‘World at dawn of third nuclear age’, armed forces chief warnsSUVs are popular in part due to their elevated ride height, commanding view of the road and roomy interiors. Yet many midsize and large SUVs feel cumbersome in city driving. Smaller and more agile vehicles are a great alternative to help make city driving less of a chore. Edmunds’ experts have brought together five city-friendly SUVs that are right at home navigating busy traffic and squeezing into curbside parking spots. All pricing below includes the destination charge. Starting price: City living can mean space is at a premium. With this in mind, car shoppers who want a spacious vehicle with a small footprint would be smart to put the Kia Soul on their shopping list. The Soul is Kia’s smallest vehicle, but its boxy shape allows for a generous amount of headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows. The 24.2-cubic-foot cargo hold is also commendable. Edmunds singles out the Soul’s agile handling and fuel-sipping engine as reasons to buy one. Both should come in handy for urban driving. And considering city living isn’t inexpensive, it helps knowing the Soul is the least pricey of the five vehicles listed here. One downside to know about the Soul: You can’t get it with all-wheel drive. Starting price: $24,795 It takes something a little extra to stand out in a city environment. This is why the Buick Envista earns a spot on this list. It has an eye-catching design that cuts a stylish path through traffic. Few vehicles are able to do this at such a budget-friendly price. Inside and out, the Envista looks and feels like a more expensive vehicle than it really is. The touch screen interface is attractive and easy to use, while available features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate and rain-sensing wipers impart an upmarket appeal to Buick’s least expensive SUV. One trade-off is cargo space; the Envista’s swoopy shape means trunk volume is less than what many competitors provide. Starting price: $25,420 (2024 model year) The Volkswagen Taos is a compact SUV that Edmunds has found to feel a cut above many similarly sized rivals. The Taos is easy to maneuver, and its upright shape and large windows mean outward visibility is excellent. This matters a lot in the cut and thrust of city driving. Passenger and cargo space ranks among the best in its class, and the Taos’ engine is powerful enough for quick getaways at stoplights. Every 2025 Taos comes with a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging. And since navigating city traffic can be tricky, it’s nice knowing that driver-assist features such as rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot warning and automatic emergency braking are all standard. Starting price: $26,540 The Subaru Crosstrek has standard all-wheel drive and the rugged look of a vehicle bred for life in the wilderness. Thankfully, the Crosstrek is equally capable in an urban jungle. Subaru gives the Crosstrek an elevated ride height to help with off-roading, but that extra clearance also comes in handy when dealing with big speed bumps or steep parking-garage entrances. If you’re routinely in a hurry, Edmunds suggests sidestepping the 152-horsepower base four-cylinder engine and upgrading to the punchier 182-horsepower version. Subaru puts it in every 2025 Crosstrek except the base trim level. The interior is simple but durable; the controls are logically placed and within easy reach. At 19.9 cubic feet in capacity, the cargo area is on the smaller side among compact SUVs. Yet its low load floor and wide-opening hatch make it easy to get bulky items aboard. Starting price: $46,950 The Mercedes-Benz GLB justifies its premium price with cutting-edge technology, a smooth ride and strong performance. The GLB’s upright shape is also practical. This pint-sized Mercedes has 22 cubic feet of cargo volume and an adult-friendly second row. There’s even an optional third row, but it’s suitable only for kids. During testing, Edmunds noted the standard 221-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder has enough grunt to get the GLB from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Want to further shorten your commuting times? A 302-horsepower sport-tuned model, the AMG GLB 35, is even more rapid and rides on a hunkered-down suspension. You can get GLB with some helpful tech features, such as a surround-view parking camera system, but be aware that adding a lot of options can send the GLB’s price soaring far above a city skyline. Get local news delivered to your inbox!jolibet 。

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Two students wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California elementary schoolPALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Two children were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a small religious K-8 school in Northern California and the shooter died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot, sheriff’s officials said. The children’s conditions were not immediately known. The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private, K-8 school in Palermo, a community of 5,500 people about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento. Related Articles National News | Abandoned mines in the US pose dangers to people and property when land gives way National News | Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says National News | White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign National News | Powell: Fed’s independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions National News | United Healthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said the 911 calls reported “an individual on campus who had fired shots at students,” and said that the shooter did not appear to have a connection to the school. The motive was not immediately known, he continued. One student was flown to a nearby hospital, Honea said. Authorities rushed students to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, the sheriff’s office said. The school has been open since 1965 and caters to fewer than three dozen children, according to its website.

Eight ‘Must Follow’ Instagram Accounts While You’re At Art Basel To Keep Up On Parties And EventsB.C. mining could find mother lode in trade dispute between China, U.S.Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief, Tariq Karra, has called for clarity on the electricity supply situation in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting key issues affecting power generation and distribution in the Union Territory (UT). Karra said that the state relies heavily on hydropower, which depends on adequate rainfall. “For months, there has been little to no rain, directly impacting power generation. Most of our electricity is produced through hydropower plants, and the lack of rainfall has significantly reduced generation levels,” he explained. Karra also highlighted the importance of electricity being supplied from the National Grid. He pointed out that during winters, Kashmir depends on the National Grid, while in summers, the supply is crucial for Jammu. “We need to see whether electricity is coming from the National Grid or not. The availability from this source must be ensured to meet the rising demand in both regions,” he said. Highlighting governance issues, Karra raised concerns about confusion over decision-making powers in the UT’s electricity sector. “There is uncertainty about who holds authority over power generation and distribution in the UT—whether it is the LG administration or the state government. This confusion stems from the business rules not being clearly defined,” he added. Karra stressed that resolving these issues is essential to avoid disruptions in electricity supply. “Once the business rules are clarified, this confusion may end, and electricity management can improve,” he concluded. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hamid Karra, on Saturday reiterated the party’s demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it is crucial for both the region and the nation. Karra said that the Congress party has consistently raised this issue, not only in Jammu but also in other parts like Rajouri. He noted that the demand for statehood has been a priority for the party ever since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. “The restoration of statehood is not only important for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but is also in the national interest,” Karra stated. He expressed concern at the Central Government’s reluctance to address the demand, questioning why the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the government have not moved forward with the process. “We have repeatedly reminded the Prime Minister and Home Minister about this pressing issue, yet there is no clear action,” he added. Karra further stated that the Congress party will continue to push for the restoration of statehood, calling it an essential step towards ensuring the well-being and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We will not back down on this demand,” he concluded. The Congress has been actively advocating for the region’s full political and constitutional rights. (KNS)

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Leadership ethics template for reinventing Akinyele era of civil service in NigeriaTis’ the merriest and brightest season of all, and the list of local restaurants and bars decking the halls to celebrate is growing. With a variety of cocktail concoctions from the gingerbread mule to the tipsy elf, photo opportunities in an all-new “ski chalet” and a plethora of jubilant decor, a visit to these pop-ups will fill you with Yuletide cheer. Jingle Bar at Brit’s Pub: The nationwide, magical Christmas pop-up bar has made a home in Brit’s Pub this holiday season. Get jolly with holiday tunes, seasonal cocktails, games, entertainment and prizes. Tickets starting at $15.50. Dates and times vary, now though Jan. 12, Brit’s Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, thejinglebars.com . Holiday Flight Club: Experience holiday traditions around the world through cuisines, dishes and cocktail parings from various countries — all from the comfort of Travail’s seasonally decorated basement bar. Tickets starting at $135. Seatings at 5:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., now through Jan. 4, Travail’s Basement Bar, 4134 Hubbard Av. N., Robbinsdale, travailkitchen.com . Nico’s Navidad: With five themed rooms, a full holiday cocktail menu, Candy Cane Bar, Whoville, Bar Humbug and a life-size Santa, it’s safe to say Nico’s in Uptown has enough Christmas cheer to share. Accepting reservations and walk-ins. 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., now through Jan. 5, Nico’s Taco Bar, 2516 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., nicostacobar.com . Down Through the Chimney: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as you sip on handcrafted cocktails and nibble on holiday bites by the Santa-approved fireplace at Hotel Emery’s holiday pop-up bar. Accepting reservations and walk-ins. 4 p.m.-midnight Wed.-Sun., now through Dec. 29, Hotel Emery, 215 S. 4th St., Mpls., hotelemery.com . Jingle Bar at Lola’s Lakehouse: Jingle Bar returns to Lola’s Lakehouse for another holiday season with cheerful craft cocktails and mocktails, live music, and festive fare. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are encouraged. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. Now through Dec. 31, Lola’s Lakehouse, 318 E. Lake St., Waconia, lolaslakehouse.com . Mid Century Modern Holiday Pop Up: Build your own mini-Gingerbread house as you sip on holiday-themed cocktails or hot mulled blackberry “wine” in Dashfire’s cocktail room. 4 p.m.-midnight Thurs.-Sat., now through Dec. 28, Dashfire, 1620 Central Av. NE, Mpls., dashfire.us . The Red Nose Room and Après Ski Chalet: Red Cow’s Red Nose Room is back this year with the new Après Ski Chalet. Both with their own unique holiday menus featuring a variety of merry bevvies and foods - including Christmas cookies and Boozy Cider. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., now through Dec. 31, Red Cow Uptown, 2626 Hennepin Av., Mpls., redcowmn.com . The Naughty List: Head to Umbra for some of the North Pole’s rarest spirits, from spiced Caribbean rum and eggnog-infused Kentucky bourbon to elven-distilled gin and mulled cider. Bar and lounge seating is first come, first serve. 11 a.m-10 p.m. Sun.-Sat., now through Dec. 31, Umbra inside the Canopy Hotel, 708 3rd St. S., Mpls., umbrampls.com . Jingle Giles: Earl Giles presents its first annual six week-long holiday pop-up event, featuring themed craft cocktails, seasonal dishes, live music, trivia and holiday markets. Reservations are encouraged. 3-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., now through Dec. 31, Earl Giles, 1325 Quincy St. NE., Mpls., earlgiles.com . Hell-a-dazzle: Step into an explosion of holiday cheer in Hell’s Kitchen’s underground lair. The festivities feature Christmas kitsch décor from wall to wall, a 35-foot bloody mary and mimosa bar and live music. Reservations are encouraged. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., now through Jan.13, Hell’s Kitchen, 80 S. 9th St., Mpls., hellskitcheninc.com . The Nutcracker Suite: Nestled away in the Sovereign State winery is an enchanting 21+ cocktail lounge with seasonal drinks like the “Sugar Plum Fairy Martini” and the “Nutcracker.” Guests must have tickets to the Spirit of Winter event to attend. Tickets start at $15. 4-8 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 4-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat., and 4-8 p.m. on Mon. Dec. 23. Runs now through Dec. 29, Sovereign Estate Winery, 9950 North Shore Rd., Waconia, sovereignestatewine.com . Miracle Bar: The Miracle Bar is popping up at two locations in Minnesota this holiday season. Both Pinz and River City Extreme will feature one-of-a-kind seasonal cocktails and vibrant décor. Tickets start at $15. 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., noon-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat., noon-9 p.m. Sun., now through Dec. 29, 2 Locations, Pinz, 7520 N. 32nd St., Oakdale, and River City Extreme, 3875 School Blvd., Monticello, tripleshift.com . Winter Wonder Bar: There’s snow doubt Creekside Supper Club takes Christmas seriously. Sip on a holiday cocktail and enjoy a classic supper club meal in their decked-out dining room. Reservations are recommended. 4-9 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Sun., now through Jan. 12, Creekside Supper Club, 4820 Chicago Av., Mpls., creeksidemn.com . Dorit’s Tavern: Located on Surly’s second floor is a unique holiday pop-up featuring cold beers, killer pizza, and Jello shots. The mid-80′s themed dive bar is taking reservations. 3-9 p.m., now through Jan. 5, Surly Brewing Co., 520 Malcolm Av. SE., Mpls., surlybrewing.com . No Coal for You!: Black Sheep Pizza is decking out there coal-fired pizzeria and bar for the holidays with an all-new line up of happy hour food and drinks for the season. The restaurant and bar also extended its happy hour and late-night hours. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Fri. and Sat., now through Jan. 4, Black Sheep Pizza - North Loop, 600 Washington Av. N., Mpls., blacksheeppizza.com . Welcome to the Jingle: Hola Arepa, the Latin street food restaurant, is doing a tropical take on the joyful season with its holiday bar in the jungle, featuring specialty cocktails and reggae and afrobeat Christmas playlist. 4-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 4-11 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., now through Dec. 29, Hola Arepa, 3501 Nicollet Av. Mpls., holaarepa.com . Ella.Anderson@startribune.com is a University of Minnesota student reporter on assignment for the Star Tribune.

Donald Trump met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris as he attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, - the iconic 900-year-old landmark that was devastated by fire in 2019. Trump, Jill Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Prince William are among the 1,500 guests in attendance at the historic reopening of the Cathedral that took nearly two centuries to build and has been restored in a record time of just five years. The event is a massive security operation involving surface-to-air missiles and anti-terrorist units. This also marks Macron's attempt at converting the opening into a diplomatic event as he battles domestic woes including the recent political gridlock and no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Attending the ceremonial reopening will mark Trump's first public event on the world stage ahead of his second term. Trump met Zelensky and Macron as the world waits with bated breath to see what Trump's transition to power might mean for Ukraine . Ahead of Trump's transition into the White House, outgoing President Joe Biden 's administration has ramped up support and military aid for Ukraine fearing a reversal of policies with the new government. In videos released from Paris, Trump seems to appear stoic as Macron stands in between him and Zelensky. Body language expert Judi James told Daily Express US that there seems to be "some very difficult, frosty-looking body language here between Trump and Zelensky, while Macron seems to place himself in the role of mediator and, at one point, pacifier." "Trump looks subdued but not submissive here, standing upright with his arms hanging at his sides, looking ahead but not into the cameras, with a jutting of his lower lip giving an expression of sulky displeasure. He looks unwilling to socialize or to showboat here, looking distant rather than present and socially active at the moment, " she said. DON'T MISS: Zelensky has a similar posture but unlike Trump, seems keen to talk to the cameras, she said. "There is a pose where the three leaders sit together and, as Trump leans forward to make his point with an index finger point of authority, Macron leans a hand across to hold Zelensky’s arm in what looks like an appeasement gesture, as though stepping in to diffuse a fight or disagreement," she explained. When he met Macron ahead of the ceremonial reopening, he grabbed the French president's hand in a show of strategic friendship before they posed for photographs. In a video, President Macron says, "It is a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later. I remember the solidarity and your immediate attention. Welcome back again, we are very happy to have you here." Trump expressed his gratitude as he shook hands and called French people in America "talented and energetic," before saying, "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot together... We had a good time together and we had a lot of great success working together on defense and offense too. And it seems like the world is going a little crazy right now." I had a good and productive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace. President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting. We all want... pic.twitter.com/eKMtuhp2ZI "The ‘bros’ relationship between Trump and Macron seems to hold true with a very macho bonding greeting ritual that you’d normally see between Superheroes in movies or battleground comrades, with the tight clutching of the upright hands hinting at valor, courage and bonding," James said. Zelensky shared on X that he had a "good and productive trilateral meeting" with Trump and Macron at the Elysee Palace. "President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him," he said. "We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way. We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace. We agreed to continue working together and keep in contact. Peace through strength is possible," Zelensky added. Ahead of his meeting with the US and France, Russian airstrikes in two cities in southeast Ukraine killed 12 and injured over 40. " Russia 's words mean nothing, but its bombs and missiles speak volumes. On the evening of St. Nicholas Day, aerial bombs in Zaporizhzhia hit a service station directly, cars with people inside," Zelensky said on Telegram . "Putin does not seek real peace — he seeks the ability to treat any country this way, with bombs, missiles, and all other forms of violence. Only through strength can we resist this. And only through strength can real peace be established," he added.

