseth is stridently opposed to women in combat is specifically that he feels threatened by women who do meet the standard of excellence. He is deeply uncomfortable with women successfully doing the same exact jobs that he has always believed go a long way in promoting the asinine ideology that men are naturally born to be leaders over women." Meanwhile, the reported email from Hegseth's mom came after a woman alleged that he sexually assaulted her in 2017. Hegseth told law enforcement at the time that his encounter with the woman was consensual and denied any wrongdoing, according to a police report of the incident, which was made public shortly after Trump tapped Hegseth for defense secretary. Parlatore said last month that Hegseth, who still denies the sexual assault allegation, paid the woman in a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause because he feared he'd lose his job at Fox News if word of the accusation got out. Hegseth has not been criminally charged or sued over the incident.One of the key reasons why Muriel and Atalanta have been able to challenge for the Serie A title is the collective experience of the team. Many of Atalanta's players have been together for several seasons, building a strong understanding and chemistry on the field. This cohesion has been vital in enabling the team to navigate the pressures and challenges that come with competing at the highest level.

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This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!NATS chiefs have “quietly ditched” a £500million bus funding pledge, cutting it to just £10million. The Bus Partnership Fund — hailed as a “landmark long-term capital investment” — has been axed. Advertisement 2 The Bus Partnership Fund has been axed by SNP ministers Credit: The Sun 2 Labour's transport spokeswoman Claire Baker said the pledge had been "quietly ditched" Credit: Alamy Scottish Labour said that the promised half-billion pound spend, announced five years ago, had amounted to just £26.9million. Party transport spokeswoman Claire Baker said: “It looks like the promised £500million investment has been quietly ditched.” She added: “Services are disappearing while fares soar, leaving communities cut off and Scots paying more for less.” The BPF, along with a Community Bus Fund, has been replaced with a Bus Infrastructure Fund of just £10million. Advertisement READ MORE ON THE SCOTTISH SUN MAKING AMENDS John Swinney reveals call with Trump weeks after US President's Kamala blast BUDGET FALLOUT SNP cut funding to public services while splurging extra £1.3bn on benefits Scottish Budget documents confirm: “The 2024-25 Budget included funding for the Community Bus Fund, which has now ceased. “Capital funding to support improved infrastructure for bus services is now sitting within the Bus Infrastructure Fund.” A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are committing almost £465million to concessionary travel and bus services, which is an increase from last year. “The new BIF focuses on delivering bus priority and supporting infrastructure, making buses more attractive through quicker journeys and for operators to reinvest potential savings to improve services.” Advertisement Most read in The Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze SEARCH ENDS Missing traveler is found after month-long search that led to dad's suicide GET OUT I'm an ex-Gers star who was sacked after one game - I was surprised I got that long Exclusive JUNGLE WINNINGS Coleen Rooney signs first big money deal after I’m A Celeb success We previously told how Nats ministers have effectively slashed funding for milk and healthy snacks for pre-school kids. EXPLAINED: Scottish Budget 2024, what do the SNP's spending plans mean for you? A real-term cut — buried in the SNP Budget — comes despite First Minister John Swinney boasting of “eradicating child poverty”. The Scottish Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme has now been held at £12.5million for four years, despite increasing demand. And taking inflation into account, it is the equivalent of a cut of around £1.3million.  AdvertisementMichigan's Josaiah Stewart Says He Had Beer Thrown at Him, Was Maced

PPP's 57th foundation day: 'Dialogue or baton', political stability a must, says Bilawal

That pink-and-green movie about the two witches subsumed social media and the box office during the last weeks of 2024. So much so it could be easy to forget that "Wicked" is, in many ways, the apotheosis of a year in which the movie musical genre returned from the celluloid grave. The is-it or isn't-it quandary Early in 2024, the movie version of the musical adaptation of Tina Fey's "Mean Girls" was released. It was both loved and loathed and much discussion was had about the studio's marketing of the movie, in which the trailers gave no indication that this newest "Mean Girls" was indeed a musical. That was despite recent precedent for the box-office triumph of a movie musical. "Despite the success of movies such as 'Wonka' and 'The Greatest Showman,' studios seemed nervous to advertise the musical elements of their song-and-dance extravaganzas," said Ryan Faughnder at the Los Angeles Times . As 2024 ticked on, the is-it-or-is-it-not musical releases swelled: the Joker sequel, "Joker 2: Folie à Deux;" the Timothée Chalamet -led Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown;" the award-grabbing drug cartel caper "Emilia Pérez." By year's end, "Moana 2," the prequel to "The Lion King," "Mufasa," and the blockbuster "Wicked" all showed their hand, not pretending one bit they were anything but musicals. As Faughnder said, "If anyone went into 'Wicked' not knowing it was a musical, that's on them." Why song-and-dance right now? Production on movies, obviously, begins long before a film's release. Trying to pin the filmmaker's intent on the current societal or political moment is folly. Still, movies resonate with the time of their birth into the cinematic world, whether the artists aim them to or not. During a fraught economic and political present, when it "seems like we've been fractured beyond repair," the musical can bring a "utopian message of hope and resilience," said Desirée J. Garcia, an associate professor at Dartmouth College and author of "The Movie Musical," to the Los Angeles Times . The genre lends itself to finales of "coming together" and surmounting "division and conflict." Many of the movie musicals of 2024 are intricate; they embrace darkness, as the movie musicals of Old Hollywood did not. Where once there was froth, there are now suds, yes, but also shadows. The "stars of this new cycle" deserve praise because the characters they play are "vastly more complex (and confused) than those of the old musicals," said Peter Bart at Deadline . "Gene Kelly in 'Singing in the Rain' and Fred Astaire in 'Top Hat' were essentially airheads." Movie trends can evaporate as quickly as they appear, so the movie musical boom could soon disintegrate. It is near-certain this vanishing will not occur in 2025. Come next November, the second installment of "Wicked," called "Wicked: For Good," will be released, another likely box-office victory.ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple key baskets down the stretch to help No. 10 Maryland hold off George Mason 66-56 in a matchup of unbeatens Saturday at the Navy Classic. The Terrapins (7-0) led by just two when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53. Then a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven. The Terps won despite shooting 13 of 26 on free throws. George Mason (6-1) trailed by 10 at halftime before outscoring Maryland 18-7 in the third quarter. The Patriots' final lead was 49-48 in the fourth after a jumper by Kennedy Harris. Harris led George Mason with 26 points. Maryland is off to its best start since winning its first 12 games in 2018-19. George Mason: The Patriots have lost all nine meetings with Maryland, but it's been more competitive of late. The Terps won 86-77 last year, and this game was more competitive than the final score suggested. Maryland: After a down season by their standards, the Terps are off to a nice start, but the free-throw problems in this game nearly cost them. With the score 55-53, George Mason had a chance to tie, but the Patriots never really recovered after Smikle swiped the ball from Harris and went the other way for a three-point play with 3:08 remaining. Although Maryland was awful at the line, at least the Terps got there. George Mason was only 3 of 8 from the stripe, and the Terps held the Patriots to 32% shooting from the field. George Mason faces Navy in this event Sunday. Maryland takes on Toledo. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine US dollar

Guestsnap Launches Innovative Platform For Effortless Wedding Photo SharingRiding a 3-game win streak, the Bengals cling to playoff hopes with the Broncos next

