One of the country's largest health insurers reversed a change in policy Thursday after widespread outcry, saying it would not tie payments in some states to the length of time a patient went under anesthesia. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said in a statement that its decision to backpedal resulted from "significant widespread misinformation" about the policy. "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services," the statement said. "The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines." Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield would have used "physician work time values," which is published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as the metric for anesthesia limits; maternity patients and patients under the age of 22 were exempt. But Dr. Jonathan Gal, economics committee chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists, said it's unclear how CMS derives those values. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists called on Anthem to "reverse the proposal immediately," saying in a news release that the policy would have taken effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. It's not clear how many states in total would have been affected, as notices also were posted in Virginia and Colorado . People across the country registered their concerns and complaints on social media, and encouraged people in affected states to call their legislators. Some people noted that the policy could prevent patients from getting overcharged. Gal said the policy change would have been unprecedented, ignored the "nuanced, unpredictable human element" of surgery and was a clear "money grab." "It's incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care," he said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we're delighted that they came to their senses." Prior to Anthem's announcement Thursday, Connecticut comptroller Sean Scanlon said the "concerning" policy wouldn't affect the state after conversations with the insurance company. And New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an emailed statement Thursday that her office had also successfully intervened. The insurance giant's policy change came one day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare , another major insurance company, was shot and killed in New York City.ssbet77 download 。

(TNS) — City officials have their sights set on economic development initiatives that include artificial intelligence and biotechnology in the wake of Gov. Maura Healey’s $4 billion Mass Leads Act, signed into law in November. Mayor Melinda Barrett met with the City Council on Tuesday to discuss taking full advantage of the recently signed legislation aimed at advancing industries like life sciences, climate technology, and advanced manufacturing across the state. “We have the opportunity,” Barrett said. “We’re ready for this.” City Councilor John Michitson recommended referring the topic to the Planning and Development Committee, where he is chairperson. Committee members will continue the discussion alongside the state delegation at a future meeting. Signed into law on Nov. 20, the Mass Leads Act is designed to create jobs, grow businesses, and expand workforce development throughout the Commonwealth. The package includes $500 million for life sciences, $100 million for artificial intelligence research, and $99 million for advanced manufacturing. It also introduced a statewide internship tax credit program, encouraging companies to hire interns from Massachusetts colleges. “We would like to organize the city to leverage that bill for Haverhill,” Michitson said. “It’s in close alignment with the economic development plan that we came up with based on the Smart Manufacturing conference we had.” Smart manufacturing is a technology-driven approach that uses connected machinery to monitor and improve the manufacturing process. The Smart Summit, held last year at Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill campus, brought together business leaders, government officials, and educators to focus on how Haverhill can develop into a “smart manufacturing hub” that aligns with the state’s economic goals. Haverhill residents and business owners discussed further exploring industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and climate technology, which are all topics the governor had previously cited in promoting the Mass Leads Act. A plan for economic development was declared at the summit, targeting investment in booming industries before they were heavily backed by the Mass Leads Act. This collaboration of city stakeholders helped lay the groundwork for Haverhill to embrace opportunities the act presents. “From leading-edge companies right here in the Merrimack Valley, to life sciences in Cambridge, and federal partners in Washington and beyond,” State Rep. Andres Vargas said after the summit. “Haverhill is well-positioned to maximize the manufacturing opportunities ahead.” The event was organized by Vargas, Michitson, and former Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President Alexandria Eberhardt. The Planning and Development Committee is expected to begin meeting early next year to explore the specifics of the bill and identify the city’s next steps. The committee includes Michitson along with City Councilors Katrina Hobbs-Everett and Catherine Rogers. ©MrBeast reveals first thing Elon Musk said to him when they metBiden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden says he couldn't let a new administration resume executions. Trump has talked about subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. A spokesperson for Trump says Biden's decision is “abhorrent" and a “slap in the face” to victims and their families. House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames. Police on Monday said the man, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, had been taken into custody as a person of interest in the case hours after the woman died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018. Transit police apprehended the man hours after the fatal fire. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.