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Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida.ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. People are also reading... “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Be the first to know

PALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Two children were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a small religious K-8 school in Northern California and the shooter died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot, sheriff’s officials said. The children’s conditions were not immediately known. The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private, K-8 school in Palermo, a community of 5,500 people about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento. Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said the 911 calls reported “an individual on campus who had fired shots at students,” and said that the shooter did not appear to have a connection to the school. The motive was not immediately known, he continued. One student was flown to a nearby hospital, Honea said. Authorities rushed students to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, the sheriff’s office said. The school has been open since 1965 and caters to fewer than three dozen children, according to its website.

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Letters to the Editor | Tuesday, December 3, 2024WEBCO INDUSTRIES, INC. REPORTS FISCAL 2025 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

Myomo, Inc. Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common StockMeta’s Nick Clegg says Elon Musk has potential to be a political ‘puppet master’We needed it – Pep Guardiola relieved to end Man City’s winless run

Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists and industry officials say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday threatening tariffs on his first day in office could be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. Trump’s latest tariff plan aims at multiple countries. What does it mean for the US? WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has identified what he sees as an all-purpose fix for what ails America: Slap huge new tariffs on foreign goods entering the United States. On Monday, Trump sent shockwaves across the nation’s northern and southern borders, vowing sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, as well as China, as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump said he will impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. Federal Reserve officials signal cautious path for rate cuts amid still-high inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — With inflation still elevated, Federal Reserve officials expressed caution at their last meeting about cutting interest rates too quickly, adding to uncertainty about their next moves. Even if inflation continued declining to the Fed’s 2% target, officials said, “it would likely be appropriate to move gradually” in lowering rates, according to minutes of the November 6-7 meeting. The minutes don’t specifically provide much guidance about what the Fed will do at its next meeting in December. Wall Street investors see the odds of another quarter-point reduction in the Fed’s key rate at that meeting as nearly even, according to CME Fedwatch. Canadian officials blast Trump's tariff threat and one calls Mexico comparison an insult TORONTO (AP) — Canadian officials are blasting President-elect Donald’s Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs. The leader of Canada's most populous province on Tuesday called Trump’s comparison of Canada to Mexico “the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard.” Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico and China as soon as he takes office in January as part of efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Canadians say their economy and the U.S. one are deeply intertwined and Americans would feel tariffs, too. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision. It’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap? NEW YORK (AP) — It’s almost that time of year. Spotify is gearing up to release its annual Spotify Wrapped, a personalized recap of its users' listening habits and year in audio. The streaming service has been sharing these personalized analyses with since 2016. And each year, it’s become a bigger production than the last. Spotify claimed its 2023 Wrapped was the “biggest ever created” in terms of audience reach and the kind of data it provided to users. But information on Wrapped's 2024 release has been kept under ... er, wraps. In previous years, it’s been released after Thanksgiving, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6. Thanksgiving travel is cranking up. Will the weather cooperate? The Thanksgiving travel rush is picking up, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be much busier than the last couple days. A lot of travelers will be watching weather forecasts to see if rain or snow could slow them down. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 2.8 million people on Tuesday and 2.9 million on Wednesday after handling more than 2.5 million people on Monday. So far, relatively few flights have been canceled this week, but there have been thousands of delayed flights every day. That is becoming normal for U.S. airlines. Federal agency raises the size of most single-family loans the government can guarantee to $806,500 The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning next year, mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to acquire loans of up to $806,500 on single-family homes in most of the country, the agency said Tuesday. The new conforming loan limit is a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy home loans from banks and other lenders. FHFA adjusts the loan limits annually to reflect changes in U.S. home values, which have been rising this year despite a national home sales slump. Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talk NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to reach another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3% to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6% as Big Tech stocks helped lead the way. Stock markets abroad saw mostly modest losses after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office. U.S. automakers and other companies that could be hurt particularly by such tariffs fell.NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The last mile delivery market in north america size is estimated to grow by USD 18.78 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.93% during the forecast period. Growing B2C e-commerce industry in the US is driving market growth, with a trend towards strong focus on technological advances. However, operational challenges for last mile delivery companies poses a challenge. Key market players include ArcBest Corp., Averitt Express Inc., AxleHire, C H Robinson Worldwide Inc., CMA CGM SA Group, CRST The Transportation Solution Inc., DDC Logistics Inc., Deutsche Bahn AG, DSV AS, FarEye Technologies Inc., FedEx Corp., GEODIS, J B Hunt Transport Services Inc., Llama Logisol Pvt. Ltd., Ryder System Inc., SEKO Logistics, SF Express Co. Ltd., Washington Express LLC, Werner Enterprises Inc., XPO Inc., and JungleWorks Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Last mile delivery and logistics in North America are experiencing significant trends. The transportation hub and warehouse sectors are key players, managing the movement of goods from shipping activities to customers' doorsteps. Weak infrastructure and logistics costs remain challenges, but technology adoption is paradigm-shifting. Autonomous delivery via motorcycles, LCVs, HCVs, drones, and delivery robots is on the rise. B2C deliveries dominate, with regular, same day, and express options for FMCG, healthcare, mails and packages, and cosmetic and international destinations. Technology, including cloud platforms, advanced sensors, and autonomous vehicles, is transforming the delivery process. Logistics professionals coordinate timely, satisfactory deliveries using cutting-edge systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensors. The shift to contactless delivery services and autonomous mobility, including 5G technology and unmanned vehicles, is shaping the future of last mile delivery. The supply chain, including warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment services, is adapting to these advancements, ensuring supply chain reliability and enhanced safety. The aviation industry, including fun flights, helicopters, and airplanes, is exploring aerial delivery drones for cargo and medications. The future of last mile delivery is an exciting blend of advanced technologies and human intervention. In the North American last mile delivery market, there is a significant trend toward utilizing technological advancements for real-time package tracking. Consumers can now manage and modify retail deliveries using accessible online tools, ensuring transparency and control over their package deliveries. However, for large or high-value packages, customers must collect these directly during delivery due to security concerns. This presents a challenge for delivery providers, leading them to offer web and mobile applications for managing the scheduling of such deliveries. These tools streamline the process and enhance the overall customer experience. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Last mile delivery in North America faces several challenges in the logistics sector. Weak infrastructure and high logistics costs are major hurdles for transportation hubs and warehouses looking to deliver goods to their destination. Shipping expenses are a significant concern for trade activities, especially for B2C deliveries of FMCG, healthcare, mails and packages, and online grocery stores. The postal address system can be complex, leading to delays and errors in delivery. Autonomous delivery and a multi-modal system are being explored to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Regular, same day, and express deliveries require different delivery modes and vehicles, including motorcycles, LCVs, HCVs, drones, and delivery robots. Technology adoption, such as cloud platforms, advanced sensors, and autonomous vehicles, is a paradigm shift in the last mile delivery process. Delivery robots and autonomous guided vehicles are being used for contactless delivery services. The use of advanced electronics, power sources, and data gathering and processing technologies is essential for timely and satisfactory deliveries. The logistics industry is adapting to traffic management, environmental friendliness, and safety concerns, using technologies like LiDAR, radar, and cameras. The aviation industry is exploring the use of drones for aerial delivery and safety drones. The use of autonomous mobility, such as self-driving trucks and unmanned vehicles, is also increasing. However, there are challenges with restricted airspace and the need for Unmanned Traffic Management. The logistics professionals are focusing on supply chain reliability, technology adoption, and coordination to ensure efficient and cost-effective last mile delivery. The use of advanced sensors, passive and active, and traffic intensity data is essential for optimizing delivery routes and reducing shipping costs. Shopping behavior and environmental concerns are also driving the adoption of more environmentally friendly delivery vehicles and technologies. Last mile delivery in North America faces the challenge of maintaining profitability while ensuring transparency and enhancing efficiency. Unlike long-distance transportation, last mile delivery involves individual deliveries to numerous locations within a region, leading to significant labor and fuel costs. Intense competition among last mile delivery companies primarily revolves around pricing and delivery time. Efficiently managing these costs and optimizing delivery routes can help companies stay competitive in this market. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This last mile delivery market in North America report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 B2C 1.2 B2B 2.1 Large OEMs 2.2 Custom vehicle OEMs 3.1 North America 1.1 B2C- Last mile delivery in North America for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactions refers to transporting goods from distribution centers or retail stores directly to consumers' locations. Consumers increasingly demand faster and more convenient delivery options, leading to the popularity of same-day or next-day deliveries with specific delivery windows or locations. B2C last mile delivery poses challenges for operators due to the individual delivery requirements compared to Business-to-Business (B2B) deliveries. However, the B2C segment of the last mile delivery market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of B2C services. To meet consumer expectations, last mile delivery operators offer new services like next-day delivery, same-day delivery, and package returns. Real-time shipment tracking and package delivery status updates are also available for B2C customers. Vendors utilize big data and consumer analytics to optimize delivery times and enhance the consumer experience. DHL, for instance, uses big data along with real-time road, weather, and traffic information to optimize delivery routes for faster deliveries. Additionally, historical purchase data is used to dispatch forward inventory, reducing pre-last mile logistics time and improving delivery efficiency. These factors contribute to the growth of the B2C segment of the North American last mile delivery market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Last Mile Delivery, also known as the final leg of the supply chain, refers to the transportation of goods from a transportation hub or warehouse to the end customer. This critical stage of the logistics process is often the most costly and complex due to the increasing volume of e-commerce sales and customer expectations for fast and affordable shipping. The last mile delivery market in North America is witnessing significant innovation, with companies exploring various solutions to reduce shipping expenses. These include the use of drones for aerial delivery, ground delivery vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and self-driving capabilities, and humanoid robots for contactless delivery services. Additionally, cloud platforms and artificial intelligence are being utilized to optimize routes and improve delivery accuracy. Enhanced safety features, such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR, are also being integrated to ensure secure and efficient last mile delivery. Overall, the last mile delivery market in North America is undergoing a technological revolution to meet the growing demands of online shopping and product delivery services. Market Research Overview Last mile delivery refers to the final leg of the supply chain journey, transporting goods from a transportation hub or warehouse to their final destination, typically a consumer's doorstep. This critical phase of logistics involves managing delivery vehicles, coordinating timely and satisfactory deliveries, and ensuring efficient distribution and fulfillment services. Weak infrastructure and high logistics costs are challenges in last mile delivery, particularly in North America . However, advancements in technology, such as autonomous delivery systems and multi-modal transportation, are transforming the last mile landscape. B2C deliveries, including mails and packages, FMCG, healthcare, and online shopping, dominate last mile delivery activities. Regular, same day, and express delivery modes cater to various customer needs. Delivery vehicles, from motorcycles and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) and drones, are used for last mile delivery. Autonomous delivery technologies, such as delivery robots and drones, are gaining popularity for their efficiency and environmental friendliness. The rise of online shopping and the increasing importance of supply chain reliability have led to the adoption of cutting-edge systems, including cloud platforms, advanced sensors, and robotics, to optimize the last mile delivery process. Logistics professionals are leveraging technology, such as autonomous vehicles, autonomous guided vehicles, and unmanned traffic management systems, to enhance safety, reduce shipping costs, and improve delivery process coordination. The last mile delivery market in North America is undergoing a paradigm shift, with a focus on advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and self-driving vehicles to streamline the delivery process and meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product B2C B2B Vehicle Type Large OEMs Custom Vehicle OEMs Geography North America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

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French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to name a new prime minister in the coming days after Michel Barnier resigned following a no-confidence vote in parliament. Barnier’s tenure of just three months makes him the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history. In a televised address on Thursday, Macron emphasized that the incoming prime minister’s primary task would be securing parliamentary approval for the 2025 budget. He also proposed a temporary measure to extend the 2024 budget by mid-December to avoid any financial disruptions, with a comprehensive budget to be presented early next year to account for inflation. Macron attributed the government’s collapse to an “anti-republican front” formed by far-right and far-left parties, accusing them of fostering political instability. Despite criticism, Macron rejected calls for his resignation, reaffirming his commitment to completing his term, which ends in May 2027. “The mandate you have given me is for five years, and I will fulfill it until the very end,” Macron stated during his 10-minute speech. Macron did not reveal a successor during his address, and the announcement is now expected early next week. Barnier’s successor will face significant challenges in navigating a divided National Assembly, with no guarantees of a longer tenure. Since Macron took office in 2017, each successive prime minister has served for a shorter period than the last. Barnier’s replacement will be Macron’s sixth prime minister, underscoring the challenges of maintaining political stability in his administration. Speculation is rife about who will succeed Barnier, with four prominent names emerging as likely contenders. All of them were previously considered for the role before Barnier’s appointment. 1. Sebastien Lecornu Lecornu, 38, is a steadfast Macron loyalist who currently serves as defense minister. Known for his low-profile approach, he has played a key role in coordinating France’s support for Ukraine. Reports suggest Macron considered Lecornu but faced resistance from some quarters, citing his perceived right-wing stance. 2. Francois Bayrou A veteran politician and leader of the MoDem party, Bayrou, 73, has been a key ally of Macron since 2017. Recently acquitted in a long-running fraud case, Bayrou’s potential return to government is seen as a possibility, given his political experience and loyalty. 3. Xavier Bertrand Bertrand, 59, is a former labor and health minister under presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Currently the head of the Hauts-de-France region, he is a seasoned media performer and has ties to Sarkozy, who still wields influence in right-wing politics. 4. Bernard Cazeneuve A former Socialist Party member, Cazeneuve, 61, briefly served as prime minister under President Francois Hollande. Known for his tenure as interior minister during the 2015 Paris attacks, Cazeneuve left the Socialist Party in 2022 over its alliance with the far-left. His experience could make him a strong candidate. Macron’s next choice for prime minister will signal his strategy to address the ongoing political crisis. Whether he opts for a loyalist or seeks a broader coalition, the decision will shape the remainder of his presidency. The incoming government is expected to represent a mix of political forces or, at the very least, secure a commitment from opposition parties to avoid further no-confidence votes. ALSO READ: Who Is Tania Fernandes Anderson And Why Was The Boston City Councilor Arrested On Federal Charges?#jolibet 。

Daniel Penny has accepted an invitation from fellow Marine Corps veteran and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to attend Saturday’s Army-Navy game taking place in Maryland. A New York jury found Penny on Monday of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely on a New York subway. On May 1, 2023, Penny, 26, Neely in a chokehold after he threatened to kill passengers on a subway train, according to witnesses. “Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” posted Friday on X. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation [to attend the Army-Navy game] and hope he’s able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage,” he added. Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone. I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he’s able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage. — JD Vance (@JDVance) reported that Penny will not only be joining Vance, but also President-elect Donald Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Senator-elect David McCormick of Pennsylvania. Trump will have a suite at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, home to the Washington Commanders NFL team. is a 1987 West Point graduate and Army veteran. and DeSantis are Army and Navy veterans, respectively. The Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy, so presumably Vance and Penny will be rooting for a Navy win. This year will mark the 125th meeting of the two schools’ football teams in a rivalry dating back to 1890. On Saturday, will proudly present the 125th Army-Navy Game. It’s a tradition that will continue for many years to come, following today’s announcement that CBS will remain the home of this historic and revered rivalry through 2038. — CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) Navy with 62 wins to Army’s 55, with seven ties over the years. However, Army (11-1) has won three of the last four meetings and is slightly favored ( ) to beat Navy (8-3) this year, but given the nature of the rivalry, it’s likely anyone’s game. The last three meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less, with last year’s coming down to an Army goal-line stand in the closing seconds of the game. IT CANNOT GET CLOSER. ARMY STOPS NAVY AT THE GOAL LINE. — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) Earlier this fall, Army and Navy were both for the first time since the early 1960s. Last weekend, Army, which has mostly played as an independent since its football program began, its first-ever conference title defeating Tulane (9-4) to top the American Athletic Conference. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .