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals took care of business and won three straight games for the first time this season. Cincinnati is playing its best football, but it might be too late to sneak into the playoffs, with five teams battling for the two remaining AFC postseason spots. At 7-8, the Bengals are on the bubble along with two other teams that have the same record, the Colts and Dolphins. To have a chance, the Bengals will need to beat the visiting Denver Broncos (9-6) on Saturday, then try to take down the Steelers (10-5) at Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale. They'll need some help from other teams, too. The rub for the Bengals is that they have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season. Now with some momentum for the first time, the Bengals will have to clear that hurdle. “It’s just what it’s supposed to feel like for us. This is our expectation," coach Zac Taylor said after the Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns 24-6 on Sunday. “We just put ourselves in a position to now play some real meaningful games. ... We found a way to get the win and now we can turn our focus to a short week and the Denver Broncos.” Joe Burrow became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 250 yards and three or more touchdowns in seven consecutive games. One of his TD passes, to Tee Higgins, came as he was falling down. He finished 23 for 30 for 252 yards. ... Ja'Marr Chase continues to build his resume as he strives to win the receiving “triple crown.” He had six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Browns and leads the league in receptions, yards and TDs. ... K Cade York tied a franchise record with a 59-yard field goal. “The guys have responded this way all season,” Taylor said. “We lost some heartbreakers to be quite frank, and games that just came down to the end. It doesn’t mean that we’ve had a bad football team and we weren’t in it. We’ve been in this, and now — I don’t want to say getting our confidence back, because we’ve had confidence — but we’re just making the plays necessary at the critical points of the game to take control of these games. That’s really what’s happened the last three weeks, and we’ve got to continue that.” Burrow has fumbled 10 times this season. Against the Browns, he lost a fumble on a strip-sack with the Bengals on the Cleveland 2-yard-line. Last week, S Jordan Battle scooped a fumble and ran it all the way back, only to fumble as he crossed the goal line, leading to a touchback. Against the Browns, he intercepted a second-half pass from Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the end zone. The Bengals' defense has nine takeaways in the past two games. Cincinnati's depleted offensive line allowed four sacks. The offensive line took a hit when tackle Amarius Mims went out with an ankle injury and didn't return. 5.1 — Yards per carry by RB Chase Brown, who seems to get better every week. He had 18 carries for 91 yards. The Bengals continue their improbable effort to slip into the playoffs when they host the Broncos in their home finale on Saturday. They finish the season the following week at Pittsburgh. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLThe Winnipeg Police Service will get 36 new general patrol officers — — if city council approves the preliminary 2025 budget. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The Winnipeg Police Service will get 36 new general patrol officers — — if city council approves the preliminary 2025 budget. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The Winnipeg Police Service will get 36 new general patrol officers — — if city council approves the preliminary 2025 budget. The proposal would allow the service to add two patrol cars by the end of 2026 — the first increase in more than 20 years. The current minimum requirement is 28 cars per shift. “Yes, it’s not the full amount (of officers) that was requested,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said before the budget was tabled Wednesday. “Part of it is to make sure that we were reflecting some increased response to general patrol per shift, and adding an increase to general patrol per shift so that we get, hopefully, better response to calls in the queue.” The WPS has said more officers are needed to help it cope with a spike in calls for service and population growth. Some of the revenue generated by a proposed 5.95 per cent property tax hike would be used to cover the nearly $9 million needed for 36 officers, one support staff member and two vehicles. The WPS operating expenditures are projected to rise to $352 million in 2025, which is $20 million higher than 2024. The service will be instructed to find $5 million in savings next year, after meeting a $7 million target this year. While he didn’t expect his staffing request to be granted due to the city’s budget constraints, Stannard described plans to add 36 officers as “great news.” “We’ve known for some time that the City of Winnipeg is facing cost pressures and financial challenges, but it’s also facing continued population growth and demand for emergency services,” he said in a statement. “The Winnipeg Police Service is also facing impacts due to the effects of our ever-growing city.” Cory Wiles, president of the Winnipeg Police Association, welcomed plans for more front-line officers. “Winnipeg’s steady growth and increased crime levels in recent years have made it impossible for WPS members to maintain the response standards that our citizens deserve,” he said in a statement. “As a result, people in all areas of the city are feeling increasingly unsafe, which is resulting in unprecedented call volumes and wait times. But we also want to reinforce what has previously been stated by the WPS executive: We are going to need even more resources if we are serious about tackling the problem before our city.” Kate Kehler, executive director of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, has advocated for non-emergent and non-violent mental-health calls to be directed to crisis workers, rather than police, in a bid to prevent negative outcomes. That could help to reduce calls for police service, she told reporters. “I would rather see it redistributed to community-based organizations,” Kehler said, referring to funding for additional police officers. She said the amount spent on poverty reduction pales in comparison to funding for police. “It is an unfair distribution of funds,” she said. “When I say unfair, it’s unfair to everybody because if we actually spent more money on poverty reduction we would actually have a safer city for all.” The WPS said its communications centre received more than 750,000 calls in 2023, or more than 2,000 per day, which was an increase of almost 10 per cent over 2022. On Aug. 31, the WPS had a record backlog of about 440 calls in its queue. The queue has averaged 300 calls on any given day, Stannard said. “Overtime funding has helped alleviate some of the pressure, but a more sustainable solution is necessary,” he said. The WPS has said the number of officers has not kept up with population growth. The service had 1,366 police officers in 2023, down from 1,463 in 2013, according to WPS data. Per 100,000 people, the city employed 172.9 officers in 2023, below a peak of 214.2 in 2012, Statistics Canada data showed. WPS data put the 2023 per capita figure at 167.5 officers. “The Winnipeg Police Service is also facing impacts due to the effects of our ever-growing city.” Winnipeg , following the retirement of Danny Smyth. Meanwhile, city hall is also looking to , who are not part of the WPS, by 2027 to help address safety concerns on Winnipeg Transit’s network. The program was one of Gillingham’s promises when elected in 2022. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Kehler said she has not yet seen an evaluation of the program, which started in February, or any evidence that supports an expansion. “We’re just curious why there are certain services that are given money somewhat without question,” she said. To support crime-prevention efforts, the budget proposes $1 million for new youth recreation programs in “high-needs” neighbourhoods. Gillingham described it as a “significant investment.” “If we can invest in young people early, even through an investment that’s the fraction of a cost of a fully sworn police officer, or several of them, then we can get positive responses in people’s lives and put young people on a better path, and a good path, and keep them out of criminal activity,” he said. chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the . He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. . Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the . He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. . Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement

WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense policy bill on Wednesday, governing a record $895 billion in annual military spending, despite inclusion of a controversial policy targeting gender-affirming care for transgender children. The tally was 281-140 in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, sending it for consideration by the Democratic-led U.S. Senate. In addition to the typical NDAA provisions on purchases of military equipment and boosting competitiveness with archrivals like China and Russia, this year's 1,800-page bill focuses on improving the quality of life for the U.S. military. It authorizes a 14.5% pay increase for the lowest-ranking troops, and 4.5% for the rest of the force, which is higher than usual. It also authorizes the construction of military housing, schools and childcare centers. The bill bans the military health program, TRICARE, from covering gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members if it could risk sterilization. Including the provision in the bill, which sets policy for the Department of Defense, underscored how much attention transgender issues have gotten in U.S. politics and indicated Republicans plan to continue to highlight the politically polarizing topic. President-elect Donald Trump and many other Republicans blasted Democrats for supporting transgender rights during the 2024 election campaign, which ended with Republicans keeping control of the House and taking control of the Senate and White House starting next month. After it passed, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the measure as refocusing the military on its core mission. "Our men and women in uniform should know their first obligation is protecting our nation, not woke ideology," he said in a statement. The measure did not include some other Republican proposals on social issues, including an effort to prohibit TRICARE from covering gender-affirming care for transgender adults and a measure that would have reversed the Pentagon's policy of funding travel for abortion for troops stationed in states where the procedure is banned. The massive bill is one of the few major pieces of legislation that Congress passes every year and lawmakers take great pride in having passed it every year for more than six decades. The bill is a compromise between Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, reached during weeks of negotiations behind closed doors. House passage sends the measure to the Democratic-led Senate. Passage there would send it to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law or veto. The NDAA authorizes Pentagon programs, but does not fund them. Congress must separately pass funding in a spending bill for the fiscal year ending in September 2025. That bill is unlikely to be enacted before March. Sign up here. Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Patricia Zengerle has reported from more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China. An award-winning Washington-based national security and foreign policy reporter who also has worked as an editor, Patricia has appeared on NPR, C-Span and other programs, spoken at the National Press Club and attended the Hoover Institution Media Roundtable. She is a recipient of the Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence.