DZS Inc. director Matthew Bross acquires $875 in common stock

Final phase of IHCC improvements to begin in MarchThe holidays are here, and so is Bath & Body Works’ annual Candle Day! For many, this highly anticipated event is the perfect time to take advantage of affordable prices on the brand’s famous, well-scented candles. From soothing Stress Relief scents to festive Christmas-themed options, these candles make thoughtful gifts or a lovely way to aromatize your own home. As Bath & Body Works encouraged on Instagram , “ Set your alarms. Cancel your plans.” Candle Day is one of the biggest events of the year for Bath & Body Works, and shoppers are eagerly preparing to snag their favorite scents at discounted prices. It’s a time when enthusiasts can stock up on popular fragrances or discover new ones. If you’re wondering how to make the most of this event, keep reading to learn how you can save on your favorite candles. A post shared by Bath & Body Works (@bathandbodyworks) What is Bath & Body Works Candle Day? Bath & Body Works’ Candle Day is an annual tradition that takes place in December. This year, 2024, it kicks off on December 6 with early access for reward members. General sales open to the public on December 7 and 8. During this event, shoppers can purchase three-wick candles at a discounted price, often much lower than regular retail prices. The selection includes a wide variety of scents, ranging from popular staples to limited-edition and seasonal fragrances. How Much Are Candles on Candle Day? On Candle Day, Bath & Body Works offers candles for just $9.95 each—a significant discount from their regular price, which typically ranges between $24.95 and $29.95, according to their website . With over 180 varieties available, there’s something for everyone. However, there is a limit of 24 candles per purchase, so make sure to plan ahead if you’re hoping to buy multiple scents. How to Get a Bath & Body Works Candle Day Discount To take advantage of the Candle Day sale, head to your local Bath & Body Works store or shop online. Reward members enjoy exclusive early access, so they get to shop first on the event’s opening day. Whether shopping in-store or online, the sale applies to both, so you can take part from wherever you prefer.

The closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.GREEN BAY, Wis. — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints on Monday night. Green Bay (11-4) earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years and recorded its first shutout since beating Seattle 17-0 on Nov. 14, 2021. The Saints (5-10) were blanked for the first time since falling 13-0 to San Francisco on Nov. 27, 2022. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. Green Bay's margin of victory was its largest since a 55-14 blowout of the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9, 2014. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games, with their only losses during that stretch coming to the NFC North rival Detroit Lions. They will enter the playoffs as a wild card after being eliminated from NFC North title contention Sunday. Jacobs ran for 69 yards and a 1-yard touchdown on 13 carries. He also caught four passes for 38 yards. Jordan Love went 16 of 28 for 182 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks. Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson also had 1-yard touchdown runs, and Brandon McManus kicked field goals from 55 and 46 yards. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) carries against New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. Credit: AP/Morry Gash Green Bay's defense made it a miserable night for Rattler while missing four starters because of injuries: linebacker and leading tackler Quay Walker, cornerback Jaire Alexander and safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard. Safety Zayne Anderson had an interception in his first career start. The Packers scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions. Love found Wicks on third-and-goal to cap the game’s opening drive. Wicks’ touchdown was his fifth of the season and first since Oct. 20 against Houston. Jacobs' touchdown capped a 17-play, 96-yard drive that lasted 8:55. It was the Packers’ longest possession of the season in terms of plays and time. The Packers also had a 96-yard march in their 24-19 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) carries on a first down reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. Credit: AP/Matt Ludtke The drive included two fourth-down conversions. Love had a 2-yard sneak on fourth-and-1 from the New Orleans 45 to open the second quarter. Love then threw a 14-yard completion to Tucker Kraft on fourth-and-2 from the 35. Jacobs has rushed for a touchdown in six straight games, putting him one away from the longest such streak in Packers history. Paul Hornung had a touchdown run in seven consecutive games in 1960. Brooks' first career touchdown made it 21-0 with 6:28 left in the second quarter. McManus kicked both of his field goals in the second half. Wilson capped the scoring with 2:41 left on a drive engineered by backup quarterback Malik Willis. Injuries Saints C Erik McCoy left with a elbow injury. Saints LG Lucas Patrick got hurt in the closing minutes. Packers WR Christian Watson hurt a knee. Up next Saints: Host Las Vegas on Sunday. Packers: Visit Minnesota on Sunday.