If You Feel Like The Clutter In Your Home Is Out To Get You, These 27 Things Will Help Contain ItThe Bachelor lovebirds Laura Byrne and Matty 'J' Johnson hit huge roadblock in major renovation of 'rundown' $2.2million coastal home READ MORE: Laura Byrne says she wants to 'move to Noosa' By A. JAMES FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 23:24, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 23:58, 13 December 2024 e-mail 42 shares View comments The Bachelor 's Matty J and Laura Byrne have hit a huge roadblock in their extension renovation of their $2.2million beach house. The former reality TV stars snapped up the 'rundown' coastal property back in August, but their renovation journey has been anything but smooth-sailing so far. Podcaster Laura took to Instagram this week to detail the many issues they have faced since they started overhauling the home from termites to wood rot and mould. She posted a behind-the-scenes video showing how they had stripped the rundown property to its bare bones and revealed the shocking discoveries they found. 'There was no way of really knowing what this Reno had in store for us, or how comprehensive the rebuild was going to have to be until we started pulling off walls and pulling up the carpet,' she shared. 'We've been met with termites, white ants, wood rot, mould and more than a couple of snakes along the way - but finally she is taking shape and we are slowly seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.' The Bachelor's Matty J and Laura Byrne (both pictured) have hit a huge roadblock in their extension renovation of their $2.2million beach house The former reality TV stars snapped up the 'rundown' coastal property back in August, but Laura took to Instagram this week to detail the many renovation issues they have faced so far Dubbing the house the Chante-Mer - which means 'Sing the Sea' in French - Laura also told how construction had to stop for a week so exterminators could rid the site of pests. 'We had to replace all of the walls and internal structures throughout the kitchen,' she continued. Despite the challenges, Laura remained positive and told how they plan to transform the neglected beach house into a luxury three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Located on a clifftop in Ulladulla on the far south coast of NSW 226kms from Sydney , the old two-storey dwelling offers amazing water views. The home last changed hands in 1984 for a mere $62,500 and Laura and Matty splashed out $2.19million on buying it in August. The location holds special meaning for the happy couple, who tied the knot in 2022 at Cupitts Estate Winery, just down the road from their new holiday home. The home is set on 746 sqm overlooking Racecourse Beach and previously belonged to United Nations simultaneous conference translator Valerie Barnes, who died in 2021 aged 94. Last month, the couple caused quite a stir on social media after revealing a controversial design choice for their renovation. She posted a behind-the-scenes video showing how they had stripped the rundown property to its bare bones and revealed the shocking discoveries they found - from termites to mould The home is set on 746 sqm overlooking Racecourse Beach and previously belonged to United Nations simultaneous conference translator Valerie Barnes, who died in 2021 aged 94 The pair announced their bold decision to make their coastal retreat a 'bath-less' zone, igniting a heated debate among followers. Matty took to Instagram to unveil the news, captioning a video of the ongoing bathroom work with, 'Don't come for us, but this will be a bath-less house.' The short clip showcased the partially renovated bathroom, where walls were lined with a unique blend of beige and cream vertical striped tiles, adding an earthy feel to the space. Despite the couple's excitement, their unique choice of tile and lack of a bathtub didn't sit well with everyone. 'Damn that's the most awful tile combination I've ever seen,' one user remarked bluntly, adding, 'but not my bathroom so good luck to you as long as you love it.' Others voiced concerns over the practicality of going bath-less, especially with young children. One parent commented, 'Kids can just sit in the shower. Mine do that most nights.' However, one admitted they regretted installing a bathtub in their own home, saying it's now used more as a storage space than anything else. Last month, the couple caused a stir on when they controversially revealed they had decided to make their bathroom 'bath-less' while they also divided fans with their choice of tiles And another approvingly said of their bold tile choice: 'Arrrr the stripes are looking so good.' Laura and Matt are understood to be working with several brands to 'sponsor' the major renovations of the property. The couple plan to completely overhaul the 'old beauty' to its previous standard but, per the house's Instagram bio, will be 'resisting the millennial urge to paint everything white'. Laura and Matt have already shared photos of their daughters Marlie-Mae, five, and Lola, three, visiting their future 'dream home'. The reality television stars currently live in a four-bedroom semi in North Bondi, which they purchased for $5.2million in 2023. They also boast a stunning $1.8million holiday home in Bangalow, near Byron Bay. After getting engaged in Fiji in April 2018, Laura and Matty finally tied the knot on the south coast in November 2022, five years after meeting on The Bachelor. They are one of the most successful couples to come out of the show and welcomed their daughter Marlie-Mae in 2019, followed by Lola in February 2021. Instagram Sydney Laura Byrne Share or comment on this article: The Bachelor lovebirds Laura Byrne and Matty 'J' Johnson hit huge roadblock in major renovation of 'rundown' $2.2million coastal home e-mail 42 shares Add comment

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Ending GBV essential for global healthCLEM_A.Williams 30 pass from Klubnik (Hauser kick), 8:10. CLEM_Page 57 interception return (Hauser kick), 3:17. CLEM_Wesco 55 pass from Klubnik (Hauser kick), 10:49. CLEM_Haynes 70 run (Hauser kick), 6:07. CLEM_Haynes 9 run (Hauser kick), 1:02. CLEM_A.Williams 9 pass from Klubnik (Morton kick), 13:13. CIT_G.Johnson 9 run (B.Barnes kick), 5:06. CLEM_FG Hauser 32, :57. CIT_Graves-Billips 66 pass from Bennett (B.Barnes kick), 10:31. CLEM_Carter 4 run (kick failed), 6:25. RUSHING_The Citadel, Crawford 7-71, G.Johnson 15-65, Ibrahim 12-57, Bennett 9-54, Wallace 5-37, Fletcher 4-9, Graves-Billips 2-1, Knauth 1-(minus 6). Clemson, Haynes 5-118, Klubnik 4-34, Vizzina 4-30, Eziomume 3-27, Adams 5-27, Turner 1-23, Mafah 3-14, J.Green 1-13, Segars 1-12, Carter 1-4. PASSING_The Citadel, Bennett 2-10-1-90, Fletcher 1-1-0-9. Clemson, Klubnik 12-16-0-198, Vizzina 6-14-0-62, Pearman 0-1-1-0. RECEIVING_The Citadel, Graves-Billips 2-90, Underwood 1-9. Clemson, A.Williams 5-72, Wesco 3-75, Turner 3-33, Crosby 1-21, Patt-Henry 1-16, Ad.Randall 1-14, Moore 1-10, Bentancur 1-7, Kelley 1-7, N.Johnson 1-5. MISSED FIELD GOALS_The Citadel, B.Barnes 40. Clemson, Hauser 46.

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Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiA police report from 2017 released this week via a freedom of information request casts doubt on a sexual assault allegation made against President-Elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. The accuser — whose identity is redacted — claimed Hegseth raped her in 2017 after a Republican women’s conference at a hotel in Monterey, California. According to the accuser, it happened after conference organizers went to the hotel bar after an after-party following that day’s conference events. However, the police report raised questions about the accuser’s claim, with several eyewitness accounts and surveillance video suggesting she and Hegseth had a consensual sexual encounter she was attempting to hide from her husband — who was staying with her at the same hotel along with their children. Despite the accuser saying she believed that “something may have been slipped into her drink, as she cannot remember most of the night’s events,” surveillance video obtained by police showed she appeared coherent before and after the alleged incident, and she had “locked arms” with Hegseth while smiling. An eyewitness also told police she saw the accuser flirting with Hegseth. In addition, a hotel worker saw the accuser putting her hand and arm on Hegseth and leading him towards the direction of his hotel room shortly before the alleged rape occurred, and said that Hegseth was “very intoxicated” but that she was not. The police report also said that a person who appears to be the accuser’s husband told police that after she returned to her hotel room, she said she “must have fallen asleep” somewhere. That tracked with what Hegseth independently told police the accuser said she was going to tell her husband. Revelations in the police report that cast doubt over the accuser’s rape allegation included: The accuser said she did not remember how she got in Hegseth’s hotel room, but allegedly remembered details such as Hegseth blocking the door with his body and her allegedly saying “no” a lot, and “not much else.” There was no evidence of rape, according to the police report. Earlier in the day of the alleged rape, she texted her husband numerous times about Hegseth, including that the women at the conference were “freaking drooling over him,” and that, “He talks pretty tho.” As the night progressed, she stopped responding to her worried husband’s text messages. A person whose name is redacted but appears to be the accuser’s husband told police that after the accuser returned to her hotel room, she did not have a hard time walking or and was not slurring her words. The accuser told this person she “must have fallen asleep,” and was apologetic. The accuser later told police that she remembered asking Hegseth if he had a condom. The accuser declined to conduct a “pretext” phone call with Hegseth — where she would call him with the police listening to discuss the alleged rape. A hotel worker told police he received a complaint at approximately 1:30 a.m. from two separate guests that a couple near the pool was causing a disturbance and being loud. The worker went to the pool, and said the accuser apologized for Hegseth’s actions and had put her hand and arm on Hegseth’s back, and walked him away from the pool area towards buildings 4 and 5 — where Hegseth’s room was located. The worker said Hegseth was “very intoxicated” but the accuser was “standing on her own and was very coherent.” Hotel surveillance video showed the accuser and Hegseth leaving the hotel bar together at approximately 1:15 a.m., with locked arms and headed towards the pool. An eyewitness said she saw the accuser flirting with Hegseth, and the flirting “consisted of touching of the body or arm.” The same eyewitness said she saw the accuser the next morning and that she “did not seem any different and was her normal self.” While Hegseth said he was “buzzed” but not intoxicated, he told police he was led out the bar but could not remember by whom, but described the person’s clothing, which matched the accuser’s dress. Hegseth also said he did not remember being chastised for being too loud by the pool, and that he went back to his hotel room with the accuser, but was confused as to why she stayed in his room. He said “things progressed” between himself and the accuser and that the interaction was consensual. He said they would both stop and say, “we shouldn’t do this,” but things consensually continued. He also confirmed that she asked if he had a condom. Hegseth told police that the accuser showed “early signs of regret,” and told him she would tell her husband that [she] had fallen asleep on a couch in someone else’s room — which tracks with what a person who appears to be her husband told police that she had initially told him. Megyn Kelly, a former attorney and Fox News anchor, said on her podcast about the accuser’s allegations after reading the police report, “T his smells like utter bullshit.” “All of this sounds much more consistent with a woman who had a booty call,” she said. Breitbart News spoke to Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, last week, who said that the accuser was the aggressor , not his client. “She took advantage of him. She led him. She was, by all accounts, both video and eyewitness, she was sober. He was drunk. She grabbed him. She took him to his room. She’s like walking arm in arm with him. And really putting it on, and she gets him into his room. And then the police honestly, when they looked at it, even though she was the one that reported it, when they looked at the video, they considered charging her,” he told Breitbart News in a phone interview on November 16. Follow Breitbart News’s Kristina Wong on ”X” , Truth Social , or on Facebook .Hawaii Bowl willl be homecoming for 4 San Jose State coaches

Pedro Martinez Losa's exit might have seemed inevitable given Scotland's failure to qualify for a third consecutive major finals, their second during his watch. But the fact the 48-year-old head coach was handed a contract extension until 2027 just 15 months ago appeared to give him a possible lifeline. That the Scottish FA has acted so quickly after this month's Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Finland suggests a loss of faith in the Spaniard's ability to take his side the much-promised stage further. The nine-game unbeaten run that preceded the second-leg defeat in Helsinki counted for nothing as SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell stressed that the former Arsenal boss had failed in his "primary objective" of qualifying for a major tournament. So where does it leave a squad who have nevertheless been promoted back to the Nations League's top-flight? Following his departure, Martinez Losa insisted he remained "immensely proud" of a three-and-a-half-year tenure during which he reckoned young talent had flourished. A couple of days before his exit, Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir, who had deputised as captain during Rachel Corsie's injury absence, also insisted Martinez Losa retained the "respect" of his squad despite a latest setback that had "hit a lot players very hard". However, behind the scenes, there had been doubts within the squad for some time, perhaps since his very appointment, and lingering concerns about his side's style of play. The decision by midfielder Kim Little, probably Scotland's greatest women footballer, to call time on her 140-cap international career at the age of 31 to concentrate on playing for Arsenal was an early blow to Martinez Losa's tenure. There were still expectations that a side built around Weir, Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert and a growing number of players being exported to England and other top leagues would continue to improve. During Martinez Losa's time in charge, though, he only oversaw one competitive win over a top-30 side - Austria in the 2023 World Cup semi-final play-off before a surprise loss at home to Republic of Ireland ended another bid to reach a major tournament. Ironically, Austria will be his successor's first opponents, followed by the Netherlands and Germany, as the Nations League begins in February. The final straw came after the latest defeat by a Finland side three places lower in the rankings, albeit the relative positions were skewed by the Scots' recent fixtures being against lesser opposition while Marko Saloranta's side were being relegated from the tougher League A. Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton thinks questions were always going to be asked given the Spaniard had been tasked with ending that major tournament drought. "For Pedro, it was a mixed bag," she told BBC Scotland. "If you look at some of the achievements and identity of the team, it started to change and at points it looked really positive, but for any national team manager, it's getting to major tournaments and, when you don't do that, ultimately it looks like a failure. "In the world that we live in now with football, there's always an expectation that managers will lose their job if they don't deliver the remit expected of them." Crichton suggests the SFA "will be looking for someone with the highest level of experience they can get", which is likely to require the candidate to have Uefa pro licence, thus ruling out a number of potential candidates. "It leaves us in a position of discomfort going into the new year and leaves the powers at be having to find the right person quite quickly - and I hope the wheels are already in motion," she said. "It has to be a person who has experience, although not necessarily at international level - a person who is a proven winner. Bringing all the club teams together - I think that's going to be a massive part and probably something that was an oversight under Pedro's reign." Jane Lewis, BBC Scotland Sport So who are among the early runners and riders, especially given finances could come into play? Will the SFA be open to another foreign recruit, or will they look closer to home? Brian Graham: Still playing centre-forward for Partick Thistle in the Scottish Championship, the 37-year-old said after Friday's defeat by Livingston "it was nice to be mentioned" but described his candidature as "pure speculation". He has led the Glasgow club's women to back-to-back top-six finishes in the Scottish Women's Premier League and an appearance in a League Cup final. Mick McArdle: The SFA's new girls' and women's performance manager has worked within Scottish football for almost three decades with St Mirren, Falkirk and Ayr United, holds a Uefa pro licence and recently has been coaching the Scotland Under-19 and Under-23 sides to good effect. Leanne Ross: The current Scotland assistant is probably the obvious choice. Has won domestic trophies aplenty as a Glasgow City defender and current manager, as well as earning 133 Scotland caps. Grant Scott: Having coached a several Scottish clubs, he is overseeing Hibernian's transition from a part-time to full-time club and his improving side are currently fifth in the Scottish top flight. We asked for your views on Martinez Losa's sacking and who you think should replace him. Here's what some of you said: Hugh : Should have been done sooner. We would have qualified. As for golden generation. No way. We have far better players to pick from. Ian : It's about time. He should have left a lot earlier. The manager position should definitely go to Duncan Ferguson. David M : They have been absolutely horrible to watch and Martinez Losa should have been let go after the Republic of Ireland game. That game told you he never had a clue on changing games when they were not going your way, tactically inept. David H : It was long overdue. He has underperformed and failed to get the best out of probably our best group of players ever. Rather turgid tactics and a lack of pace and creativity in defence, bemusing over inclusion of older Rangers players rather than better young Celtic players. Time for a young female head coach who knows how to get best out of our best players and play with attitude and attack. Maybe Jo Potter or Elena Sadiku, although suspect they'll go for Leanne Ross, which is a backward step. My outside bet is Eileen Gleeson. Kevin : A long time coming. I said months ago when he was available to go get Scott Booth. Would he leave Aberdeen so soon now though? Colin : I sincerely hope the SFA don't take seven months to find a replacement like they did last time. Paul : The people who decided to give him a contract extension should also go. Clear out the SFA dinosaurs. Anon : We should be appointing guys like Grant Scott and Scott Booth. They both understand Scottish women's football. Les : The SFA needs to be far more careful when handing out management contracts. This entire affair is going to cost a lot of money that should be used to grow the women's game. Desmond : About time he went. Football has been terrible. There are players who should never be wearing a Scotland jersey.