AP News Summary at 1:07 p.m. EST

MORGANTOWN, PA — Sylmar Group has announced its acquisition of Eastern Technologies, Inc. (ETI), a well-established provider of chemical blending and technical support services for the industrial water treatment industry. Founded in 1986 in Southeastern Pennsylvania, ETI has earned a reputation for innovation and reliable service over nearly four decades. The acquisition signals Sylmar’s entry into the chemical blending market and reflects the company’s dedication to managing supply chain challenges while expanding water treatment solutions. By incorporating ETI into its portfolio, Sylmar aims to offer enhanced services for cooling, heating, wastewater, and potable water treatment needs. “Our desire to preserve trusted partnerships with water treaters and to maintain our position as an industry source of expertise are significant factors in our decision to partner with Sylmar,” said Robert Keeler, co-founder of ETI. “We look forward to building on this legacy with an owner committed to our customers and employees.” ETI will maintain its leadership under current President Gary Reggiani and operate as an independent entity within Sylmar’s broader network. This includes leveraging Sylmar’s financial and operational expertise while keeping ETI’s customer-focused approach intact. Michael Warady, President of Sylmar Group, emphasized the positive outlook for the partnership. “We are excited for the future of ETI and their customers. Sylmar’s investment in this team, along with plans for the continued growth of the business and its capabilities, will expand ETI’s support of independent water treatment professionals and their critical customer missions across the country.” The acquisition aims to strengthen Sylmar’s efforts to offer innovative, cost-effective, and dependable water treatment solutions while preserving the unique strengths of ETI’s operations. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .

Authoritative Release Of The 2024 Top 10 Rankings In The Construction Machinery Industry: Unveiling The Most Influential Products And CompaniesMGNI Stock Soars to 52-Week High, Hits $17.01 Amid GrowthBreyten Breytenbach, who died Sunday, was one of South Africa's most honoured writers, who found beauty in his Afrikaans language but was horrified at the white supremacy imposed by his government. The poet, author and painter had not lived in South Africa for decades, leaving in the early 1960s to settle in Paris, where he became a global voice against apartheid. What was intended to be a short and secret trip back in 1975 led to him spending seven years in jail, two in solitary confinement, after he was betrayed and arrested. French president Francois Mitterrand helped secure his release in 1982 and he returned to France to become a citizen. He travelled back to South Africa regularly, according to his daughter Daphnee Breytenbach, who confirmed his death to AFP. "My father, the South African painter and poet Breyten Breytenbach, died peacefully on Sunday, November 24, in Paris, at the age of 85," she said. "Immense artist, militant against apartheid, he fought for a better world until the end." Breytenbach was born in the small Western Cape town of Bonnievale in 1939 at a time when Afrikaans was emerging with a distinct identity as a language, having been derided as "kitchen Dutch". When in 1964 Breytenbach published his first volume of poetry -- "Die ysterkoei moet sweet", or The Iron Cow Must Sweat -- Afrikaans was not just ascendent but had given the name "apartheid" to South Africa's brutal system of racial segregation. With Afrikaners in power, their language became ever more associated with the regime. "I'd never reject Afrikaans as a language, but I reject it as part of the Afrikaner political identity. I no longer consider myself an Afrikaner," he said in an interview with The New York Times the following year. In his language and politics, Breytenbach pushed back against the strictures of the country in which he was born. He travelled around Europe in his early 20s, eventually settling in 1962 in Paris, where he met his wife, Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien, who was born in Vietnam and raised in France. She was refused a visa to visit South Africa in the late 1960s as she was considered "non-white" by the apartheid system. Breytenbach returned to the country in the early 1970s on a false passport to deliver money to the anti-apartheid struggle and meet white activists. But he was discovered and sentenced to nine years in prison, serving seven. Of his more than 50 books, most are in Afrikaans. His acclaimed 1984 prison memoir, "The True Confession of an Albino Terrorist", is in English. In the book, he recalls the horrors of hearing fellow inmates being hanged, often for political crimes. "Very often –- no, all the time really –- I relive those years of horror and corruption, and I try to imagine, as I did then with the heart an impediment to breathing, what it must be like to be executed. What it must be like to be. Executed," he wrote. His path crossed once, briefly, with another famous inmate. Nelson Mandela was for a time transferred from Robben Island to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town, where Breytenbach was serving his time. The writer was tasked with preparing new prison clothes for the future president. Breytenbach eventually turned to painting to portray surreal human and animal figures, often in captivity, with his art displayed in Johannesburg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Paris. His literature gathered several prizes, including the international Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award (2017), the Mahmoud Darwish Literature Prize (2010) and the Van der Hoogt prize for Dutch literature (1972). "His poems are rich in metaphors and are a complex mixture of references to Buddhism, Afrikaans idiomatic speech, and memories of the South African landscape," according to the Hague-based Writers Unlimited foundation. For all his activism, when democracy arrived in 1994, the older and gray-bearded Breytenbach did not return to embrace the new South Africa. He wrestled with the failings of the democratic government, even with Mandela, despairing at what he called in Harpers magazine in 2008 the "seemingly never-ending parade of corrupt clowns in power at all levels". Breytenbach also taught at the University of Cape Town, the Goree Institute in Dakar and New York University. zm-gs-br/lhd/js

ATLANTA (AP) — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington . As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race , held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets , he didn't just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris' loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women's concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution , which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people . Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,''' she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.” AP polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.NoneJohnson & Johnson stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors

London honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, IncCubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the AstrosBrighton frustrated in goalless draw with Brentfordfortuner gas 。