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Francoeur Releases New Memoir - Falling from a Pink Cloud A raw and riveting memoir that explores the complexities of childhood trauma, spiritual deception, and the hard-fought path to self-reclamation. M. L. Francoeur announces the release of his poignant memoir, Falling from a Pink Cloud: When Spirituality Leads to a Dead End. This gripping and courageous account takes readers through a deeply personal journey of confronting childhood trauma, navigating the deceptive allure of spiritual movements, and ultimately finding true healing and authenticity. Through unflinching honesty and vivid storytelling, Francoeur recounts his years immersed in controversial groups like Scientology, the Brahma Kumaris, and Pentecostal Christianity. Each promised salvation but ultimately led him further away from himself. 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Francoeur Published: October 8, 2024 ISBN: 9781069094414 Genre: Memoir Media Contact Company Name: BookBuzz Contact Person: Amanda - PR Manager Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=m-l-francoeur-releases-new-memoir-falling-from-a-pink-cloud ] Phone: 7065098422 City: New York State: NY Country: United States Website: https://www.bookbuzz.net This release was published on openPR.

Despite some disagreements, city councillors swiftly approved Richmond’s proposed capital budget for 2025. On Monday evening, councillors at the finance committee discussed and carried next year's $152.6 million budget for 78 capital projects – Coun. Michael Wolfe was the only councillor who was opposed. Discussion around the construction of pickleball courts took some of the spotlight in the meeting. The capital budget includes an $800,000 project to construct four new pickleball courts at South Arm Community Park. The staff report reads “pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America,” as it features a low barrier to entry and a social playing environment. This project will bring the total number of public pickleball courts in Richmond to 13. Coun. Bill McNulty opened the floor on the pickleball discussion by asking staff if there was any possibility to build more courts with the $800,000 price tag. “Will that $800,000 go further? Can we squeeze more courts in for that?” he asked – to which staff responded the infrastructure to support the courts is a factor that drives up costs. Staff added constructing four courts for that price tag is already a squeeze, as the new courts will be located near existing pickleball-court infrastructure. “It’s a pity we can’t afford more at this time,” said Coun. McNulty. Coun. Alexa Loo also questioned staff on the price and on the possibility of building more courts. “It seems expensive; it seems to me we were able to build that pump track that seemed to have a lot more stuff going on for a lot less money,” said Loo. “Four pickleball courts basically fit on a tennis court, so is it gold?” Staff reiterated components such as sound attenuation, location, surfacing, lighting and proximity to amenities comes at a higher dollar value than a typical park project. Loo also compared the price tag of the pickleball court project to the curling club. “There’s 700 (pickleball) members, so for $800,000 you can get a whole bunch of them playing,” she said. “Versus if we look at how much the curling club is, it’s $4 million and there’s fewer than 300 members; so we’re spending a lot of money on a few people.” Coun. Kash Heed closed the pickleball discussion by encouraging other councillors to move forward with the budget. “I don’t agree with everything for 2025, but at the end of the day I think this is a decent capital budget put forward by our staff,” said Heed. “We can study the depth of pickleball courts for years, it’s $800,000, we’ve agreed to it, let’s move forward.” All councillors voted in favour of the capital budget except Wolfe, citing two reasons. The first was because of the funding source of a proposed $5 million fire vehicle replacement reserve purchases project in the budget, which will replace four front-line fire vehicles and a high-flow industrial pumper. According to the staff report, the total replacement cost for the vehicles is $11 million, but additional funding of $5 million is needed to complete previous submissions due to price escalations. This additional funding will be sourced from the emergency response fuel facility reserve. “As I mentioned a few weeks ago, it’s not the $5 million cost... it’s the funding source,” said Wolfe. “I don’t see why there was any need to use the emergency response fuel facility reserve... we’re draining $5 million out of something that was intended for something else.” The second was the inclusion of phase one of a $2.5 million public safety camera system (PSCS) consisting of installing 48 high definition cameras at 10 intersections across Richmond – this first phase will have an annual operating budget of about $180,000. “I’m not supportive of the capital budget because it includes that,” said Wolfe. “And it’s just phase one of what I anticipate will be a $13 million or more total project with a very high operating budget impact going forward.” Other projects highlighted in the 2025 capital budget included $7 million to install electric vehicle stations throughout Richmond, $4.5 million to renew the Richmond Ice Centre’s interior and $1.5 million to renew the Hugh Boyd Community Park playground. The capital and operating budgets are also on the agenda for Monday's city council meeting . - with files from Valerie Leung and Maria Rantanen Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected] . To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter . Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.