NEW YORK, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is about to take office in weeks, a major rift has emerged between immigration hardliners and his supporters over how much tolerance the incoming administration should have for skilled immigrants on work visas, The New York Times reported Saturday. "The tech industry has long relied on foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor supply that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens," the report said. The dispute, which late Thursday exploded online into finger-pointing and accusations of censorship, presents a policy challenge for Trump. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and fervent Trump loyalist, helped set off the altercation earlier this week by criticizing Trump's selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence policy. "It's alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump's admin when they share views that are in direct opposition to Trump's America First agenda," Loomer wrote on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. "Loomer's comments surfaced a simmering tension between longtime supporters of Trump, who embrace his virulent anti-immigrant rhetoric, and his more recently acquired backers from the tech industry, many of whom have built or financed businesses that rely on the government's H-1B visa program to hire skilled workers from abroad," said the report. Musk posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American technology companies. The expertise needed by U.S. companies "simply does not exist in America in sufficient quantity," he posted on X.

This week saw No. 2 Texas travel from Austin, Texas to Atlanta for the Longhorns ' first SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But one massive star was missing from the Texas travel party for its rematch against No. 5 Georgia . As reported by the Austin American-Statesman's David Eckert , Bevo — Texas' live longhorn steer mascot, believed to be the biggest livestock mascot in college sports — will not join the Longhorns at their first SEC championship game due to space inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Georgia's mascot, Uga XI, is expected to attend the game on Saturday. REQUIRED READING: College football Week 15 predictions: Expert picks for every conference championship game "When we received the request for Bevo to be on the sideline in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, our staff looked at several alternatives including the sideline location. The reality is there is limited sideline space at the stadium. We can’t jeopardize the safety of Bevo or the game participants," an SEC spokesperson told the Statesman, part of the USA Today Network, on Thursday. "With the narrow sidelines, location of multiple sets for television and camera carts, there is not enough space. While we want to honor tradition across the conference, the space limitation is a reality. "We did identify several options for Bevo including a location at SEC FanFare but there was no opportunity for him to be in the stadium due to space." As noted by ESPN, Bevo weighs more than 1,700 pounds while its horns span a distance of 58 inches. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was asked about the matter Friday on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," echoing similar remarks. "That's the problem. We looked at alternatives and have limited space reality here," Sankey said Friday. "We looked at alternatives but we are going to go forward with the football game as is." Of note: Bevo charged Georgia's former live Bulldog mascot, Uga X, in pregame of the 2019 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Uga XI did not make the trip to Austin in Week 8 earlier this year due to the travel impact on a young pet, as he is only 2 years old. Texas and Georgia will kick off at 4 p.m. ET in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, with the winner receiving one of the four automatic bids to the College Football Playoff that also comes with a first-round bye.

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Tiger Woods has announced he will not return to the PGA Tour to compete at the Hero World Challenge next month, as his battle with injury continues. Woods is the tournament host of the limited-field event in the Bahamas and was expected to tee it up at Albany Golf Course alongside some of the world's best players. On Monday however, the 15-time major champion confirmed he will play no part, and will only take on off-course duties. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge," he tweeted. "But always look forward to being tournament host and spending the week with @HeroMotoCorp." Ian Poulter makes LIV Golf transfer pledge as clear decision reached on future LIV Golf manager claims two stars calling to join after rejecting 'big offers' As part of his announcement Woods confirmed three more names had committed to compete, having been made exempted by tournament organisers. Woods' close friend, Justin Thomas is in the field, as is Jason Day and Hero World Challenge debutant, Nick Dunlap. It is yet another knockback for Woods, who is continuing to play part-time golf on the PGA Tour due to a whole host of fitness problems. The 48-year-old has competed in all four major championships this season, as well as the Genesis Invitational in February where he was forced to withdraw in the second round due to illness. On the major stage, Woods has played 72 holes just once - coming at the Masters - having missed the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and most recently The Open Championship. The latter saw a struggling Woods battle against the elements on the Scottish coast, failing to make it to the weekend at Royal Troon. Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news Speaking after his missed cut in July, Woods claimed he had intentions of competing in the Bahamas in December, as well as the parent-child PNC Championship the week later. "I'm not going to play until then," Woods said in Scotland when asked if he could play before the Hero. "I'm going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully just come back for our -- what is it, our fifth major, the Father-Son, so looking forward to it." Having withdrawn from playing in the Bahamas, it remains to be seen whether Woods will partner son, Charlie, at the PNC. If he is to miss the parent-child event, Woods' next showing will come indoors with the 82-time PGA Tour winner set to represent Jupiter Links Golf Club in the launch of TGL in January. In September, the five-time Masters champion revealed that he had undergone surgery on his back. "The surgery went smoothly and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” he wrote on social media at the time. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”Maryland scholars on Monday alternately described President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — , a Johns Hopkins researcher, surgeon and author — as a “courageous leader” and a “reasonable choice,” who nevertheless espouses some “worrisome” views. Makary, who did not respond to requests for comment, currently serves as head of Islet Transplant Surgery at Hopkins. He also works as a public policy researcher and is the author of two New York Times-bestselling books entitled “Unaccountable” and “The Price We Pay,” which cover topics related to transparency and high costs in American health care. He previously made headlines after opposing some pandemic lockdown measures and COVID-19 vaccine mandates. He also publicly criticized the FDA for what he saw as a slow rollout of coronavirus therapies, done to hamper Trump’s first presidency. His selection to run the FDA was announced over the weekend. Jerome Adams, the Maryland-born physician who during Trump’s first term, said in and emailed statement that while he had reservations about Makary’s “ability to oversee and navigate such a big agency given what seems like a lack of experience running large organizations,” overall, Makary “is a reasonable choice, and perhaps the least controversial of the new administration’s health picks so far. ” Baltimore-born pediatrician Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine advocate known for co-inventing a vaccine that immunizes against rotavirus infection, said Makary has been a “brilliant surgeon” at Hopkins and that he agreed with some of Makary’s opinions on where coronavirus response measures went wrong. But there have also been times when Makary has “said some things that are worrisome” about COVID-19 vaccines, said Offit, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who also directs the institution’s Vaccine Education Center. What bothers Offit “the most” about Trump’s pick to lead the FDA is Makary’s willingness to side with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental lawyer turned anti-vaccine organizer who is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Offit described Kennedy as a “wild-eyed conspiracy theorist.” Kennedy, who ran for president in 2024, has been highly critical of U.S. health officials for decades. In addition to railing against processed foods, fluoridated water and the pharmaceutical industry, Kennedy regularly pushes the debunked notion that vaccines cause autism. Kennedy endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race, and the two have collaborated on a campaign to “Make America Healthy Again,” or “MAHA.” Makary, a regular Fox News commentator, days before being selected by Trump and said Kennedy was not “scary” and that “people should not dissect what [Kennedy] said 30 years ago and listen to what he’s saying now,” telling Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream that Kennedy is “not anti-vax.” He Offit said Makary was “whitewashing” Kennedy’s statements about vaccines, noting Kennedy “remains a virulent anti-vaccine activist.” Ge Bai, a professor of accounting at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, contends Makary is a respected leader who can guide the FDA into a new, more productive direction. “Dr. Makary is an excellent choice to lead the FDA, an agency that will play a central role in the Trump administration’s MAHA movement,” said Bai, who is also a professor of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Although health care was not a major focus during the presidential campaign, it’s likely to become a key issue in the midterm and 2028 elections.” “The FDA needs a highly competent, decisive, and courageous leader who can break away from conventional wisdom and deliver outcomes for Americans quickly and effectively,” Bai said. Bai said she is confident that Makary is the best choice to lead the FDA. “Dr. Makary has a stellar record as a surgeon, scholar, bestselling author, commentator, policy expert and public intellectual,” Bai said. “He has demonstrated his ability to think independently, challenge the status quo, and communicate effectively. These qualities make him an outstanding choice and increase the likelihood of his success as the FDA commissioner.” In a statement announcing the nomination, Trump said Makary “will restore the FDA to the gold standard of scientific research” and “cut the bureaucratic red tape” at the agency to ensure Americans receive the medical cures and treatments they deserve. Makary’s nomination will require confirmation by the newly Republican-led Senate to take effect. Brian Abrahams, senior analyst for biotechnology and head of global health care research for RBC Capital Markets, wrote in a recent report forwarded to The Baltimore Sun that Makary has positioned himself as a “critic viewing the nation’s healthcare system as broken, and based on his writings he is focused on uncovering additional flaws in the system or among medical conventions that need to be fixed or challenged.” Abrahams pointed out that Makary alleges that COVID-19 vaccines ignored the benefits of natural immunity. Makary also contends that health agencies should focus on the root cause of disease and on understanding why rates of diseases are increasing, rather than additional therapeutics, according to Abrahams. “We believe this is somewhat of a misleading distortion, as this is likely at least in part from improved screening for diseases such as cancer, mental health disorders, and genetic illnesses — innovative treatments for which have helped meaningfully increase the overall U.S. expectancy over the past 50 years,” Abrahams wrote in the report. Ultimately, the analysts at RBC said Makary would not necessarily be as focused on pharmaceutical innovation as the current leaders in the FDA; could be particularly unfavorable for antibiotic, vaccine, obesity and chronic disease companies; and might not be overly impactful for companies developing drugs for rare or genetic diseases, or agents that holistically improve health. “Though his nomination is not certain, we sense that if made FDA head, Dr. Makary could make the Agency more suspicious of, rather than collaborative with, drugmakers ... vs. the current FDA, which has leaned toward approving drugs that show activity with acceptable safety and leaving individualized benefit/risk discussions up to physicians and patients,” Abrahams wrote.Singh calls on Ottawa to extend $250 rebate to cover seniors, vulnerable Canadians

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Rockfire Resources plc ( LON:ROCK – Get Free Report )’s share price dropped 8.9% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.16 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.16 ($0.00). Approximately 40,381,969 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 91% from the average daily volume of 21,155,254 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.18 ($0.00). Rockfire Resources Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 0.13 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 0.15. The stock has a market capitalization of £5.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.20 and a beta of 0.38. Rockfire Resources Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Rockfire Resources plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mineral exploration in Australia. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, and molybdenum deposits. It holds five exploration permits for minerals in Queensland; and an exploration and exploitation license in Greece. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rockfire Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockfire Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .The images of China’s brand new warplanes, which appeared online this week, is a bold “invitation” to an arms race for a next-generation fighter, Dmitry Stefanovich, a military researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has told RT. The videos and photos posted to social media on December 26 show two previously unseen tailles jets – a larger diamond-shaped aircraft, and a smaller plane with an arrow-wing-shaped airframe. While Beijing stays silent on the matter, the display sparked discussion in international media, with some observers suggesting the aircraft could be the first sixth-generation fighter planes. “So far, we have only seen two variants of experimental aircraft,” Stefanovich said. “Presumably, one of them can be tailored for strike missions that involve attacks on ground and, perhaps, naval targets, while another one is tasked with dominating the skies and controlling the airspace.” The footage “demonstrates the general state of the development” of Chinese aircraft rather than sixth-generation planes specifically, the expert argued, noting that ‘sixth generation’ is a “loosely applied term.” Therefore, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about the capabilities of the new planes, he said. Beijing will have to compete with American next-generation fighter programs, Stefanovich said. “While there are no game-changers on the horizon, China is explicitly inviting to participate in an arms race, at least in terms of quality,” he said. “We should not forget, however, that the US is the only country with an advanced-stage program for a new strategic bomber – the B-21 – which can be adapted for some of what we would call sixth-generation capabilities. The Chinese and Russian planes of comparable type have not taken off the ground yet,” Stefanovich said.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyler Huntley stepped in for Tua Tagovailoa and stepped up for the Dolphins. Miami still has a playoff pulse. Huntley scrambled for a touchdown and threw for one while starting for the injured Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins stayed in the AFC wild-card race heading into their season finale with a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. With Tagovailoa sidelined by a hip injury, the backup known as “Snoop” did enough for the Dolphins (8-8). “This was not ideal in any way, shape or form,” said Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, adding he held out hope up until just before kickoff that Tagovailoa might play. “But it was a tremendous outing for (Huntley). It showed how far Snoop has come.” Miami needs to win next weekend at the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to Kansas City to get a postseason berth. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many of the top-seeded Chiefs' starters are expected to rest. “For the first time in my life, I'm about to be a huge Chiefs fan,” Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “It might not happen (making the playoffs), but we have an opportunity. And if it does happen, look out, we're coming.” Tagovailoa's status for next week is unclear, but Huntley showed he can get the job done if necessary. He finished 22 of 26 for 225 yards and didn't have any turnovers in his fourth start this season. The 26-year-old was with Cleveland in training camp before being released in August. Huntley downplayed any thought he was seeking revenge against the Browns. “When I left, that was it,” said Huntley, who was signed by Miami in September when Tagovailoa suffered his latest concussion. “For him to get cut, it was our blessing picking him up,” Campbell said. Tagovailoa was limited in practice all week with the hip injury suffered two weeks ago against Houston. McDaniel said “it's impossible” to know whether Tagovailoa will be available to face the Jets. “From a medical perspective, it was not an option for him to play today,” McDaniel said. Tagovailoa spent the afternoon on the sideline in sweats, encouraging Huntley and his other teammates. The quarterback was not available for interviews afterward. The Browns (3-13) dropped their fifth straight, finished 2-6 at home and could be headed toward another offseason of major turnover. They improved their draft position for 2025, when they will likely look for a quarterback. “I have no comment on that,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, whose job appears safe despite the team's regression after making the playoffs last season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't the long-term answer. In his second straight start, the second-year QB completed 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards. He also threw an interception, lost a fumble and was flagged three times for intentional grounding. “We were harassing him all day,” Campbell said. Both offenses had issues in windy and wet conditions, but Huntley handled them better. He ran for a 13-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to put the Dolphins up 13-3. After rolling right, Huntley made several precise cuts as he picked his way down the sideline and into the end zone. “He was just making plays,” said receiver Tyreek Hill, who had nine catches for 105 yards. Hill said Tagovailoa pushed as hard as possible to play. “Basically, it was the staff trying to save a player from himself,” Hill said. The Browns had a chance to cut into the lead, but Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey broke up Thompson-Robinson's fourth-and-goal pass toward Jerry Jeudy in the end zone. Huntley connected with tight end Jonnu Smith on a 7-yard TD with 3:38 left. Miami's Jason Sanders kicked field goals of 54 and 39 yards. He's made a franchise-best 25 in a row, the streak helped by a friendly bounce off the crossbar on his 54-yarder in the first quarter. The Browns tied it when Dustin Hopkins, who was benched for a game during a recent slump, kicked a 25-yard field goal. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrated his 29th birthday with a pair of sacks. Last season's defensive player of the year has 14 this season, making him the first player in league history to get that many four years in a row. Dolphins: LT Terron Armstead was forced out in the second quarter with a knee injury that has bothered him for weeks. Patrick Paul filled in. ... WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) was inactive. Browns: CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't play in the second half after getting hurt in the second quarter. ... LB Jordan Hicks was ruled out with a head injury. ... RB Jerome Ford (ankle) was forced out in the first half. He came back but was only on the field for one play after halftime. ... RB Pierre Strong Jr. left with an apparent head injury in the final minutes. Dolphins: Wrap up the regular season against the Jets on Jan. 4 or 5. Browns: Visit Baltimore next weekend. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Heretic Movie Review : Who would have thought that the heartthrob of the '90s would later become a master of delivering spine-chilling, malevolent performances? That’s Hugh Grant for you. If his sinister turns in Cloud Atlas and Paddington 2 surprised you, brace yourself for what might be his most compellingly dark role yet in Heretic , directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Grant's performance is elevated by the nemesis his character seeks to challenge - a force even more formidable than himself: organised religion, in all its forms. Exhuma Movie Review: Plenty of Chills and Thrills in Choi Min-sik's Gripping South Korean Horror Film! Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) spend their days spreading the word of their Lord through scheduled appointments. One such visit leads them to the home of Mr Reed (Hugh Grant), a middle-aged man unusually eager to hear their message. Reed invites them in under the guise of sheltering them from the rain, mentioning that his wife is inside baking blueberry pies. It doesn’t take long for Barnes and Paxton to sense that something is off. Reed’s probing challenges to their religious beliefs, coupled with his unsettling charisma, soon reveal a darker agenda. Before they know it, the two women are trapped in his eerie home, where Reed forces them to participate in his "experiment" to discover the one true religion. In Heretic , character development doesn’t rely on lengthy flashbacks or heavy-handed exposition. A simple yet strikingly effective scene—like the opening conversation where Barnes and Paxton discuss a pornographic film and its perceived spiritual undertones—immediately establishes their personalities. Barnes grapples with inner conflict and a troubled past while maintaining a quiet strength. In contrast, Paxton exudes naive innocence, making her instantly endearing. Sophie Thatcher shines in her role, but the revelation here is Chloe East, who holds her own against Grant's scenery-chewing intensity. (Topher Grace also makes an appearance, so well-disguised under a grey wig that he’s nearly unrecognisable.) It doesn’t take long for the narrative to thrust the "two Red Riding Hoods" into the wolf’s lair, but the story keeps the audience guessing. Reed’s unsettling aura builds steadily through the first two acts, with his true intentions remaining ambiguous. Much of the tension comes from his unnerving "debate" with the missionaries about the legitimacy of their faith. He is consistently jovial in his demeanour, occasionally showing slight annoyance, particularly when the girls fail to understand his pop-culture references, like his hilarious impression of Jar Jar Binks. Meesa sorry? How do kids not know the destroyer of the Star Wars prequel trilogy? Reed’s arguments—such as comparing religions to plagiarised board games—might feel more like crowd-pleasing jabs for atheists than substantive critiques. However, Heretic isn’t trying to take a definitive stance. It critiques religious dogma and blind faith from a skewed perspective that also highlights Reed’s own instability. While Reed’s challenges may resonate with sceptics, his warped logic and coercive tactics expose his underlying fragility. Both Barnes and Paxton deliver strong rebuttals in different moments, though devout viewers may find the film offensive, while atheists might revel in Reed’s audacious provocations. Talk to Me Movie Review: The RackaRacka Duo’s Frighteningly Entertaining Horror Film is an Impressive Debut . But make no mistake—this isn’t The Man from Earth , where people have healthy theological debates within a single room. Reed’s "experiment" offers the women two grim options that ultimately lead to the same conclusion, reinforcing his belief that both faith and disbelief doom humanity. As the story takes increasingly bizarre turns, Reed reveals the true nature of his twisted plans. Without delving into spoilers, let’s just say things don’t unfold as expected, and the film ramps up its creepiness to unsettling heights. Special mention must go to Chung Chung-hoon’s cinematography, with its striking zooms, creative blocking, and effective use of space. Some critics have taken issue with the film’s portrayal of violence against women, but this ties directly into Reed’s philosophy. It’s about control—who wields it, who suffers under it, and what it reveals about societal power dynamics. The film’s conclusion might feel convenient, but it cleverly leaves the audience debating the presence (or absence) of divine intervention without offering a definitive answer. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Heretic is devilishly captivating, anchored by a trio of exceptional performances and a narrative that keeps you on edge until the final frame. 'Heretic' Movie Review - Final Thoughts Heretic is a gripping psychological horror thriller that delves into the fabric of religion while concealing a far more sinister undercurrent: gender control. Anchored by Hugh Grant’s unnervingly brilliant performance, complemented by Sophie Thatcher’s subtle intensity and Chloe East’s breakout act, the film proves you don’t need ghosts or zombies to send shivers down your spine—a claustrophobic setting and an eerily sinister William Thacker challenging your core values are more than enough! (The opinions expressed in the above article are of the author and do not reflect the stand or position of LatestLY.) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2024 04:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).