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. Declares DividendGeorgia Republicans recommend further law to restrict transgender women's participation in sportsFormer Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is set to make a comeback on British television as he joins the line-up for Celebrity Hunted, teaming up with fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington. The Italian dancer was absent from the latest series of the BBC's celebrity dance contest following his previous partner Amanda Abbington's allegations about his conduct, in which she described experiencing a "toxic environment" and "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying". A BBC probe into the actress’s claims concluded that "some, but not all" of the complaints against Pernice were substantiated, although he has consistently denied "any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour". Channel 4 has now confirmed that Pernice will participate in their reality challenge show Celebrity Hunted, which is part of the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising campaign. In the show, celebrities try to stay off the radar while being pursued by a crack team of hunters. Pernice and Widdrington will be pitted against other famous faces including Loose Women's Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue's Duncan James with model Christine McGuinness, former EastEnders actor Danielle Harold and Coronation Street's Kimberly Hart-Simpson, news presenters Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini, and podcast hosts David Whitely and Zeze Millz. The contestants are tasked with avoiding capture for two weeks, while the hunters have access to extensive resources to locate them. The hunters' squad, which includes police and military personnel, boasts access to an array of high-tech equipment such as CCTV footage, helicopters, drones, dogs, media campaigns, and cutting-edge cyber forensic technology. Shine TV's Director of Programmes, Matt Bennett, expressed his excitement: "There’s nothing more delicious than watching our much-loved celebrities turn fugitive and go on the run as they attempt to escape the hunters, all in aid of the excellent charity Stand Up To Cancer." He added, "This year we have a stellar line up who have truly kept the hunters on their toes." Bennett promised viewers gripping television, saying, "With dramatic escapes to daring captures, this season of Celebrity Hunted will keep the Channel 4 viewer on the edge of their sofas from one programme to the next. Jason Bourne would be proud of them all." Meanwhile, Tom Hutchings, the executive producer at the production company, teased that the upcoming series will be the "most exhilarating" yet. He detailed, "Expect trips to Albert Square and Blue concerts, celebrities begging for money and clothes, failed camping attempts and blagged moments of luxury, and a team of 30 hunters stopping at nothing to catch them," Hutchings also assured fans, "No celebrities were harmed in the making of this programme, only a few bruised egos." The thrilling chase is set to begin on Channel 4 from January 5 at 9pm. Join our Things To Do community for all the latest news What's On news sent direct to your phone. To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click on the link and press 'join community' . No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . CLICK HERE TO JOINTrade Desk's TTD short percent of float has fallen 5.6% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.79 million shares sold short , which is 2.19% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.45 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Trade Desk Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Trade Desk has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted. Comparing Trade Desk's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Trade Desk's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.62%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Singapore, Singapore–(Newsfile Corp. – December 23, 2024) – FingerMotion, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNGR) (the “ Company ” or “ FingerMotion “), a mobile services and data company, today announced the closing of its previously announced registered direct offering of 3,333,336 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,004 shares of its common stock. Each share was offered and sold together with one and one-half warrants at a combined public offering price of $1.50. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, are exercisable immediately, and will remain exercisable for a term of five years from the date of issuance. Roth Capital Partners acted as the exclusive placement agent of the offering. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $4.44 million from the offering, after deducting the offering expenses payable by the Company, including placement agent’s fees and expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate and working capital purposes. The securities described above were offered by the Company pursuant to a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-274456) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on September 29, 2023. The offering was made solely by means of a prospectus relating to the offering, including a prospectus supplement, that forms part of the effective registration statement and has been filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting Roth Capital Partners at 888 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach CA 92660, by phone at (800) 678-9147. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About FingerMotion, Inc. FingerMotion is an evolving technology company with a core competency in mobile payment and recharge platform solutions in China. As the user base of its primary business continues to grow, the Company is developing additional value-added technologies to market to its users. The vision of the Company is to rapidly grow the user base through organic means and have this growth develop into an ecosystem of users with high engagement rates utilizing its innovative applications. Developing a highly engaged ecosystem of users would strategically position the Company to onboard larger customer bases. FingerMotion eventually hopes to serve over 1 billion users in the China market and eventually expand the model to other regional markets. For more information on FingerMotion, visit: https://fingermotion.com/ Forward Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes “forward-looking statements” as such term is used in applicable United States securities laws. These statements relate to analysis and other information that are based on forecasts or future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “estimates” or “intends”, or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as “forward-looking statements”. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events or performance, including the intended use of proceeds from the public offering. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual future results may differ materially from those discussed or implied in our forward-looking statements for various reasons. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: international, national and local general economic and market conditions; demographic changes; the ability of the Company to sustain, manage or forecast its growth; the ability of the Company to manage its VIE contracts; the ability of the Company to maintain its relationships and licenses in China; adverse publicity; competition and changes in the Chinese telecommunications market; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; business disruptions, such as technological failures and/or cybersecurity breaches; and the other factors discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Report Act of 1995. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy our securities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234985 #distroIsraeli expert seeks new crime against humanity for waging violence against familiesThe man who ended Nadal's career helps the Netherlands beat Germany to reach the Davis Cup finalEx-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died

London honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, IncThe LaGrange Academy Middle School girls basketball team is on a tear. The Warriors are off to a blazing 9-2 start and the record does not quite do the team justice with one loss coming to a high school team and the other versus Callaway Middle. Britt Gaylor’s Warriors back down from no opposition. “We were technically, I think, supposed to play Strong Rocks JV team, but they ended up just playing their varsity against us. And it was fun because all the girls were fired up about it. They weren’t worried about playing older girls. And we went out there and played them close most of the game. We ended up losing by ten, but we were in the game the entire way. And that was that was awesome to see that,” said Gaylor, the team’s head coach. The Warriors are playing their best ball of the young season as of late. LaGrange Academy beat Valley (AL) and Harris County Middle School teams at a tournament last week, proving that the Warriors can go toe-to-toe with public schools just as well as the private schools. “We ended up beating both of them just because we were used to the physicality and we knew what to expect,” Gaylor said. “And so that game against Callaway earlier in the season was great for us, and we played well in stretches against them. I think we ended up losing about 20, but there was, there were good stretches that we took away from it and applied the rest of the year. “​​They were fired up because they went out there and they took it to them. I mean, they played more physical in both games. They played tough defense. Against Harris County, they made a late push in the game, but we were so composed down the stretch, taking care of the ball, knocking down our free throws and it got the girls fired up.” The current LaGrange Academy squad is chock-full of versatile talent. Molly Edelson is leading the team in scoring and assists and is one of the more talented young players to come through LaGrange Academy in some time. “Molly Edelson is leading, leading us in scoring, but she’s also leading us in assists, and she, she’s really the connector, getting everybody involved. And it’s really radiated through the team. And again, they’re so much fun to coach when they’re playing together like that,” Gaylor said. “Molly’s sister Ava is also doing a lot on the court for us as are Halynn Pierson and Makenna Cagle.” The Warriors have talented offensive players, but what separates the team from many of their peers is the size and all-around play of the players on the team “Ava is so helpful on offense, taking care of the ball, knocking down open shots. Makenna, the same thing, taking care of the ball, knocking down open shots, but also she’s our best team defender in terms of, she knows how to guard the ball, but she also knows how to help and so she’s so good playing team defense with our girls, and then Halynn is just she’s so athletic and so fierce and aggressive on defense that she takes other teams best player out of the game completely. She’s done that pretty much in every one of our games this year,” Gaylor said. Eighth grader Katie Hill gives the team some size and rebounding while seventh grader Avery Vaughn gives the team some quickness and speed. All these girls alongside Syndey Thash, Liza Campbell and Kinsley Burgess have mostly been playing together for a year or more which gives the team such great chemistry. “This is for most of them the second or third year in the program,” Gaylor said. “I think that myself and you go back to even when Coach (Ken) Klinger was the head coach, we have done a really good job of developing them as they came up through our youth program, doing things like going to camp and stuff like that. So we’ve watched these girls grow a lot in the last couple of years.” The Warriors are enjoying a short break before a return to the court on the road to Brookstone on Jan. 8. Don’t expect any drastic New Year’s resolutions from the team as they look to keep the momentum rolling into 2025.

fortuner q vs ltd The recent investigation conducted by the English Premier League Referees' Association into the conduct of referee Kuipers has sent shockwaves through the football community. However, what many may not realize is that even before the English investigation took place, UEFA had already taken decisive action by removing Kuipers from their list of official referees.

In conclusion, the future of the Syrian situation remains uncertain, with the possibility of regime change hanging in the balance. While the Assad regime has managed to cling to power thus far, the ongoing economic crisis, external pressure, and internal unrest could eventually tip the scales in favor of a political transition. However, the road to regime change in Syria is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, and the outcome is far from guaranteed. Only time will tell how the situation in Syria will ultimately unfold, and whether a change in government leadership will become a reality.

Overall, Samsung's move to repurpose the A2 factory for micro OLED production underscores the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of display technology and delivering next-generation solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers and industries alike. With its legacy of innovation and technological expertise, Samsung is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of display technology with its glass-based micro OLED production line.