After all the noise, after all the disruption centering around Jacob Trouba, the week will end with an affirmative exclamation point. The Rangers have made a commitment to the future. The Rangers have made a commitment to the present. The Rangers have made a commitment to Igor Shesterkin. And Igor Shesterkin has made a commitment to the Rangers. The Post has learned that the Blueshirts and their franchise goaltender have reached agreement on an eight-year, $92 million contract extension that will kick in next season under which Shesterkin will earn a record annual average value of $11.5 million for an NHL goaltender. The signing at that number represents a coup for the Rangers and GM Chris Dury in an environment in which speculation has run rampant on whether the Blueshirts, a) might trade Shesterkin; or, b) be able to keep him off the free agent market next July. The signing represents the most positive news of a season in which the team has been buffeted by outside noise while enmeshed in internal turmoil while losing six of its last seven games heading into Friday’s Garden match against the Penguins.. This is a statement that Drury and the hierarchy are not turning their backs on this season or the near future and indeed believe in this team. One issue down. Montreal’s Carey Price had been the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history under an eight-year, $84 million deal with annual average salary of $10.5 million that commenced in 2018. Price has been on LTIR because of knee issues since the end of the 2021-22 season. If the 2025-26 cap is set at the current projected $92.4 million, Shesterkin’s contract will account for 12.44 percent of the total. Artemi Panarin, who remains the highest-paid player in franchise history at $11,642,857 per, accounted for 14.29 percent of the cap in his first year in New York. When Henrik Lundqvist’s final contract kicked in in 2014-15, the King accounted for 12.32 percent of the cap while earning $8.5 million per. This was not an exercise in greed from Shesterkin, represented by Rick Komarow and Maxim Moliver. Not in the least. After securing a record second contract for a goaltender four years ago under which the netminder is earning an AAV of $5,666,667, it was a matter of finding the number that would keep the team’s most valuable player in New York. The native of Moscow, who will turn 29 on Dec. 30, had rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer on the eve of the opener that put him on track to test the July 1 unrestricted free agent market. But though the netminder’s camp indicated there would be no further talks until the season’s end, Drury reached out early this week and reopened negotiations that came to fruition Friday. Shesterkin, whose early brilliance carried the Blueshirts to 5-0-1 and 12-4-1 getaways, went 6-2-1 with a 2.22 GAA and .933 save percentage through Nov. 3. But he has understandably buckled while facing a succession of odd-man rushes and high-danger chances created by repeated breakdowns at both ends of the ice. Perhaps ironically, the 2022 Vezina winner is in the midst of a career-high five-game losing streak. He stands 8-9-1 with a 3.05 GAA and .908 save percentage, though he has been the Rangers’ best player through this challenging first quarter. The Blueshirts selected the Russian in the fourth round (114th overall) of the 2014 draft out of Moscow Spartak Jr. Shesterkin graduated to St. Petersburg of the KHL before coming to North America for the 2019-20 season. Shesterkin was promoted to the Rangers on Jan. 6, 2020 after a half-season with the AHL Wolf Pack and displaced Lundqvist from the No. 1 job in a three-goalie scenario that included Alex Georgiev under then head coach David Quinn. No. 31 then commanded the No. 1 job the following 56-game season after Lundqvist had been bought out with Georgiev serving as the backup. A year later, Shesterkin posted a .935 save percentage that ranks as the third-best in NHL history behind Tim Thomas’ .938 in 2010-11 and Dominik Hasek’s .937 in 1998-99 (50-game minimum) to secure the Vezina before leading the Rangers to the conference final. Indeed, Shesterkin has been the Blueshirts’ best player in each of the last three playoff seasons, recording a .928 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA while taking his team to the final four twice. He is generally recognized as the NHL’s best goaltender. That is why next year he will become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

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