Seattle Seahawks receiver is DK Metcalf is just fine when he doesn't have the the ball because it means he gets to showcase his blocking skills. “I just look at it as a sign of respect that I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and just continue to do my job with it as blocking or being a decoy,” the two-time Pro Bowler said. While opposing defenses have keyed in on Metcalf, other aspects of Seattle's offense have surfaced during its four-game winning streak. The run has the Seahawks (8-5) sitting atop the NFC West heading into Sunday night's game against the visiting Green Bay Packers (9-4). Geno Smith's new top target is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who needs 89 receiving yards for his first career 1,000-yard season. Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and five touchdowns, while Metcalf, often dealing with double coverage, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two scores. Metcalf says he feels the pride of a “proud parent or a big brother” when it comes to Smith-Njigba's success. Seattle's offense also got a boost from the ground game in a 30-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend . Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-best 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks face another hot team in the Packers (9-4), who have won seven of nine. Green Bay's two losses over that stretch have come against NFC-best Detroit (12-1), including a 34-31 victory by the Lions on Dec. 5, which means the NFC North title is likely out of reach for the Packers. The Packers are well-positioned for a playoff berth, but that almost certainly won't come this weekend. They would need a win, a loss or tie by the Atlanta Falcons and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Metcalf, who learned to block from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, says he tries to take blocking seriously to set himself apart from other receivers. His priorities are simple when he's getting double-teamed and the ball goes elsewhere. “Trying to block my (butt) off and trying to get pancakes on defensive backs,” he said. When the Packers surged their way into the playoffs last season, quarterback Jordan Love was a major reason why. He had 18 touchdown passes and one interception during Green Bay's final eight games. During the last four games of this season, Love ranks third in the NFL with a 118.9 passer rating with six touchdowns, one interception and a league-best 10.3 yards per attempt. “I always feel like I can put the ball where I want to — and that’s part of it, too, having that confidence to be able to throw those passes,” Love said. “There’s always like I said a handful of plays that might not come off or be in the exact spot that you wanted it to or the throw might be a little bit off. So, that’s where you’ve just got to try to be at your best every play, be consistent and accurate as possible.” Green Bay’s pass defense has been picked apart the last two weeks. First, it was torched by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins in a Packers win. Next, it allowed Jared Goff to complete his final 13 passes as the Lions rallied to victory. It won’t get any easier this week. Smith is second in the NFL in attempts, completions and passing yards and is fifth in completion percentage. “It’s been a remarkable turnaround for him in terms of just where he started,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “It’s not always where you start, but where you finish. And it tells me a lot about the person in terms of his resiliency and ability to fight through some adversity. He’s a dangerous quarterback.” The potential return of former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) could help the Packers. Will the Packers break out their head-to-toe white uniforms? The last time Green Bay wore the winter white look was in a 24-22 win over Houston in October. The Packers asked fans to weigh in on social media . As for the Seahawks, they'll be sporting their “Action Green” uniforms. Metcalf is a fan. “I would say this about the Action Green, I love them personally in my opinion, but the big guys hate them. I don’t know why, don’t ask me," he said. “Hopefully, the Packers wear all white, so it’ll be a fun-looking game.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key political figures celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of democracy. Modi expressed his best wishes to the nation, highlighting the day as one of great significance. Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the Constitution's importance, describing it as a mantra for national unity and integrity. He praised initiatives that honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy, essential in shaping the nation's democratic framework. The event saw participation from other prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who addressed Parliament members. Celebrations highlighted the transformative influence of the Constitution and the ongoing commitment to building a strong, self-reliant India. (With inputs from agencies.)

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As a rule, I think investors should consider tilting their portfolios towards as they get closer to retirement. And this is true whether the ambition is building wealth or earning passive income. Someone aged 40 won’t be eligible for the State Pension in the UK for another 28 years. And that means there’s plenty of time, which opens up more possibilities in terms of growth stocks. Growth and value Investing in the stock market’s about buying a stake in a company in the hope that it will one day make enough to provide a decent return. And there are two big differences between growth and value stocks. The main difference is when the company will provide that return. In general, value shares that trade at lower multiples of sales and earnings offer a much larger return in the near future. The second difference is how much the business will provide over the long term. And in exchange for a lower short-term gain, they tend to have better prospects for generating huge returns further over time. An investor who’s looking to retire in five years probably doesn’t have time to wait 20 or 30 years for a company to grow. But for someone with a longer time horizon, things might be different. A UK growth stock ( ) is a good illustration of this. The firm has a of £10.5bn and made £333.5m in free cash last year – a return of just over 3%. For an investor with a shorter time horizon, this might not be so attractive. A five-year UK government bond currently comes with a 4.2% yield. To be able to offer investors a better return than this, Halma will need to grow its free cash flow by 10% a year. And that’s far from guaranteed. Halma generates a lot of its growth by acquiring other businesses, meaning it depends on opportunities presenting themselves. And there’s a risk they may not in a five-year period. Long-term investing Over 30 years however, the equation becomes much better. The corresponding bond has a 5% yield, but just 3% annual growth from the business will see Halma generate more cash. That reduces the risk for investors. And while the firm might go through a five-year cyclical low in terms of acquisitions, I wouldn’t expect this to last until 2054. Over the last decade, Halma’s free cash flow per share has grown by 11.5% a year on average. Even if it manages half of this going forward, this should generate enough cash to support an 8.4% annual return. This doesn’t eliminate the risk of growing by acquisitions – there’s still a possibility of overpaying as a result of a misjudgement. But the investment equation makes much more sense over a longer timeframe and is worth considering. No savings? No problem... Even with no savings, using part of a monthly income to invest in shares can bring terrific returns. And growth stocks can be a great choice for investors that are thinking in decades, rather than years. Investors need to be prepared to wait for growth to emerge. But while I think those with a short time to retirement should consider focusing on value shares, 28 years is long enough to be looking for growth.Major Combat Sports Products Market Driver 2024-2033: Surging Participation In High-Performance Sports

Share Tweet Share Share Email In a world where access to STEM education remains uneven, two high school students, Dheeraj Tallapragada and Vedant Sagare, have taken it upon themselves to bridge the gap. They founded Phase 1 Research , an organization that is redefining global education by providing students from under-resourced communities with access to research opportunities, mentorship, and the tools necessary to succeed in a technology-driven world. Their achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Despite their age, Dheeraj and Vedant have created a global platform that has impacted over 200,000 students worldwide , connecting them to 2,000+ mentors who are experts in cutting-edge fields like machine learning, molecular biology, and bioinformatics . These mentors, many of whom are graduates of elite universities or leaders in Fortune 500 companies, work with students to cultivate their research skills and guide them on their educational journeys. The Mission Behind Phase 1 Research Phase 1 Research began with a clear and ambitious mission: to democratize STEM resources and opportunities for students in underserved regions. “The whole point is to expose students to research,” Dheeraj shared in an interview with The Independent News . “These are the first steps—the first phase.” The organization’s name reflects this ethos. Phase 1 Research aims to provide students with the foundational support they need to explore their potential and gain the confidence to pursue higher-level academic and professional opportunities. Through their relentless determination, the founders have built partnerships with some of the most prestigious organizations in the world, including Salesforce, BlackRock, Altos Labs , and even the Malian Ministry of Education . Bridging the Gap with Technology One of the most impactful initiatives led by Phase 1 Research is its effort to address the digital divide. The organization has facilitated the donation of over 5,000 laptops, monitors, and PCs to students in need, ensuring they have the tools necessary to participate in research and STEM learning. In the summer of 2024, Phase 1 Research took its mission further by organizing a research camp in India, where 2,500 students gained hands-on experience in environmental sustainability projects. This initiative not only equipped participants with technical skills but also sparked their passion for addressing real-world challenges through innovation. A Global Impact The numbers speak volumes about the impact Phase 1 Research has had. With 10,000+ students actively engaged in research projects and 200,000 individuals impacted globally , the organization is setting a new standard for what is possible in STEM accessibility. It has also facilitated the publication of over 500 research papers , providing students with opportunities to showcase their work on an international stage. Dheeraj and Vedant’s ability to inspire action extends beyond their peers. By rallying support from mentors, educators, and corporate leaders, they have created a movement that transcends age and geography. “Age shouldn’t limit impact,” Vedant emphasizes. “If you have a vision and the drive to make it happen, people will believe in you.” A Vision for the Future Phase 1 Research is more than just an organization—it’s a testament to the power of youthful determination and innovation. By creating opportunities where none previously existed, Dheeraj and Vedant have paved the way for a brighter future for students in underserved communities. Their story is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference. As Phase 1 Research continues to grow, its founders remain committed to their vision of a world where every student has the chance to unlock their potential through STEM education. To learn more about Phase 1 Research and its inspiring founders, visit p1research.org . Related Items: Dheeraj Tallapragada , Phase 1 Research Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsWomen more likely to need walking aids but less likely to use them – study