House Approves $895B Defense Bill With Military Pay Raise, Ban On Transgender Care For Minors

And so, Kevin's tale of the man who ordered a Swan washing machine but received a Bear-y companion serves as a reminder that life is full of delightful surprises, if only we are willing to open our hearts and minds to them. Who knows what other unexpected adventures may be waiting just around the corner, disguised as a simple delivery mishap or mix-up in our carefully laid plans. Sometimes, it's the detours in life that lead us to the most magical destinations - just ask Kevin and Bear-y.In executive leadership, managing high-stakes decisions while maintaining personal well-being can be challenging. However, physical fitness plays a crucial role in enhancing executive performance, offering benefits that directly impact leadership abilities and overall work effectiveness. Regular exercise not only improves cognitive function and energy levels but also helps executives manage stress and regulate emotions, all of which contribute to better decision-making and productivity. Here’s a closer look at how physical fitness impacts executive performance and some practical tips for integrating exercise into a busy schedule. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Cognitive Function Executives are required to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and solve complex problems daily. Regular physical exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Cardiovascular activities like running or cycling, as well as strength training, can increase blood flow to the brain, supporting improved focus and mental clarity. This cognitive boost allows leaders to process information more efficiently, approach tasks strategically, and make clearer decisions—key factors in excelling at executive responsibilities. Stress Management Stress is an inevitable part of executive roles, but its negative effects can be mitigated through consistent physical activity. Exercise acts as a natural stress reliever by reducing levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. For executives, maintaining a regular exercise routine helps manage the pressure and anxiety associated with demanding work environments. By engaging in physical activity, leaders can maintain composure, reduce mental fatigue, and approach challenges with a clearer mind and renewed energy. This ability to stay calm under pressure can significantly enhance both personal and organizational performance. Energy and Productivity One of the most noticeable benefits of regular exercise is an increase in energy levels. It’s easy to think that exercise requires more energy, but in fact, it stimulates the release of endorphins and improves overall stamina. Executives who stay physically fit are likely to feel more energized throughout the day, leading to better time management and higher productivity. Physical fitness can also improve sleep quality, allowing leaders to rest more fully and be more focused when they’re awake, thus enhancing their ability to manage both their personal and professional lives more effectively. Mood and Emotional Regulation Leadership requires emotional resilience and the ability to stay grounded, especially in challenging or high-stakes situations. Exercise contributes significantly to mood regulation by releasing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. A positive outlook not only improves an executive’s emotional state but also enhances their ability to lead teams, handle conflicts, and maintain productive relationships in the workplace. By fostering emotional stability, fitness can help executives build stronger, more cohesive teams and navigate workplace dynamics with greater ease. Integrating Exercise into a Demanding Work Schedule With the many demands on an executive’s time, it may seem difficult to prioritize fitness. However, by incorporating exercise into a daily routine, executives can experience the benefits without sacrificing work responsibilities. Here are some tips for integrating physical fitness into a demanding schedule: By prioritizing physical fitness, executives can experience improved cognitive function, reduced stress, higher energy levels, and better emotional regulation—factors that are all essential to effective leadership and overall performance. Incorporating exercise into a demanding work schedule may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can become an integral part of a successful and balanced executive lifestyle. Rather than viewing exercise as an extra task, consider it an essential component of both professional achievement and personal well-being. The result is not only better performance at work but a more fulfilling and productive life overall. For more information, visit A Personal Physician's social media:

www fortune.ph 。

NEW YORK (AP) — An early rebound for U.S. stocks on Thursday petered out by the end of the day, leaving indexes close to flat. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% following Wednesday’s tumble of 2.9% when the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than earlier thought. The index had been up as much as 1.1% in the morning. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 15 points, or less than 0.1%, following Wednesday’s drop of 1,123 points, while the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. This week’s struggles have taken some of the enthusiasm out of the market, which critics had been warning was overly buoyant and would need everything to go correctly for it to justify its high prices. But indexes remain near their records , and the S&P 500 is still on track for one of its best years of the millennium with a gain of 23%. Traders are now expecting the Federal Reserve to deliver just one or maybe two cuts to interest rates next year, according to data from CME Group. Some are even betting on none. A month ago, the majority saw at least two cuts in 2025 as a safe bet. Wall Street loves lower interest rates because they give the economy a boost and goose prices for investments, but they can also provide fuel for inflation. Micron Technology was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500 Thursday. It fell 16.2% despite reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than expected. The computer memory company’s revenue fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts, and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said it expects demand from consumers to remain weaker in the near term. It gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell well short of what analysts were thinking. Lamb Weston, which makes French fries and other potato products, dropped 20.1% after falling short of analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. It also cut its financial targets for the fiscal year, saying demand for frozen potatoes is continuing to soften, particularly outside North America. The company replaced its chief executive. Such losses helped overshadow a 14.7% jump for Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden and other chains. It delivered profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations. The operator of LongHorn Steakhouses also gave a forecast for revenue for this fiscal year that topped analysts’. Accenture rose 7.1% after the professional services company likewise topped expectations for profit in the latest quarter. CEO Julie Sweet said it saw growth around the world, and the company raised its forecast for revenue this fiscal year. Amazon shares added 1.3%, even as workers at seven of its facilities went on strike Thursday in the middle of the online retail giant’s busiest time of the year. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what the workers’ union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history. In the bond market, yields were mixed a day after shooting higher on expectations that the Fed would deliver fewer cuts to rates in 2025. Reports on the U.S. economy came in mixed. One showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut them in September. A separate report showed fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, an indication that the job market also remains solid. But a third report said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is unexpectedly contracting again despite economists’ expectations for growth. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.57% from 4.52% late Wednesday and from less than 4.20% earlier this month. But the two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for action by the Fed in the near term, eased back to 4.31% from 4.35%. The rise in longer-term yields has put pressure on the housing market by keeping mortgage rates higher. Homebuilder Lennar fell 5.2% after reporting weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Stuart Miller said that “the housing market that appeared to be improving as the Fed cut short-term interest rates, proved to be far more challenging as mortgage rates rose” through the quarter. “Even while demand remained strong, and the chronic supply shortage continued to drive the market, our results were driven by affordability limitations from higher interest rates,” he said. A report on Thursday may have offered some encouragement for the housing industry. It showed a pickup in sales of previously occupied homes. All told, the S&P 500 slipped 5.08 points to 5,867.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 15.37 to 42,342.24, and the Nasdaq composite lost 19.92 to 19,372.77. In stock markets abroad, London’s FTSE 100 fell 1.1% after the Bank of England paused its cuts to rates and kept its main interest rate unchanged on Thursday. The move comes as inflation there moved further above the central bank’s 2% target rate, while the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of Japan also kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.7%. Indexes likewise sank across much of the rest of Asia and Europe. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