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has charged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State to give President Bola Tinubu winning votes during the 2027 general election. Nnaji, who gave the charge during a meeting of the party’s stakeholders he convened at his country home over the weekend, noted that moles have been chased away from the party. The minister stressed the need for grassroots involvement, saying he was now happy that the party was growing from strength to strength. He insisted that what was announced as the votes of the APC members from the state to Tinubu during the last general elections was not actually the real votes they gave to the president. He therefore urged the stakeholders, drawn from all the wards in the state, to mobilize the grassroots to win votes for the president in the next election. Nnaji described Tinubu as a focused president who does not discriminate against any section of the country. The minister used the opportunity to fault the size of the current budget presented to the House of Assembly by Governor Peter Mbah, saying Enugu does not have the oil like some states to finance such a budget. “In the next election, we should give President Tinubu the winning votes and make sure that we are in the Lion Building. The event is going to be yearly, and the next one will be better. “We need change in Enugu State, and that change will come. We want to provide leadership,” he stated.We’re coming up on the last Saturday of November, which, for me, has always been the very best time of the college football season. As exhilarating as the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. As blissful as baseball’s Opening Day. As can’t-miss as the Sundays of all the golf majors rolled into one. In college football, Rivalry Week — all those storied, magical matchups in the enchanted afterglow of Thanksgiving — is everything. Sorry, make that “was” everything. The all-consuming College Football Playoff has rendered Rivalry Week impotent, at least compared with what it used to be. In my football “bucket list”-style book that was published in 2017, there’s a chapter on all the greatest college rivalries, most of whose annual games were reserved for the last Saturday of November. By the way, I really should pause here and thank the 14 of you who bought and read the thing. But the book — and in particular that chapter — was written, as it turns out, by a total rube. Consider this passage on rivalries, which might as well have been written 25 or 50 years earlier: “They go together not like oil and water, but rather like leaking gas and an open flame. Football’s best rivalries explode with emotion and physical play on the field, and with opposing loyalties off it. Yet they also fit together like pieces of a beautiful puzzle, neither side truly whole without the other.” It’s as if this was written in a different lifetime, which, come to think of it, it was; the book was cobbled together during the summer and fall of 2016 as the Cubs were working toward winning a World Series for the first time since, well, you remember. But the College Football Playoff already existed, albeit in the four-team model that lasted through last season. And I thought even then that the four-team playoff sucked too much oxygen from the proverbial room, minimizing rivalry games, all non-playoff bowl games and various other traditions. Still, Rivalry Week held its singular allure as the apex of the season, at least from my point of view. Now, though, with the playoff having been expanded to 12 teams? You’re either in it or you’re irrelevant. Your next game either impacts the list of 12 or why even bother? And even a so-called rivalry game that will indeed affect whom the playoff committee selects and whom it doesn’t really matters only in terms of the playoff itself; the rivalry part has been reduced to, at best, a bonus feature. College football has bailed on so much of what made it unique, first and foremost that the regular season was more important than the postseason. While other sports and leagues focused on determining one champion, college football had its own day of the week and its own sense of regular-season pomp and pageantry. That’s in the past, underscored by the recent six-year, $7.8 billion agreement between the CFP and ESPN, whose exclusive rights to televise playoff games completely informs its coverage from August to January. On Friday, Minnesota and Wisconsin will renew the most-played rivalry in the top division of college football, the FBS. This will be game No. 133, with Wisconsin holding the slightest series edge of 63-62-8. The winning team will run from goalpost to goalpost with Paul Bunyan’s Axe and mimic chopping them down. It’ll be quaint. The sports world won’t give a damn. Also that day, Mississippi State and Ole Miss — historically a hateful rivalry — will square off in the annual Egg Bowl, and Georgia Tech and Georgia will play the game actually nicknamed “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” Ole Miss fell out of playoff contention last week, reducing interest in its game to locals and gamblers (who’d bet on a competition between a fire hydrant and a tuna casserole) only. Saturday should be college football’s day of the year. The Iron Bowl (Alabama and Auburn), the Palmetto Bowl (Clemson and South Carolina), the Territorial Cup (Arizona and Arizona State), the Old Oaken Bucket game (Indiana and Purdue). Of course, the blessed battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh (Notre Dame and USC). By God, the best rivalry of ’em all as I see it — The Game (Michigan and Ohio State). Yeah, yeah, the “Hat” game as well. We’ll let Illinois and Northwestern fans play along, too. But Saturdays anymore are for playoff implications only. That’s every Saturday of the season, including this one. Maybe that’s how you like it? The expansion of the playoff was a pretty dang popular thing, broadly speaking. It could be I’m not only a rube but a dinosaur.Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100

And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 13 Duke defeated No. 9 Kansas State, 73-62 on Monday, in the semifinals of the Ball Dawgs Classic. The Blue Devils (6-1) overcame an early 11-point deficit behind Jackon’s shooting hand to advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the game between No. 8 Oklahoma and DePaul. Jackson, who has scored in double figures in all six of Duke’s games, shot 12 of 19 (63.1%) from the floor, including 6 of 9 (66.7%) from 3-point range. Reigan Richardson added 16 points for the Blue Devils. Kansas State (5-1) was led by Ayoka Lee, who had 16 points. Serena Sundell scored 15 and Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to add 11 for the Wildcats. Kansas State: With her 16-point performance, Lee needs 48 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05) for the Kansas State career scoring record. Wecker scored 2,333 points. Lee, the 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is averaging 15.3 points. Duke: Jackson hit her season average of 13.3 points by the 3:54 mark of the second quarter when her pull-up jumper gave her 14. The junior guard was 8 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and had 20 points by halftime. With the Blue Devils trailing by six midway through the second quarter, Jackson triggered a 15-0 run with 13 of the team’s points to help Duke take a lead they’d never relinquish. Duke will face the winner of No. 8 Oklahoma-DePaul on Wednesday in the championship game, while Kansas State will face the loser in the consolation game. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball 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-basketballNESDC fears rising loans could lead to debt trap( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Clinical Research Organization Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 13, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The Clinical Research Organization CRO market has been growing solidly in recent times. An industry forecast indicates an increase from $54.15 billion in 2023 to $59.41 billion in 2024 at a potent compound annual growth rate CAGR of 9.7%. This favorable progression during the historic period is chiefly attributed to factors like an aging global population, mounting prevalence of chronic conditions, globalization of clinical trials, a greater focus on orphan drug development, along with substantial government funding and grants. What Is the Future Outlook and Market Size for Clinical Research Organizations? The Clinical Research Organization market is forecasted to witness robust growth in the upcoming years. According to data projections, by 2028, the market will hit a staggering figure of $86.33 billion, with a compound annual growth rate CAGR at 9.8%. The primary factors driving growth throughout the forecasted period include shifting focus towards personalized medicine, an upsurge in clinical trials, expanding drug development pipelines, increased spending on pharmaceutical research and development, and the rising boom in biopharmaceuticals. Discover Key Insights and Market Trends with a Free Sample Report of the Global Clinical Research Organization Market: What Are the Key Market Drivers Catalyzing Growth in the CRO Market? A key driver instigating this growth trajectory is the burgeoning demand for personalized medicine. Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine or individualized medicine, is an innovative approach to medical care that customizes treatments and interventions based on the unique characteristics of each patient. Due advancements in genomics and biotechnology, treatments have become more targeted and effective, catering specifically to individual genetic profiles and health conditions. CROs play a crucial role in personalized medicine by carrying out specialized trials and analyses to tailor treatments to individual genetic and biological profiles. For instance, the Personalized Medicine Coalition, a US-based non-profit organization, reports that the FDA approved 16 novel personalized therapies for rare disease patients in 2023 alone, a steep rise from the six approved in 2022. Therefore, the increasing demand for personalized medicine is substantially driving the growth of the clinical research organization market. Pre-book the report for a swift delivery: Which Industry Giants Are Powering the Clinical Research Organization Market? Major companies operating in the CRO market include Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, IQVIA Holdings Inc., PPD Inc., ICON plc, Syneos Health Inc., Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Parexel International Corporation, Medpace Holdings Inc., Almac Group Ltd., Premier Research Group Limited, and others. These corporations have been instrumental in driving the robust growth of the clinical research market. What Noteworthy Trends Are Shaping the Future of the Clinical Research Organization Market? Emerging trends highlight that corporations in the clinical research organization market are increasingly exploring advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence AI-driven end-to-end data platforms. These platforms enhance data integration, analysis, thereby revolutionizing overall trial efficiency. For instance, Elligo Health Research Inc., a US-based clinical research organization, unveiled DataAI Connect in January 2023, a breakthrough data and technology platform engineered to expedite data-driven clinical research. How Is the Global Clinical Research Organization Market Segmented? The clinical research organization market exhibits the following key segments: 1 By Service: Drug Discovery Services, Pre-Clinical Services, Clinical Services, Post Approval Services 2 By Production: In-house, Outsourced 3 By Indication: Oncology, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular Diseases, Metabolic Disorders, Immunology, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Hematological Disorders 4 By End User: Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies, Medical Device Companies, Governments And Private Firms, Academic Institutions, Other End Users How Is the Clinical Research Organization Market Performing Globally? North America was the largest region in the clinical research organization market in 2023, but the Asia-Pacific region is set to surpass in the near future as the fastest-growing region during the forecasted period. The regions assessed in the clinical research organization market report span Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse more similar reports- Virtual Clinical Trials Global Market Report 2024 eClinical Solutions Global Market Report 2024 Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment Solutions Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Contact us at: The Business Research Company: Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 Email us at ... 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Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery

Prosecutors play undercover recordings of Madigan at former speaker’s corruption trial

50 jili A Zionist organization is compiling names of foreign students on visas in the US who spewed anti-Israel bile at campus protests — and is hoping President-elect Trump will give the haters a one-way ticket back home. So far, the group, Betar, has about 30 names of students from nations such as Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Canada, and the United Kingdom currently enrolled in some of the nation’s top universities, including Columbia, UPenn, Michigan, Syracuse, UCLA, The New School for Social Research, Carnegie Mellon, and George Washington University. “We have started commencing lists of Jew-hating foreign nationals on visas who support Hamas,” said Ross Glick, director of the US chapter of Betar. Betar has IDed the haters using a combination of facial recognition software and “relationship database technology” to weed out people who were busted at antisemitic campus protests over the last year. “One of our issues is processing power, there is just so much video to work through,” Glick said. Betar is already in contact with “prospective” Trump administration appointees in the Justice Department about how best to take action on those identified, Glick said. Among those on the list is Momodou Taal , a British national and PhD candidate in Africana studies at Cornell University, who was suspended twice for participating in a pair of on-campus Palestinian protests, most recently in September. University officials initially told Taal that the latest incident would lead to his F-1 visa being revoked, Newsweek reported . The Ivy later backed down. Weeks after the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel, Trump vowed to deport foreign students who chanted in support of radical Islamic terrorism. He reiterated that promise to donors in May. “When I am president we will not allow our colleges to be taken over by violent radicals. If you come from another country and try to bring jihadism or anti-Americanism or anti-Semitism to our campuses we will immediately deport you. You’ll be out of that school,” Trump said at a rally that same month. Said Glick: “We are strongly supportive of the Trump Administration’s plan to deport jihadis who seek to destroy America. Our campuses and our streets are filled with violent people who hate Jews and cannot co-exist with Western society.” On Wednesday, Glick was on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers including pro-Israel Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). Glick was in town to protest a Senate vote on whether to initiate an arms embargo against Israel. Glick also met with aids to Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and James Lankford. “They all gave me the thumbs up and told me how to follow up,” Glick said. On the legislative front, Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis introduced a bill in February — the No Visas for Anti-Semitic Students Act — that would “revoke the visas of students who have engaged in antisemitic activities.” “Entering our country to attend one of our esteemed universities is a privilege, and foreign students who conduct antisemitic activity on our campuses should have their visas revoked,” Malliotakis said. “I’m pleased the Trump Administration plans to take immediate action to have these individuals removed.” Betar doesn’t shy away from controversy. The organization is banned from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp because of a joke it made about handing out beepers to members of a pro-Palestine group at the University of Pittsburgh, referring to Israel’s targeted beeper bomb attack against Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. The group takes its name from Betar fortress, a prominent location in the Jewish-Roman wars of the second century. Betar was founded in 1923 by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, a prominent early Zionist leader.Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City.

SHAMED ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last night. Referees’ body the PGMOL gave him the boot this month after a probe into videos of him snorting white powder and a foul-mouthed rant about ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp . Sources last night said the 42-year-old Premier League official had decided to accept his sacking - rather than fight to keep his old job, the Daily Mail reported. The PGMOL - Professional Game Match Officials Board - showed Coote the door after examining evidence provided by The Sun. We exclusively revealed a film of him snorting what appears to be cocaine during the Euros in Germany this summer . In the eight-second WhatsApp clip, he was wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his Uefa-funded hotel room. The previous day, the official had acted as a VAR for France's quarter-final shootout win over Portugal. Days before that exposé, footage emerged on social media showing him calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”. Coote had also tried to arrange a drugs party during Tottenham’s win over Manchester City on October 30 . He was the fourth official for the Carabao Cup clash. Official body PGMOL said the ref - also subject of a separate betting probe - was sacked after his actions were found to be in breach of contract. In a statement, they said: “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.” Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since the video emerged. Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse. Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings. First video First man : "What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Erm Liverpool were s***." First man : "What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "C***, absolute c***." First man : "Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown. "Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me - and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant. "So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner." First man : "James Milner, he gets on with James Milner." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "You can see me there with mask on." First man : "Mask on, obviously." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart." First man : "We have to social distance." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me." First man : "Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers." Second video Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously." First man : He’s a Premier League referee, let's not f***ing ruin his career. "Like let's face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "So, yeah." First man : "So lets not ruin his career."The bad news for Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas is that Patrick Williams is out for an undetermined length of time with inflammation in his surgically repaired left foot. The good news is Karnišovas will get to see more of his latest project, Matas Buzelis, who figures to get more minutes as Williams rests his swollen foot. As the Bulls prepared to play the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at the United Center in the second game of back-to-backs, the Buzelis buzz was growing, albeit at a low frequency. With Julian Phillips also sidelined Saturday with an illness, someone joked it was turning into “the Matas Buzelis Show.” “Maybe,” coach Billy Donovan said. “I’m here for the whole five positions.” With Williams and Phillips out, Donovan said he would have to utilize more of his bench against the Grizzlies as the Bulls attempted to win back-to-back games for the first time. Karnišovas gave Williams a five-year, $90 million extension in June, showing confidence Williams eventually would blossom into the player the Bulls envisioned when they selected him with the fourth pick in the 2020 draft. Williams was a 19-year old who didn’t start for Florida State but was chosen for his athleticism and upside as a 6-8 forward who can handle the ball. “Long arms, big hands,” Karnišovas said then. “Such an upside and potential. He can play from one through five. Played point guard in high school. Humble kid that is mature beyond his years. This is what the NBA is today.” Williams insisted Friday that he could’ve played if needed, but the Bulls aren’t likely to rush him back so soon into the season. Donovan talked about a “logjam” at the position before Williams’ injury, suggesting Buzelis and Phillips would benefit with more minutes. But instead of starting one of the two on Friday in the 136-122 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Donovan opted for a four-guard lineup, adding Ayo Dosunmu to starters Zack LaVine, Coby White and Josh Giddey. The Bulls’ Matas Buzelis gestures after making a 3-pointer in the third quarter against the Hawks in an NBA Cup game on Nov. 22, 2024, at the United Center. Buzelis scored nine points in the Bulls’ 136-122 win. (Geoff Stellfox/Getty) Still, Buzelis was on the court for two long stretches, scoring nine points with two blocks in 20 minutes while sinking a corner 3 and converting two dunks, including one that brought the house down in the first quarter. LaVine said he told the 20-year-old rookie to keep it up and not to worry about missing shots. “He athletically helps us just from being on the court and playing multiple positions,” LaVine said. Donovan liked the rim protection and the offensive part of Buzelis’s game but added the 6-9, 196-pound rookie needs to understand the realities of going into the paint in the NBA. “When he’s going to the basket, there are going to be people putting bodies in the way,” Donovan said. “And sometimes Euro-stepping leads you into some of those charges. These are things I think he’ll learn.” Related Articles Chicago Bulls | Column: Chicago Bulls are on pace for the worst defensive season in franchise history. Can it be fixed? Chicago Bulls | NBA urges players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following high-profile burglaries Chicago Bulls | ‘I’m being true to myself.’ How Zach LaVine strives for success through selflessness with the Chicago Bulls. Chicago Bulls | 6 takeaways as the Chicago Bulls lost to the Milwaukee Bucks — but won the minutes without Giannis Antetokounmpo Chicago Bulls | Patrick Williams is sidelined again with pain in the same foot — but Chicago Bulls aren’t panicking yet Hopefully those lessons will be learned now, as the 7-10 Bulls have nothing to lose by letting him play and seeing what they’ve got. They’re one trade away from being an official rebuild, and LaVine looks healthier and more tradeable than at any point in 2023-24. The anticipation whenever the ball found its way into Buzelis’s hands Friday was palpable to those of us sitting in the stands, which includes the local media not employed by the Chicago Sports Network. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf took away the courtside press seating last year in a blatant money grab, similar to what he did at Sox Park many years ago. Anyway, it was obvious Friday that Bulls fans appear desperate for something new and exciting after years of watching the same old thing. Fair or not, Buzelis is going to have to succeed for Karnišovas’s reputation, not to mention for fans’ sanity. But until then, the Bulls will probably be content to ride LaVine as long as they can and look to the future at the trade deadline. White, Dosunmu and Williams will all be part of it, but the rest of the cast is unknown. Karnišovas’s widely panned acquisition of Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder for energizer Alex Caruso hasn’t been as one-sided as expected because of Caruso’s poor early-season shooting. Still, Giddey’s defensive play is so sketchy Donovan has been closing tight games with Dosunmu, making Giddey a bystander, literally and figuratively. Dosunmu, growing in confidence daily, has been up for the task. Without Lonzo Ball available , he’s easily their best perimeter defender. “You always want to help the team close a win,” Dosunmu said. “That feels pretty good. We’ve got to do better as a team closing games out, but I like where we’re at. We can be better. We will be better.” They had better be better, or Karnišovas will be the one bearing the brunt of the blame. Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu is fouled by the Hawks’ Dyson Daniels on a drive to the basket during the first half of an NBA Cup game on Nov. 22, 2024, at the United Center. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP) Dosunmu took over ballhandling duties Friday, which seemed to calm down Giddey, a decent point guard who’s a good distributor and rebounder but has difficulty covering smaller, quicker guards. Giddey had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds Friday with a plus-19 rating in one of his better overall performances. Donovan said the four-guard starting lineup will be predicated on matchups while Williams is out, but obviously he liked what he saw Friday as the Bulls shot a season-high 57%, including 19-for-43 (44.2%) from 3-point range. LaVine noted the fast pace of both teams on Friday, when the Bulls made 19 turnovers and still cruised to a win to even their NBA Cup record at 1-1. “There were a couple times I didn’t make it past half-court without getting back,” LaVine said with a laugh. “We’re sticking with the identity of what we’re trying to do — guys playing fast. You have to get in shape for it.” The message from Donovan is clear, albeit a little repetitive. “We have to run,” Donovan said. “We have to try to generate stuff in transition. We have to play fast. It’s just what we have to do. ... It gets bodies off of us, helps us get downhill, helps generate some 3s.” On nights like Friday, it’s something to see. But with the real grind of the NBA schedule just beginning, we’ll soon find out how much the Bulls have in their tank.