On 29 November, after more than four hours of debate, MPs voted to pass the assisted dying bill by 330 votes to 275. Brought by Kim Leadbeater, the MP for Batley and Spen, this bill could see those with six months or less to live given the legal right to end their own lives. The former presenter and journalist, Esther Rantzen, who is herself signed up to Dignitas, led a public charge in support of the bill. But with the NHS and social care systems already buckling under huge pressure, is the UK really ready for such a serious change in the law? Megan Kenyon The new(ish) Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch ascended party ranks at warp speed, having only been elected as an MP in 2017. The gaffe-prone former Spectator employee once admitted to illegally hacking into Harriet Harman’s website to alter content to “say nice things about Tories”. Nonetheless she has wooed the party selectorate with assured performances on culture war issues. That’s an impressive achievement. Badenoch is a first-generation migrant and the first black leader of any major party in the UK. But since she assumed the role, it’s Reform that has capitalised on Labour’s dismal start in government. Jonny Ball I have committed more words to these pages about Charli XCX than I ever imagined possible . But the international superstar (“still a young girl from Essex”) was the cause célèbre of 2024. And her album Brat was proof of a singular creative principle: to last in our culture you must be convention-defying, not zeitgeist-riding. Mainstream music may be dominated by girls with guitars and forlorn Taylor Swift impressions, but Charli’s loud, bass-heavy, Asbo-pop (“should we do a little key?/Should we have a little line?”) was the soundtrack to the year. Finn McRedmond From fake explicit pictures of Taylor Swift to a fabricated clip of Sadiq Khan telling the British public to “get a grip”, deepfakes have caused havoc this year. These artificially generated images, videos or audio clips fool the viewer in to believing they’re observing the real thing. While they have gained ground in 2024, this particularly nefarious form of misinformation is likely to cause more issues in the coming years. And as the technology used to create them advances, the lines between fiction and reality could become even more blurred. Megan Kenyon 2023 was really Taylor Swift ’s moment in the sun, by 2024 we were used to the act: impossibly famous and beloved woman embarks on the biggest stadium tour of all time, and the crowd goes wild. In December the Eras tour finally ended to little fanfare, after 149 shows across five continents. Has her star burned too bright? I wouldn’t count on it. So long as she continues producing songs to a calibre that’s on a different cosmic plain to her peers, Swift will remain hegemonic. Finn McRedmond Keir Starmer ’s Labour won 63 per cent of Commons’ seats with 34 per cent of the vote. Nigel Farage ’s Reform has less than 1 per cent of seats despite winning one in seven votes. If support for Britain’s ablest political communicator is under-represented in Westminster Palace, it’s manifest on modern life’s truer stages: the streets and the screens. December this year was the first month people asked seriously if Farage will be the next prime minister – it won’t be the last. George Monaghan When Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity as the victim of France’s biggest-ever rape case, her name was seared into popular consciousness. Over the course of a decade, Pelicot’s husband Dominique drugged her at their home in the town of Mazan, southern France, and raped her, and invited other men from surrounding towns and villages to do so as well. In a gruelling four-month trial, Pelicot revealed her astounding strength of character. By going public, her hope is to change how victims of sexual violence are treated. As she told the court: “It is not for us to have shame – it’s for them.” Megan Kenyon It has been more than a year since the 7 October attack on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow of “mighty vengeance” against Hamas . This year, the conflict between Hamas and Israel has intensified; the death toll in Gaza has passed 45,000. The group ends the year leaderless and scattered after the death of Yahya Sinwar in October. But recent reports suggest that a ceasefire between the two sides could be imminent. Hamas said in a statement a deal could be possible if Israel stops setting new conditions. Megan Kenyon Half the world’s population went to the polls in 2024. And it wasn’t a great year for the guys in charge. Donald Trump swept back to power, the Conservatives suffered the worst defeat in their history, and figures as politically diverse as Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi were deprived of their majorities. As the post-Covid inflationary spiral ate away at take-home pay, voters looked to punish incumbents irrespective of left-right affiliations. Proliferating geopolitical crises have also added to the economic malaise and a gloomy world outlook. At least it isn’t just us. Jonny Ball For the first three quarters of 2024, Jeremy Clarkson was having a relatively quiet year. That was until Rachel Reeves announced the reduction of inheritance tax relief for farming families in the Budget. “Rachel Reeves. I literally daren’t comment,” Clarkson initially posted on X. Two hours later, he couldn’t help but comment: “Farmers. I know that you have been shafted today.” And like the very capable populist he is, the comments spurred action. Farmers twice took to central London to protest , with Clarkson – who previously admitted the tax relief was “critical” to him buying his own TV-famous farm – becoming the de facto leader of the movement. Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Fighting in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, has been ongoing for more than 18 months after a power struggle broke out between the main two factions of the country’s military regime. Since then, the conflict has evolved into what the UN has described as “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history”. Twenty-five million people have been displaced from their homes across Sudan, tens of thousands have died, and famine and disease have ravaged the population. As 2024 draws to a close, this merciless, consuming war continues to rage. Megan Kenyon After 14 years wallowing in opposition, Labour returned to power in July. Things can only get better, right? Not quite. Though the party’s 174-seat majority is broad, it is also shallow. Just about every type of voter who put their faith in Keir Starmer’s party now seemingly has an issue with the government: farmers on inheritance tax, pensioners on the winter fuel payment cut. This victorious year has ended on a dour note, with Reform closing the gap on both main parties in the polls, and Starmer forced to make what many have termed a “ reset ” of his government, just five months into a five-year term. Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Following June’s legislative elections, France ’s hung parliament has proved to be more than just a headache for Emmanuel Macron . The country is on to its fourth prime minister this year. Macron, only halfway through his second term as president, is batting off pressure from all sides. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally is making gains on the right and calls for Macron’s resignation followed the ousting of latest PM Michel Barnier in December . As the year ends, France’s political turbulence has yet to subside, and there is a question mark over the longevity of its president’s tenure. Megan Kenyon On 21 November, Judges at the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu , Israel’s prime minister. The move was met with outrage across the country. This has been a year in which Netanyahu’s self-styled role as Israel’s protector has been called into serious question. Internally, he faces trial for corruption and bribery charges (which he has emphatically denied) and has been accused of being a danger to democracy. Historically, Netanyahu has proved himself to be a resilient political operator, but are these challenges too much? Megan Kenyon It almost felt like a cultural display of Newton’s third law. As the glitter and glitz of the Eras tour (as Finn writes above) achieved an apogee, something like its musical opposite loomed into view: two dark, feuding, glowering Mancs in cagoules, reuniting for the first time since 2009. Oasis have a rare hold on our collective ear: if something like the Great British Songbook exists, they have made several contributions. To millions, the announcement of their return prompted an equally rare and enviable emotion: joy. Nicholas Harris Although the Post Office scandal came to a head in 2024, its origins go back a quarter of a century. The faulty Horizon IT software, first introduced to postal services in 1999, led to accounting shortfalls that saw 900 subpostmasters convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting through to 2015. This year, the passing of the Post Office Compensation Act gave those affected means of redress, while the ITV dramatisation brought the scandal to an audience of millions, leading to the former prime minister Rishi Sunak describing it as “one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our nation’s history”. Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Donald Trump’s victory on 5 November was so resounding that even the deep blue hue of New York City has begun to fade. The US pollster Nate Silver noted that “almost no place has seen a bigger increase in Trump support than the five boroughs [of New York City]”. In Queens, the city’s easternmost and largest borough – and Trump’s birthplace – 38 per cent of voters cast their ballot for the US president-elect compared with only 21.8 per cent in 2016. Though traditionally liberal, New Yorkers did not escape unscathed from inflation – the crucial issue that drove US voters to re-elect their former president. Queens is just a small example of a cosmic shift taking place in the US in 2024. Megan Kenyon Violent civil disorder is a comparably rare occurrence in Britain. But an unlucky 13 years on from our last spate of rioting, something even uglier reared its head. After the stabbing of three little girls in Southport and a frenzy of misinformation and speculation about the attacker, England faced a week of ethnic-sectarian conflict on its high streets. Politicians and commentators found the events impossible to parse. And, with the alleged murderer still on trial, the anger his actions unleashed is unlikely to fade. Nicholas Harris Following the launch of a major surprise offensive by the Islamist militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied rebel factions, more than 50 years of the Assad family’s rule in Syria came to an end. A civil war in the country has been ongoing since 2011, killing over half a million people and displacing millions more from their homes. Though Bashar al-Assad’s reign of terror is over (the toppled president has now fled to Moscow ), Syria’s future remains in flux. A new era for this war-torn nation is emerging. Megan Kenyon An old man was shot in the head, and 84 seconds later was on his feet with his fist raised to his adorers , crying, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”; they screamed “USA! USA! USA!” Come November, the American nation elected him president in the hope it might become strong, safe and great again. In January he will become the most powerful human on Earth for a second time, now with a loyal and organised team dedicated to imposing his vision on the world. George Monaghan In February 2025, it will have been three years since Russian troops marched across the border and into Ukraine, sparking a bloody conflict from which there has been little relief. The Ukrainian position has worsened this year, as Russia has, little by little, gained ground . Desertion among Ukrainian soldiers is on the rise and the election of Trump as US president has fuelled concern and uncertainty for president Volodymyr Zelensky. Hopes of a ceasefire in early 2025 are intensifying – but what comes next for Ukraine remains chillingly unclear. Megan Kenyon The Spanish province of Valencia was overcome by apocalyptic flash flooding in October which killed at least 214 people and left dozens unaccounted for. The crisis is one of the worst natural disasters in modern Spanish history and saw towns across the region swept by mud and rubble. Valencian officials have faced criticism after they took 12 hours to respond to a red weather warning, and the King and Queen of Spain were pelted with mud on a visit to the region . The floods’ intensity is a direct result of climate change in the Mediterranean and is a warning of extreme weather events to come. Megan Kenyon This Christmas is to be Justin Welby’s last as Archbishop of Canterbury. On 12 November, Welby resigned after the findings of a report into the Church’s handling of serial allegations of physical and sexual abuse by John Smyth. The report criticised Welby for failing to adequately address the abuse, which he was officially informed about in 2013. So ends the tenure of a consummate Church moderniser (women bishops were finally allowed under him). The race for Lambeth Palace and for Welby’s successor will begin in earnest in the new year. Megan Kenyon If you couldn’t bear the grovelling and fled to BlueSky in 2024, you likely weren’t a direct witness to X owner Elon Musk ’s courtship of Trump. The wooing worked: Trump returned to the platform on his way to winning back the White House, and appointed Musk to co-lead one of his government departments; Musk anointed himself “First Buddy”. “I can’t get him out of here,” Trump recently quipped about the tech billionaire. Will their honeymoon period end on X in 2025? You’ll need to dig out your old login details to find out. Harry Clarke-Ezzidio In case you’re not addicted to X/Twitter, Yimby stands for “yes in my back yard”, and it’s the name for a broad group of wonkish, very online, pro-building policy nerds angry at our complex planning system. They’ve hit the mainstream, with their ideas adopted by the Labour front bench and seemingly the entire think tank world. For the Yimbys, there’s nothing worse than a Nimby, who have, they say, have been given easy vetoes over development, exacerbating the housing crisis and making infrastructure upgrades like HS2 impossibly expensive. Jonny Ball The Zone of Interest , which won best picture at this year’s Academy Awards, exposes Rudolf Franz Ferdinand Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, as the father of a relatively conventional bourgeois family. For much of the film the Hösses are celebrating birthdays, squabbling and enjoying their garden. Jonathan Glazer took from Martin Amis’s novel of the same title “the courage to portray the executioners as utterly normal people”. The result, said David Sexton in his New Statesman review , “leaves you feeling both utter dismay and your own implication alongside the perpetrators, rather than the victims.” George Monaghan [See also: The 20 best books of 2024 ] RelatedCedric Soares interview: 'Mikel Arteta changed the way I see football'

In a bid to fund an upcoming tour, singer Kate Nash recently revealed an unconventional method to raise money: selling pictures of her posterior on the adult subscription platform, OnlyFans. Describing the move as “very empowering... fun [and] funny,” Nash, 37, told her critics to “kiss my a– (for a price of course),” reported The Telegraph . OnlyFans, established in 2016 by Essex entrepreneur Tim Stokely and his father Guy, is a paywalled social media platform where subscribers, or “fans,” pay fees ranging from $5 to $50 ( ₹ 415– ₹ 4,150) per month to access content. While it includes a wide variety of creators, much of its offerings are explicit in nature. The site allows direct interaction between subscribers and creators, with the option to pay additional “tips” for personalised content. Currently, the platform hosts more than four million creators. Discussing her decision to join OnlyFans, Nash said, “I need extra income to take the stress out of [touring],” adding that she wanted to fairly compensate her band and crew while providing high-quality shows. “I like flashing my a–, and I know a few people that run their own adult film companies or work on OnlyFans,” she shared. Pop artists join OnlyFans Nash is not alone in exploring this platform. Other musicians, including Lily Allen and rappers Cardi B and Iggy Azalea, have used OnlyFans for non-explicit ventures. Allen, 39, for example, shares photos of her feet under the username @lilyallenFTSE500 for an £8 ( ₹ 830) monthly fee and claims that the platform is already more profitable for her than streaming services, which pay artists just $0.003 to $0.005 ( ₹ 0.25– ₹ 0.40) per play. Creators on OnlyFans retain 80% of their earnings, while the platform takes a 20% cut. “OnlyFans has always been a platform for creators from all genres, including musicians,” said a spokesperson. “It provides opportunities to grow their presence, engage with fans, and earn revenue independently, away from traditional industry constraints.” Also read: ‘I am not a Pakistani’, clarifies YouTuber Zara Dar, who quit PhD for OnlyFans Despite its controversial reputation for hosting adult content, the platform has flourished, reporting revenues of $1.3 billion ( ₹ 1,07,900 crore) for the year ending November 2023—a 20% increase from the previous year. CEO Keily Blair emphasised that OnlyFans is not solely a pornographic website, noting that creators often post varied content, such as yoga videos, alongside more explicit offerings. Tim Stokely, who founded OnlyFans after experimenting with ventures like a porn website called Customs4U, described the platform’s concept in a 2021 interview. “The idea was to create a platform similar to social media but with a payment button,” he said. Initially embraced by sex workers, the site gained mainstream traction during the pandemic, with strip clubs closed and public figures like Bella Thorne and Cardi B joining the platform for brief periods. For many, OnlyFans has become a viable alternative to traditional income sources. A former estate agent who now uses the platform said subscribers tend to be supportive compared to anonymous trolls on other social media. However, building a successful presence requires significant effort. “I spend about two hours daily chatting with fans and also dedicate time to editing content,” she shared, adding that promoting oneself as a commodity demands resilience. Since its launch, OnlyFans has paid over $15 billion ( ₹ 1,24,500 crore) to creators, with some, like Dannii Harwood, earning their first million within a year. While Kate Nash and Lily Allen haven’t disclosed their earnings, the platform has proven immensely profitable for its owners. In 2023, Leonid Radvinsky, who holds a 75% stake, received a $472 million ( ₹ 37,200 crore) dividend, and Stokely’s net worth is estimated at $3.8 billion ( ₹ 3,16,300 crore). Also read: ‘I am addicted to filler, Botox’: 30-year-old OnlyFans star spends ₹ 53 lakh to look like 'Barbie for life'

fortune ox legit TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have officially signed right-handed reliever Yimi Garcia to a two-year, US$15-million contract. The Blue Jays announced the deal Friday, two days after multiple media outlets reported the agreement. The 34-year-old Garcia was traded from Toronto to Seattle on July 26 for outfielder Jonatan Clase and catcher/outfielder Jacob Sharp. He had a 6.00 ERA in nine innings over 10 appearances for the Mariners. He was 3-0 with a 3.46 ERA and five saves overall this year in 39 games and 39 innings. Garcia is 22-29 with a 3.59 ERA and 26 saves over 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-19), Miami (2020-21), Houston (2021), Toronto (2022-24) and Seattle. He missed the 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. The Canadian PressGoogle released a pretty cool feature in its recent December Feature Drop. The update, which helps extend a user’s battery life by limiting charging to only 80 percent, was pushed out as part of the feature drop. However, spotted by Redditor takaxia, the update also allows for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series to run directly on AC power completely bypassing the battery. Pixel phones finally support bypass charging by u/takaxia in GooglePixel Users can do this by heading to Settings > Battery > Charging optimization and enabling the Limit to 80 percent option. Once you charge your handset to 80 percent, it will stop using its battery and directly use the AC to keep it running. This will reduce battery decay over time, extending a user’s battery. Additionally, this can help reduce the heat the Pixel generates. The handset can get pretty hot when gaming, depending on what title you’re playing. When plugged in, the handset won’t produce any heat when playing titles because the device won’t be using its battery and will use the AC adapter instead. The feature works if you’ve downloaded the latest Pixel Drop and are using the Android 15 QPR1 build for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9. Source: Android PoliceTexas Instruments Inc. stock rises Thursday, still underperforms market