10'000 Hours Investment Overview I wrote about Toll Brothers ( NYSE: TOL ) previously ( on 2nd September ) with a hold rating, as the valuation was not cheap, despite my view that demand remains strong. I have upgraded my rating from hold to Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Chipotle: Price Hikes Could Make 2025 An Uphill Battle

Kansas once required voters to prove citizenship. That didn't work out so wellz hostel 。

If you’re ready to transform your living room into a cinematic paradise, this massive Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV is your ticket to an extraordinary viewing experience. For Black Friday, it is currently at a record low price of $998, a massive 33% off its original price of $1,498 . The previous record low was $1,199 (during last year’s Black Friday), so this is $200 less than that amount. For an 85-inch TV, we’ve never seen a lower price. See at Amazon For those concerned about holiday shopping logistics, Amazon offers an extended return policy for this product. Customers have until January 31, 2025, to return items purchased during this period, which is particularly convenient for holiday gift-giving. Amazon also provides a price guarantee during the Black Friday period: if the price drops further after your purchase, they will refund the difference. XXXXXL 4K TV The Sony X77L boasts a 4K Processor X1 which enhances picture quality by upscaling HD content to near-4K resolution so that all your favorite shows and movies are displayed with sharp details and vibrant colors. The TV supports 4K HDR which allows for a wider range of colors and improved contrast and results in lifelike images that pop on the screen. This Sony 85-inch TV also features a wide viewing angle which makes it ideal for larger rooms where viewers may be seated at various positions. This characteristic ensures that everyone can enjoy a consistent picture quality regardless of where they are sitting. The TV also incorporates Motionflow XR technology which reduces motion blur during fast-paced scenes. This model also includes smart capabilities powered by Google TV which allows users to access a vast array of streaming services and apps conveniently from one interface. With Google Assistant built-in , you can use voice commands to search for content, control playback and even manage smart home devices directly from your TV. Finally, in terms of connectivity, the Sony X77L is well-equipped with multiple HDMI ports so that you can connect various devices such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices. This versatility ensures that you can create a complete home theater setup tailored to your preferences. To see the current Black Friday deal, here it is: See at AmazonRobbins LLP Urges XRX Stockholders with Large Losses to Contact the Firm for information About the Xerox Holdings Corporation Class Action Lawsuit

Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) on field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images/ File Photo FILE PHOTO: The Federal Bureau of Investigation seal is seen at FBI headquarters in Washington, U.S. June 14, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs looking to throw the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images/ File Photo NEW YORK - The FBI has warned the NBA that many recent home burglaries targeting professional athletes and high net worth individuals may be connected to sophisticated, transnational theft rings, the league said in a memo obtained by Reuters on Friday. Two players in the NBA had their homes broken into in recent weeks, according to media reports, along with the NFL's twice MVP Patrick Mahomes and his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce, who is dating pop superstar Taylor Swift. The memo, which the NBA directed to teams across the league, advised that players should install updated security systems and utilize protective guard services when they are away from home for extended periods of time. "NBA Security received a briefing from the Federal Bureau of Investigation ('FBI') that connected many of the home burglaries to transnational South American Theft Groups ('SATGs')," the memo read. "These SATGs are reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices." The FBI said that the homes that were broken into were all unoccupied and, in most cases, were equipped with alarm systems that had not been activated, according to the memo. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The memo is similar in nature to a document that the NFL sent this week, in which the league advised players to ramp up home security. Around-the-clock media reports and team schedules make it easy to know when players are on the road for extended periods of time and the NFL urged players to exercise caution in what they post to social media. The NFL said that surveillance tactics included attempted home deliveries and individuals posing as joggers or home maintenance workers. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowWashington 62, Cal St.-Fullerton 58

INDIANAPOLIS , Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr. , issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter : "President Carter was a Legionnaire, a distinguished Navy veteran and a devout Christian. His commitment to human rights and community service was respected worldwide. He lived longer than any president in American history and made the most of his post-presidential years by strongly advocating for world peace and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. His energy, integrity and humility were admired by people across the political spectrum. President Carter's wife, Rosalynn, was a leader in mental health awareness. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the entire Carter family and the many lives that they have touched, especially in their home state of Georgia ." During an address to The American Legion's 1980 national convention, President Carter described his vision for America on the world stage. "We do not maintain our power in order to seize power from others. Our goal is to strengthen our own freedom and the freedom of others, to advance the dignity of the individual and the right of all people to justice, to a good life, and to a future secure from tyranny. In choosing our course in the world, America's strength serves American values," he said. About The American Legion The American Legion , the nation's largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America." Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. It has made suicide prevention its top priority through its Be the One mission . Nearly 1.6 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness. Media contact: John Raughter , [email protected] , 317.630.1350 SOURCE The American LegionWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. The president-elect announced other appointments Monday, including his lawyer Harmeet Dhillon for assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Justice Department and Mark Paoletta as the returning general counsel of the Office of Management and Budget. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.is one of the few brands still investing in hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, and it says it remains a firm part of its 'multi-pathway' solution to automotive decarbonisation. or signup to continue reading The Japanese carmaker has been developing hydrogen ICE technology alongside hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) technology for a while now. The former incorporates a traditional combustion engine that makes sounds, unlike FCEVs which are silent like a battery-electric vehicle (EV). To date, Toyota has been trialing the powertrain technology through motorsport, though it has also shown off a few road-going prototypes. However, at this stage there have been no production models offered to the public with a hydrogen combustion powertrain. Asked whether Toyota is still pursuing hydrogen combustion engine tech, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley told it will become more relevant as a mainstream powertrain technology later next decade. "[Hydrogen combustion technology is] very much alive and well... we're still developing and trialling," said Mr Hanley. "All I'll say in relation to hydrogen ICE engines is that it's a technology that will continue to develop over the next five years. It's not a quick technology. "It's not a technology that we'd be suggesting will be mainstream even in this decade. "But hydrogen itself, particularly ICE conversions, [as well as] fuel-cell electric hydrogen vehicles, that 2035 to 2040 is huge, and I think that's where you can expect to see a lot more talk. "I wish I was around for that long to see it, because it's going to be an exciting time, not only for Toyota, but the industry. "Toyota is definitely very much still investing in hydrogen." In addition to motorsport-oriented hydrogen combustion vehicles like its , Toyota chose Australia to be the central point for development of the that it revealed last year. A pilot program saw seven examples of the Hydrogen HiAce prototype loaned out for a month at a time to fleet operators for transportation. They were required to report back daily on their experience. Unlike the regular sold in Australia, which is currently powered exclusively by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, this hydrogen prototype is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 modified to run on hydrogen instead of petrol. This engine currently burns petrol in the , as well as the in other markets. Toyota says one of the few modifications made to the engine are the fuel-injectors, which are upgraded to run on compressed hydrogen gas. The hydrogen-fuelled V6 in the HiAce prototype produces 120kW of power and 354Nm of torque, which is 185kW and 296Nm less than its petrol-powered counterpart. While Toyota continues to develop hydrogen combustion engines, brands like BMW and Mazda have previously also investigated the technology, which like FCEVs are dependent on a widespread hydrogen refuelling network. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer glimpse into unusual American moment

Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer glimpse into unusual American momentAbout Marvell To deliver the data infrastructure technology that connects the world, we're building solutions on the most powerful foundation: our partnerships with our customers. Trusted by the world's leading technology companies for over 25 years, we move, store, process and secure the world's data with semiconductor solutions designed for our customers' current needs and future ambitions. Through a process of deep collaboration and transparency, we're ultimately changing the way tomorrow's enterprise, cloud, automotive, and carrier architectures transform—for the better. Marvell® and the Marvell logo are registered trademarks of Marvell and/or its affiliates. For further information, contact: Ashish Saran Senior Vice President, Investor Relations 408-222-0777 ir@marvell.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marvell-technology-inc-declares-quarterly-dividend-payment-302331636.html SOURCE Marvell

New U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff marked the start of his Senate tenure on Monday , Dec. 9, by taking the oath of office with his hand on an ancient Jewish text. The book used in Schiff’s swearing-in ceremony is the Mishneh Torah , written by the renowned Jewish philosopher and scholar Moses Maimonides. A comprehensive 12th-century codification of Jewish religious law , the Mishneh Torah summarizes all aspects of Jewish law in clear and accessible Hebrew. California Senator, Congressman Adam Schiff, right, was sworn in today, Dec. 9, 2024, conducted by Vice President and former California Senator Kamala Harris. (Photo C-SPAN2) (L-R) Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), his wife Eve Schiff and Vice President Kamala Harris pose for photographs following his ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. Schiff was officially sworn in earlier by Harris in the Senate Chamber. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) (L) is congratulated by Vice President Kamala Harris as his wife Eve Schiff looks on following his ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. Schiff was officially sworn in earlier by Harris in the Senate Chamber. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) California Senator, Congressman Adam Schiff, right, was sworn in today, Dec. 9, 2024, conducted by Vice President and former California Senator Kamala Harris. (Photo C-SPAN2) When sworn into office, newly elected officials often use religious texts or other meaningful books that hold personal or symbolic significance to them. For instance, in 2021 President Joe Biden took his oath of office on a 19th-century Bible that has been in his family since the late 1800s, while Vice President Kamala Harris swore in on two Bibles: one that belonged to former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and another that belonged to a former neighbor close to Harris, according to CNN . Former President Donald Trump also used two Bibles at his 2017 swearing-in ceremony : the Lincoln Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration in 1861, and a family Bible given to Trump by his mother in 1955. The Mishneh Torah used by Schiff translates into “repetition of the Torah” or “the second Torah” in English. It was printed in Italy in 1490, according to his office. Schiff, a pro-Israel Democrat, has been open about his Jewish heritage and faith and has strongly condemned antisemitism. “Growing up in a Jewish household with strong ties to the Jewish community, I learned to revere a passage from Micah — that instructs us to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God,” Schiff previously said, according to the Jewish Democratic Council of America’s website . “I am very proud of my Jewish heritage, our traditions and values and the work our community does to build a more just and equitable world for the next generation.” In his swearing-in statement, Schiff said he will be a “tireless advocate for Californians in every part of the state and work across the aisle to deliver on day one.” Schiff, who represented an LA-area district in Congress for nearly 24 years, will complete the remainder of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s term before being sworn in for a full six-year term on Jan. 3. Sen. Laphonza Butler, who Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed in October 2023 to complete Feinstein’s remaining term, resigned Sunday, Dec. 8 . Related ArticlesLinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman warns against Elon Musk’s ‘conflict of interest’ in setting AI policiesNone

Gary Lineker jokes about his Match Of The Day exit as he returns to showAmazon Slashes the Price on the New Apple iPad Pro Tablet with OLED and M4 Chip for Black Friday

Accenture ( ACN -2.45% ) was in the news Tuesday for yet another of the acquisitive company's asset buys. Investors weren't particularly impressed with this one, as they generally traded out of the stock following its announcement. Accenture's share price eroded by more than 2% on a day when the S&P 500 index basically traded flat. Another asset buy Before market open that morning, the frequently acquisitive Accenture announced that it has agreed to purchase privately held AOX. The company's asset-to-be is a Germany-based business that concentrates on software for vehicle manufacturers and the companies that supply them. In revealing its news, Accenture did not disclose the price nor the terms of the deal. It did quote Christina Raab, its market unit lead in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as saying that "In combining AOX's and Accenture's capabilities we will form a strong player that develops software from the chip to the cloud, covering the complete life cycle from architecture design to maintenance." The latter company said that AOX's employees, which number around 50, will be folded into Accenture's Industry X division. A lack of detail From a strategic standpoint, the AOX acquisition appears to make sense. The auto industry these days is very dynamic, with technological change coming at a rapid pace. Assuming it integrates AOX effectively into its portfolio, Accenture can strengthen its offerings in this ever-evolving and busy field. That said, investors dislike when they're not provided much information about a deal touted as being important. That's because it can be tough, or even impossible, to gauge whether the buyer is being opportunistic and acquiring an asset relatively cheaply, or is overpaying for a business that might not produce a sufficient return. Accenture might be better served providing more details of this buy.

The landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) is evolving at a remarkable pace, with 2024 being a banner year for innovation and diversity in the sector. One major standout is the Xpeng G6 , which has left both critics and consumers thoroughly impressed. Starting the year on a high note, the Mercedes EQV made waves with its unparalleled refinement, setting a new standard for electric vans. However, the scene was truly stolen by some unexpected entrants. MG’s BEE GT , a stunning electric restomod designed by Oxfordshire’s Frontline, offers a thrilling driving experience reminiscent of classic cars. It features a real manual five-speed gearbox, satisfying purists with both its nostalgia and innovation. The next jaw-dropper was the Taycan Turbo GT , which demonstrated that the future of performance EVs extends well beyond mere acceleration. Backwoods adventures became a new forte for the Mercedes-Benz G 580e , which showcased superior off-road capabilities compared to traditional 4x4s. But the true surprise of 2024 came from XPeng in the form of the G6 . Launched in Amsterdam, its understated debut belied the exceptional technology inside. Featuring one of the fastest charging systems—capable of reaching 280kW—the G6 offers rapid refills unparalleled in its class. The vehicle promises impressive range and efficiency, making it a formidable competitor to the Tesla Model Y. As attention shifts to 2025, the intrigue builds around the impending release of the Porsche 718 EV , poised to redefine electric sports cars. With these electrifying revelations, the world of EVs continues to astonish and inspire. Electrifying Trends of 2024: The Unseen Innovations in Electric Vehicles The year 2024 is shaping up to be pivotal in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, marked by unexpected innovations and a diverse array of offerings. As manufacturers vie for supremacy, new models not only demonstrate technological advancements but also herald a new age of sustainable driving solutions. Xpeng G6: A Trailblazer in Charging Technology One of the standout entrants is the Xpeng G6 , setting itself apart with its revolutionary charging capabilities. Armed with a 280kW fast charging system, the G6 allows for exceptionally quick recharges, reducing downtime for long-distance drivers. This places the G6 as a serious contender against the Tesla Model Y, especially among consumers prioritizing efficiency and convenience in electric SUVs. Mercedes EQV: Redefining Electric Van Refined Experience Leading the charge in the electric van sector, the Mercedes EQV combines luxurious refinement with practical enhancements. It reaffirms Mercedes’ commitment to sustainability without compromising on the tranquility and comfort synonymous with the brand, providing a seamless transition for customers accustomed to high-end combustion vehicles. MG’s BEE GT: A Harmony of Classic and Contemporary In a remarkable fusion of past and present, MG’s BEE GT captivates enthusiasts with its electric restomod approach. Employing a manual five-speed gearbox, it invokes nostalgia while embracing modern energy efficiency, catering to both classic car lovers and environmentally conscious drivers. Taycan Turbo GT and Mercedes-Benz G 580e: Emerging Versatility of EVs Sporting avenues witnessed a seismic shift with the release of the Taycan Turbo GT , showcasing that performance EVs transcend traditional speed records by delivering an exhilarating and comprehensive driving experience. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz G 580e has broadened the electric landscape by excelling in off-road conditions, challenging the dominance of conventional 4×4 vehicles. Porsche 718 EV Anticipation Builds Looking ahead, the EV market is poised for another breakthrough with the anticipated launch of the Porsche 718 EV . This model is expected to redefine electric sports cars, bringing cutting-edge technology into the realm of high-performance vehicles. These advancements in the EV sector underscore a profound shift towards sustainable and versatile automotive solutions. For more information on the latest EV automotive solutions, visit XPeng Motors or Mercedes-Benz official sites. As we traverse 2024, the horizon promises further innovations, delivering not only eco-friendly options but also pushing the boundaries of what modern EVs can achieve. The industry’s evolution inspires consumers and critics alike, signaling an exciting future for electric mobility and renewal.Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 13 December 2024 at 22:30 EET Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 13.12.2024 Espoo, Finland – On 13 December 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows: * Rounded to two decimals On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million. Total cost of transactions executed on 13 December 2024 was EUR 3,680,494. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 214,265,592 treasury shares. Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement. On behalf of Nokia Corporation BofA Securities Europe SA About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 40 803 4080 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com Attachment Daily Report 2024-12-13

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Maxim Power (TSE:MXG) Reaches New 1-Year High – Here’s What Happened

Arkansas DE Landon Jackson carted off field and taken to hospital with neck injury49 jili 。

HOUSTON (AP) — E.J. Warner threw three touchdown passes and Rice survived a late rally by South Florida to take a 35-28 victory on Saturday in a regular-season finale. Warner was 27-of-42 passing for 430 yards and had 294 yards and two TD throws in the first half when the Owls (4-6, 3-5 American Athletic Conference) rolled up 367 yards offense and 19 first downs for a 27-7 lead at the break. Trailing 35-14 with five minutes left, USF quarterback Bryce Archie had to leave the game after taking a late hit. Backup Israel Carter threw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes to cut the lead to seven. Rice recovered an onside kick and got the clock down to 27 seconds on six straight Christian Francisco runs before turning the ball over on downs at the USF 28. A final hook-and-lateral play loaded with laterals went deep into Rice territory but was nullified in any case by a penalty. Rice’s Matt Sykes had 118 yards receiving and Dean Connors 91 yards and a score. The other TD passes went to Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman and Drayden Dickmann. Archie was 19 of 35 for 227 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception for USF (6-6, 4-4). Sean Atkins with 110 went over 2,000 career receiving yards and Keshaun Singleton had 107 yards receiving with a score. USF came in having four of its last five games but was outgained by Rice 550-431. With the game tied at 7-all, Quinton Jackson scored on a 12-yard run three plays after Francisco returned a kickoff 45 yards to the USF 38. Tim Horn added a field goal in the final minute of the first quarter for a 17-7 lead after Josh Pearcy recovered a fumble in USF territory. Connors’ 23-yard scoring reception and another field goal with 12 seconds left in the half made it a 20-point lead. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | Army and Navy team up for hypersonic missile launch from Cape Canaveral Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees Business | HOA Homefront: Can our board meet in secret? Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The Duke of York has said he “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy when concerns were first raised about him. Andrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from his office said. The businessman – known only as H6 – lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. H6 was described as a “close confidante” of The Duke. Judges were told that in a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge.

5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to expertsNone

Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, said warnings should have been “amber or red”, as Mr Reed told MPs that more flooding is “likely”. Hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK. More than 130 flood warnings and 160 alerts remained in place across the UK on Monday. In the Commons on Monday, Mr Barros-Curtis asked: “Can I ask that the Secretary of State speak to his Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) colleagues to carefully look into the role of the Met Office here? “It is clear that their response was slow and that there was a clear underestimation of the impact of Storm Bert. “They put it yellow rather than amber or red. Our constituents have been let down by this incompetence before, and it cannot keep happening.” Mr Reed said: “In most parts of the countries that were affected, warnings were given with adequate time for people to prepare and I would encourage people to sign up on the Defra website, or the Environment Agency website for warnings and alerts if they live in an area that could be affected by flooding. “I’m aware of the particular concern that he mentions regarding the Met Office, and I will indeed be speaking to colleagues in DSIT as they review the circumstances of that and look at how the situation can be improved for future events of this kind.” During his update to the House, the Environment Secretary said that more flooding this week is “likely” but its impact “should be less severe” than has been seen. He said: “Around 28,000 properties are being protected by Environment Agency flood defences. “Unfortunately, an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England, principally from river and surface water flooding.” He added: “The Environment Agency and local responders have also been busy protecting properties elsewhere in England, including flooding from the River Teme in Tenbury Wells where around 40 properties have flooded. “The river has now peaked and local responders will be focusing on the lower reaches of rivers over the next few days.” He further stated: “Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse. “The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days.” Mr Reed also described the flood defences they inherited from the previous government as being “in the worst condition on record following years of underinvestment”. He added: “Over 3,000 of our key flood defences are below an acceptable standard. “That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences.” Elsewhere in the session, Labour MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, was among the MPs to call for a legal duty on fire services to respond to flooding. She said: “I want to express my solidarity and thanks to all of our emergency services, including firefighters on the front line. “Extreme weather events are on the rise and becoming ever more frequent due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for proper funding and resources. “England is the only part of the UK without a statutory duty for flooding, leaving fire services underfunded and under-resourced to respond effectively. This must change, as the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) has long called for.” “When will the Government finally provide a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue authorities to respond to flooding incidents in England?” Mr Reed replied: “The fire and rescue authorities have the powers to intervene, but she’s quite right to point out there’s not a duty, and officials in my department, working with the Home Office, will review that to see that that remains appropriate.” Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire Greg Smith said some communities in his constituency are flooding “for the first time in decades” as he accused the Government of wanting to “concrete over the countryside”. He said: “That is a result of some of the big infrastructure we are seeing being built, particularly HS2 where they will concrete over a field completely, it seems, unaware that that will have a knock-on effect to farmland next door. “So will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Transport Secretary (Louise Haigh) and I also suggest the Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner) given their plans to concrete over the countryside to ensure that where construction takes place proper, and I really mean proper, flood mitigation measures are put into place.” Mr Reed replied: “This needs to operate across Government, and we will have those conversations and ensure that measures are put in place to support communities as much as is possible from the more severe weather events that we’re seeing as a result of climate change.”

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Rice builds up big lead early, hangs on to beat USF 35-28The health and wellness retailer will open the doors to its relocated store in High Street, Brentwood, on Wednesday (December 4). The new 1,173 sq ft store will have a fresh look and feel, with more of Holland & Barrett's latest ranges of health and wellness solutions, including leading brands and their new food range. The new store will also have a women's health coach to offer a deeper level of expertise and confidential support on hormone health. READ MORE: High Street, Romford opening for Habitat for Humanity shop ReStore Store manager Samantha Perry said: "This is an exciting new start for us all at Holland & Barrett Brentwood in our new prominent location. "Our teams have worked together to create a fresh, welcoming space for our customers and we hope you love the new store as much as we do. "Our expert colleagues have over 20 years of combined experience at H&B and have received additional training, enabling them to offer our customers personalised advice across health and wellness. "We look forward to welcoming our regular and new customers and supporting the community on their wellness journeys." Holland & Barrett Brentwood was previously located at Unit 17 in The Baytree Centre . The new high street store has been refurbished with sustainability in mind, such as being refitted using mild steel, a 100 per cent recyclable material, along with FSC certified wood. To celebrate the relocated store opening, there will be the chance to win wellness goodie bags on December 4 and 5, plus opportunities to sample H&B’s new food range on December 6 and 7 between 10am and 3pm. This latest opening is part of Holland & Barrett’s ongoing investment in its retail stores – including refits, relocations or opening new stores. Holland & Barrett has invested around £70 million in the transformation of its stores, technology and new product development including the opening and renovation of more than 200 stores in the UK. The store is located at 37 High Street, Brentwood, CM14 4AJ.Beans are kind of like the your best friend from high school — nearly forgotten but always ready to step back into the limelight and help out an old pal when needed. As gorgeously (and tantalizingly) demonstrated in Rancho Gordo’s new cookbook, “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” (Ten Speed, $35), beans are indeed a magical fruit, though not in the way you heard as a kid. Classified as both a vegetable and a plant-based protein in the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans and other legumes can be the ingredient you build an entire vegetarian or veggie-forward meal around. Or, they can help an economical cook stretch a dish twice as far with nutritious calories. A healthful and shelf-staple plant food — they last for years when dried — beans have been among a home cook’s most reliable pantry items for a very long time. (Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are thought to have been grown in Mexico more than 7,000 years ago.) That’s why, for some, they’re often something of an afterthought, especially if the only time you ate them as a kid was when your mom tossed kidney beans into a pot of beef chili or made baked beans (with brown sugar and bacon, please!) for a family cookout. Vegetarians have always appreciated their versatility and nutritional punch, and because they’re cheap, they also were quite popular during the Great Depression and World War II as C rations. Sales also peaked during the coronavirus pandemic, when shoppers stockpiled long-lasting pantry essentials. It wasn’t until Rancho Gordo, a California-based bean company, trotted out its branded packages of colorful heirloom beans that the plant began to take on cult status among some shoppers. Unlike the bean varieties commonly found in even the smallest grocery stores, heirloom beans are mostly forgotten varieties that were developed on a small scale for certain characteristics, with seeds from the best crops passed down through the generations. The result is beans that are fresher and more colorful than mass-produced beans, and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a more complex and intense flavor, fans say. “The Bean Book” dishes up dozens of different ways to cook Rancho Gordo’s 50 heirloom bean varieties, which include red-streaked cranberry beans, mint-green flageolets, black and classic garbanzos and (my favorite) vaquero — which wear the same black-and-white spots as a Holstein cow. Other gotta-try varieties (if just for the name) include eye of the goat, European Soldier, Jacob’s Cattle and Good Mother Stallard, a purple bean with cream-colored flecks. “The very good news is that you have to work extra hard to mess up a pot of beans, and it’s not difficult to make an excellent pot,” Steve Sando writes in the book’s foreword. “The even better news is that you become a better cook with each pot you make.” Not convinced? Here are five reasons to jump on the bean bandwagon: Even the smallest grocery store will have a selection of dried and canned beans. Common varieties include black, cannellini (white kidney), Great Northern, pinto, navy, kidney, Lima and garbanzo (chickpea) beans. Even when they’re not on sale, beans are a bargain at the supermarket. Many varieties cost less than $1 a can, and dried beans are an economical way to build a menu. I paid $1.25 for a one-pound bag of cranberry beans, a smooth and velvety bean with a slightly nutty flavor, at my local grocery store. Rancho Gordo’s heirloom beans cost substantially more. (They run $6.25-$7.50 for a one-pound bag, with free shipping on orders over $50.) But they are sold within a year of harvest, which makes them more flavorful and tender. A bag also comes with cooking instructions and recipe suggestions, and the quality is outstanding. Plus, after cooking their beans with aromatics, “you are left with essentially free soup,” Sando writes in the cookbook. “If you drain properly cooked and seasoned beans, the liquid you are left with is delicious.” Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and they include essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. If you’re watching your weight or following a particular diet, beans are naturally free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are rich in complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and folate. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, most types of dry beans are rich sources of iron. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1-3 cups of legumes, including beans, per week Dry beans have to be soaked overnight, but cooking them is easy. They can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the pressure cooker and in the oven. Canned beans are even easier — just rinse and drain, and they’re ready to go. Beans can be used in so many different dishes. They can be made into soup, salad or dips, top nachos, add some heft to a casserole or be mashed into the makings of a veggie burger. You also can add them to brownies and other baked goods, toss them with pasta, add them to chili or a rice bowl or stuff them into a taco or burrito. Check out these four recipes: PG tested This light and creamy vegetarian soup benefits from a surprising garnish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, which taste exactly like bacon. For soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped 6 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed For bacon 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps cut into 1/8 -inch slices 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt To finish Plant-based milk Chili oil, for drizzling Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make soup: In large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fragrant and tender, 8-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and beans, increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, make the bacon: Spread shiitake mushrooms into a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Bake until browned and crispy, 18-20 minutes, rotating pan front to back and tossing mushrooms with a spatula halfway through. Let cool in pan; mushrooms will continue to crisp as they cool. To finish, add some milk to the soup and use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot, or puree in a blender. (Cover lid with a clean kitchen towel.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide soup among bowls and top with shiitake bacon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil. Serves 4-6. — “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking” by Joe Yonan PG tested Velvety cranberry beans simmered with tomato and the punch of red wine vinegar are a perfect match for a soft bed of cheesy polenta. This is a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dish perfect for fall. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, juice reserved 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 4 fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper 4 cups cooked Lamon or cranberry beans 2 cups uncooked polenta 6 ounces pancetta, diced Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red wine vinegar. In a small bowl, dissolve tomato paste in the broth and add to pan. Stir in sage and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15-20 minutes. Add beans to tomato sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare polenta according to package instructions. Place pancetta in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel to drain. To serve, spoon polenta into serving dishes. Ladle the beans over the polenta and top with the pancetta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” by Steve Sando PG tested Beans and seafood might seen like an unusual pairing, but in this recipe, mild white beans take on a lot of flavor from clams. Spanish chorizo adds a nice contrast. 4 cups cooked white beans, bean broth reserved 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish-style cured chorizo 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 pounds small clams, scrubbed well Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Country-style bread and butter, for serving In large pot, heat beans in their broth over medium-low heat. In large lidded saucepan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and cook gently until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and wine and cook to allow the flavors to mingle, 5-6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add clams. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Uncover the pan and cook until all of the clams open, another few minutes. Remove pan from heat, then remove and discard any clams that failed to open. Add clam mixture to the bean pot and stir very gently until well mixed. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle but not get mushy. Ladle into large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Set out a large bowl for discarded shells and encourage guests to eat with their fingers. Pass plenty of good bread and creamy butter at the table Serves 4-6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen” by Steve Sando with Julia Newberry PG tested So easy to pull together for your next party! 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, minced Generous pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 or 3 tablespoons water, if needed 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped, optional 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, optional In a food processor, pulse cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. If it’s too thick, slowly add the water with the food processor running until it is smooth and creamy. Blend in the basil and/or rosemary, if using Serve with veggies, pita or bruschetta. Makes 1 1/2 cups — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Best Cyber Monday phone deals 2024: Save big on iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, Pixel 9 and moreOld friends Conners and Henderson reunite at Grant Thornton InvitationalRachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upward Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | How to protect your communications through encryption Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Bitcoin Endgame Is Here: The First Chart Will Shock You