Sen. Schumer pushes for increased surveillance to hunt drones in NY, NJ

BALTIMORE — One of Baltimore’s most prominent families was thrust into the spotlight this week, when a son of the clan, Luigi Mangione, was arrested by Pennsylvania police and charged in the Dec. 4 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Locally active in philanthropy, both via individual donations and through the Mangione Family Foundation, the Mangiones gave millions to Baltimore’s various institutions and nonprofits, including more than $1 million to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and more to the American Citizens for Italian Matters, Baltimore Opera Company and others. Loyola University, which counts Mangione alumni among their ranks, has an aquatic center named after the family, and GBMC previously had a high-risk obstetrics unit, since closed, that bore their name. Their story is a uniquely American one: The Mangiones went from deep poverty to massive wealth in just three generations, with one cousin, Nino Mangione, now a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates. Despite an eventually deep portfolio of development properties and government contracting for 20 years, the family patriarch, Nicholas Mangione Sr. , said he still faced prejudice for his background when he attempted to buy land to build the Turf Valley Golf and Country Club, now the Turf Valley Resort, in Ellicott City. “Tongues started wagging,” Mangione told The Baltimore Sun in 1995. “People (were) wondering where an unknown Italian could get the money for a $5 million project. In those days, there were no Italians in real visible positions (in Howard County).” Mangione said the implication was that he must have backing from the mob, so he countered sharply. “People thought I needed money from the Mafia to buy this place. They asked me what family I belonged to,” he said. “I told them, ‘I belong to the Mangione family. The Mangione family of Baltimore County.’” The family is now defending its name again. On Monday, members released a statement on social media expressing dismay at Luigi Mangione’s arrest, saying they were stunned by the news. “We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved,” the family wrote . “We are devastated by this news.” The family did not respond to a request for comment via a family attorney or their foundation. From poverty to philanthropic elite How they went from the Depression-era streets of the city’s Little Italy to its philanthropic elite is straight out of a Horatio Alger novel. Nicholas Sr. was born in Baltimore’s Little Italy, and spent his first eight years in a one-room apartment with an outdoor privy, according to a 2008 Sun article. He earlier told The Sun his Italian immigrant father, Louis, could neither read nor write, and worked in the city water department until he died of pneumonia. Today, the Mangione family is a sprawling one, with a business empire to match: Nicholas Sr., made the beginning of the family’s fortunes in the post-World War II years as a bricklayer and contractor . He built up his business holdings throughout the following decades, with his wife, Mary , growing their family to include five sons, five daughters, and 37 grandchildren, including Luigi. The family’s holdings range from construction to commercial real estate to local radio station WCBM-AM and a majority stake in Lorien Health Services, which operates multiple assisted living facilities in Maryland. Aside from the Turf Valley Resort, with its 10,000-square-foot ballroom, 220-room hotel, and 85-seat amphitheater, the Mangiones also own the Hayfields Country Club in Cockeysville and a slew of companies registered in Maryland . Its family foundation had net assets of $4.4M as of its 2022 tax filing , the most recent on record. The Mangione Family Foundation’s stated focus is supporting, “Organizations for any of the following purposes: religious, educational, charitable, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition (as long as it doesn’t provide athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.” Politically active across the aisle Politically, the Mangiones have been active across the aisle. Luigi Mangione’s parents, Louis and Kathleen Mangione donated $35,935 to state and local politicians from 2005 through 2023, according to data from the State Board of Elections. Half went to Nino Mangione ’s campaign account for his state delegate races from 2018 through 2023. Other donations went to Howard County executives Calvin Ball and Ken Ulman, both Democrats, and Allan Kittleman, a Republican, along with additional high-profile candidates of both parties, including former Govs. Martin O’Malley and Robert L. Ehrlich, and former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. Large family The immense number of Mangiones also was briefly confusing for Baltimoreans on Monday. Aside from Nicholas Sr. and Mary Mangione’s 10 children and 37 grandchildren, city counts at least two other Mangione families, who were briefly inundated with phone calls from the media and queries from former schoolmates and acquaintances. One of Luigi Mangione’s two sisters is a physician at the University of Texas Southwestern, according to her LinkedIn profile. Another sister is a visual artist. Neither sister responded to requests for comment. His mother, Kathleen, comes from a family that owns a funeral home, the Charles S. Zannino Funeral Home in Highlandtown, the Baltimore Fishbowl reported , and now runs a travel agency, KZM Boutique Travel, which had removed its website as of Tuesday evening. His father, Louis was groomed to help take over the family’s business empire, according to a 2003 Washington Post article . ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Niger's ruling junta suspended the BBC for three months over the broadcaster's coverage of an extremist attack that allegedly killed dozens of Nigerien soldiers and civilians, authorities said Thursday. “BBC broadcasts false information aimed at destabilizing social calm and undermining the troops' morale,” communications minister Raliou Sidi Mohamed said in letters to radio stations that rebroadcast BBC content. Mohamed asked the stations to suspend BBC's programs “with immediate effect.”Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The entry of products deemed environment-friendly to the Philippines—a net goods importer—faces challenges due to expensive non-tariff barriers, according to the World Bank. "The Philippines' share of green goods trade is relatively low, partly due to the high incidence of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on imports of green goods," said the World Bank report titled "Trade Policy, Green Goods and the Labor Market: Evidence from the Philippines" published on Dec. 13. This assessment is based on a comparison made by the Washington-based multilateral lender with the Philippines' peer-countries as well as leading green industries. In particular, the World Bank cited "costly" NTMs impacting imported energy transition-related technologies, among other green products. For the World Bank, this is a missed opportunity for the Philippines, given its vulnerability to climate change challenges, citing that "bolding the green trade can support the country's transition towards a more sustainable area, enhance resilience, and alleviate environmental risks." "As the Philippines heavily relies on fossil fuel imports, investing in green energy such as hydropower, wind, or solar can reduce the dependence on fossil fuel imports," the World Bank pointed out. Also, the report noted that the Philippines' participation in green trade aligns with its global climate commitments, including as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) agreement. "More importantly, promoting green goods imports and exports can drive job creation, increase wages for people, and support economic growth," it added. According to the World Bank, out of the around 90 "burdensome" NTMs, there are five specific measures that, if reformed, may increase trade in green goods, as there is a direct link between higher exports and imports. But the report warned that this may also lead to fewer high-skilled labor involved in export industries, even as it could jack up the proportion of females working in import sectors. While importing green products is associated with bigger overall industry earnings, the report cautioned that reforming trade policies to become more climate- and environment-friendly could cause shifts in the labor market, hence requiring additional measures supporting impacted workers. In all, "green goods trade will matter for the transition to a low-carbon global economy as well as for its adaptive capacity to climate events," the World Bank said.Toronto Blue Jays officially sign reliever Garcia to two-year, US$15M deal

Future of Used Car E-commerce Platforms Market: Analysis and Leadership by Instamotor, Group 1 Automotive Inc, UXIN GROUP, Larry H. Miller Group of Cos, Hendrick Automotive Group, CarMax Inc, Guazi.com, Van Tuyl GroupFireweed Metals Corp. awarded up to C$35.4 M in joint US-Canadian government funding to advance Mactung and essential Infrastructure to unlock the critical minerals district at Macmillan Pass, Yukon TerritoryDENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos signed left tackle Garett Bolles to a four-year extension on Thursday, locking up a big piece to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Bolles has spent his entire career with the organization after being drafted out of Utah with the 20th overall pick in 2017. He has a chance this season to help the Broncos into the postseason for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season. The Broncos (8-5) are currently in the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. They can put some distance between them and Indianapolis on Sunday (6-7) with a win over the Colts. After an up-and-down start in Denver, Bolles has developed into a dependable pass protector. He's allowed one sack and 24 quarterback pressures over 13 starts this season. What's more, his 4.9 percent quarterback pressure rate is the second-lowest mark among tackles with at least 200 pass blocking snaps this season, according to NextGen Stats. With time to scan the field, Nix leads all rookies in completions (277), yards passing (2,842), offensive touchdowns (22) and passing touchdowns (17). Bolles earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors after the 2020 season. On social media , Bolles posted: “Broncos Country, It’s been a great 8 years! Thanks for everything! And ... I’m not leaving. The show goes on!” Since 2017, Bolles has allowed the sixth-fewest sacks (36) among tackles with at least 3,100 snaps. The extension of Bolles means the Broncos have all five starting offensive linemen on board through next season. Guard Quinn Meinerz agreed to four-year contract extension in July. The Broncos also signed cornerback Patrick Surtain II to a four-year contract extension in September worth $96 million, including $77.5 million in guarantees. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper agreed to a four-year, $60 million extension in November. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl