phlove casino login register philippines download In September, at their annual national banquet in Durant, Oklahoma, The National Johnson-O’Malley Association honored three local entities in Region 6 for being outstanding examples of Native American educators and facilitators. The Blackfoot School District #55 was recognized as an Exemplary School, Independence High School teacher Parvaneh Christensen Colter was named the region’s Teacher of the Year for 2024 and the local Indian Education Committee was acknowledged for being outstanding. Region 6 of NJOA includes the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, and Washington. The NJOA is a national elected Congressional advocate organization to ensure the Johnson-O’Malley Act of 1934 is honored and funded. That act, sponsored by Senator Hiram Johnson of California and Representative John O’Malley of Wisconsin, formed a federal program to provide for the educational needs of Native American students. It is a supplemental program that provides for unique local educational needs such as tutoring, cultural enrichment activities and other supportive programs for native students in public schools. Regarding their support of native students, the Blackfoot school district was honored as an exemplary school in Region 6. Their glass award, similar to Colter’s, was displayed at their recent school board meeting. Colter, known as Parv to IHS students and staff, was honored for her “hard work and dedication,” - most recently through teaching government, economics, tribal history, tribal culture, and cultures of the world classes. Being raised on the reservation, her path to today’ recognition began locally and grew as she discovered her passion of teaching and encouraging high school students. She began as a paraprofessional at Fort Hall Elementary while studying at Idaho State University. After graduation she was the Title 1 Parent Involvement Coordinator at Shoshone-Bannock Jr/Sr High School for ten years. Parv also worked as ISU’s Native American Student Services Manager. In the Blackfoot School District she was their Indian Education Liaison and a part time teacher as she pursued teacher credentials in social studies. Parv’s educational path then led her to IHS, where she has been teaching for the last three years. As quoted in the Sho-Ban News, Parv believes that “teaching is a work of the heart, as everything we do is done for the love of the profession, love of the students, and the school.” Her award resides in her classroom as a reminder to her students, native and non-native, that they too can accomplish what they are passionate about.

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas Board of Regents has voted to sell a unique piece of property in South Texas to SpaceX. The space technology company owned by Elon Musk will buy the Stargate Technology Center, which is located near Boca Chica Beach, about 20 miles east of the UT Rio Grande Valley campus in Brownsville. The facility was built in 2017 and was originally used in a partnership between the university and SpaceX for astronomy research, prior to the university discontinuing the program. SpaceX then began leasing the building and has expanded its operations there, even building a multistory rocket hangar on the property. While the exact price of the sale hasn't been revealed, the deal must be made fair market value in accordance with Texas law. Given that the facility was built with federal grant money, the university may also be required to repay about 70% of its value back to the U.S. government once the sale is finalized.What's next for Matt Gaetz: 5 possibilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump doesn't think much of Joe Biden's foreign policy record. The Republican president-elect frequently casts the outgoing Democratic president as a feckless leader who shredded American credibility around the world during his four-year term. But a funny thing happened on Trump's way back to the White House: The Biden and Trump national security teams have come to an understanding that they have no choice but to work together as conflicts in Gaza , Syria and Ukraine have left a significant swath of the world on a knife's edge. It's not clear how much common ground those teams have found as they navigate crises that threaten to cause more global upheaval as Trump prepares to settle back into the White House on Jan. 20, 2025. “There is a deep conviction on the part of the incoming national security team that we are dealing with ... and on our part, directed from President Biden, that it is our job, on behalf of the American people, to make sure this is a smooth transition,” Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during a weekend appearance at a forum in California. “And we are committed to discharging that duty as relentlessly and faithfully as we possibly can.” To be certain, Trump and his allies haven't let up on their criticism of Biden, putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of Biden and Democrats for the series of crises around the globe. The president-elect says Biden is responsible for the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, arguing that policies under his watch led to Hamas and Russia becoming emboldened. And shortly before Syria's Bashar al-Assad's government collapsed last week, Trump blamed Biden's old boss, former President Barack Obama, for failing to enforce his own “red line” in 2013 after Assad deployed chemical weapons that killed hundreds of civilians, and laying the groundwork for Islamic militants to establish a beachhead in the country. But amid the hectoring of Biden, Trump team officials acknowledge that the Biden White House has worked diligently to keep Trump's circle apprised and help ensure there is a smooth handoff on national security matters. “For our adversaries out there that think this is a time of opportunity that they can play one administration off the other, they’re wrong, and we are — we are hand in glove," Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, said in a Fox News interview last month. “We are one team with the United States in this transition.” While Trump rarely has a good word for the Democratic administration, there's an appreciation in Trump world of how the Biden White House has gone about sharing critical national security information, according to a Trump transition official who was not authorized to comment publicly. The coordination is precisely how lawmakers intended for incoming and outgoing administrations to conduct themselves during a handover when they bolstered federal support for transitions. It's already the most substantive handoff process since 2009, aides to Biden and Trump acknowledged, surpassing Trump's chaotic first takeover in 2017 and his wide refusal to cooperate with the incoming Biden team in 2021. Trump's pick to serve as special envoy to the Middle East , Florida real estate developer Steve Witkoff, consulted with Biden administration officials as he recently traveled to Mideast to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. Sullivan, who was to travel to Israel on Wednesday for talks with Netanyahu, has in turn kept Waltz in the loop about the Biden administration's efforts at getting a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza before Trump's inauguration. Biden administration officials say that the two national security teams have also closely coordinated on Ukraine and Syria, though they have provided scant detail on what that coordination has looked like. “Let me put it this way: Nothing that we’re doing and nothing that we’re saying are coming as a surprise to the incoming team,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. "They will decide for themselves what policies they might want to keep in place, what approaches they might want to continue and which ones they won’t." Trump made clear during his campaign that he would move to end the war in Ukraine quickly once he came to office. He called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin earlier this week to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine . But the Biden White House has begun gently — and publicly — making the case for how continued support for Ukraine lines up with Trump's priorities. On Saturday, Sullivan pointed to comments made by Trump on social media to buttress the case that Biden’s push for continued support of Ukraine falls in line with the incoming president’s thinking. Trump earlier that day had noted that Assad’s rule was collapsing because Russia “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever.” “Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success,” Trump said in the posting on Truth Social. Sullivan underscored that Biden and Trump are in agreement that there should be no American boots on the ground in Syria and that the war in Ukraine was a major factor in Assad’s fall. “I was a little bit struck by it — earlier in the post, he said part of the reason this is happening is because of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Sullivan said of Trump. “And I think he even referenced the sheer scale of the casualties that Russia has suffered in Ukraine, and for that reason, they’re not in a position to defend their client, Assad. And on that point, we’re in vigorous agreement.” Two days later in Washington, Sullivan made the case that Trump should bolster the little-known U.S. International Development Finance Corporation that was created during the Republican’s first term. The push for reauthorizing the foreign aid agency comes as Trump has promised to make massive cuts to the federal bureaucracy. Trump signed into law the agency's authority -- tucked into a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration — to provide $60 billion in loans, loan guarantees and insurance to companies in developing nations. Sullivan called the agency an effective tool for private-public partnerships, before allowing that “maybe I shouldn’t be the one” making the case “since I’m leaving, but I will give my advice anyway.” “It was created as we’ve all noted, under the Trump administration,” Sullivan said in remarks at the agency’s annual conference. “It has been strengthened under the Biden administration. And as we look to DFC reauthorization next year, it has to remain a bipartisan priority.” After Assad's government fell, the Biden administration issued a warning to Iran not to speed up its nuclear program after one of its closest allies was toppled, declaring “that’ll never happen on our watch.” The U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive topic, hinted at coordination on the matter with the Trump team. The official said there had been “good discussions” with the incoming administration on the matter and there was an expectation the same policy would carry over. Biden has also approved a new national security memorandum that is meant to serve as a road map for the incoming Trump administration as it looks to counter growing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, the White House announced Wednesday. Biden administration officials began developing the guidance this summer. It was shaped to be a document that could help the next administration build its approach from Day 1 on how it will go about dealing with the tightening relationships between the United States’ most prominent adversaries and competitors, according to two other senior administration officials. One of those officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, sought to assure the incoming Trump team that the Biden White House effort “isn't trying to box them in or tilt them toward one policy option or another.” Instead, the official said, it's about helping the next administration build “capacity” as it shapes its policies on some the most difficult foreign policies it will face.

France's Macron vows to stay on, promises PM in 'coming days'King’s coronation cost £72 million, government accounts show

Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players' association said in its statement . The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise's first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBNone

DOGE division: Here’s an Excellent Cut “Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are leading a team of detectives to ferret out waste and fraud in the federal budget,” notes James Piereson at The New Criterion , even as “every program has an army of career employees, lobbyists, and journalists ready to defend it.” One excellent target: “The National Endowment for Democracy” — “a relic of the Cold War” that “no longer serves any pressing purpose in terms of advancing national interests.” Ending it would be comparatively easy: “It is set up as a private, tax-exempt organization with its own employees,” not an agency. And it’s “part of the so-called censorship industrial complex,” handing money to shady groups like the Global Disinformation Index, so odds are the NED can’t “continue in its present form for very long after inauguration day.” From the right: Joe’s Blow to Democratic Party Not just the country but the Democratic Party “will be dealing with the damage Biden leaves behind for years,” warns the Washington Examiner’s Byron York . Per exit polls, “In 2024, Democrats slipped to third place in party ID” behind Republicans and independents. “What does it mean? The simplest explanation is that Biden and his fellow Democrats made the party so unattractive that millions of self-identified Democrats decided to call themselves independents instead.” Bottom line: “Joe Biden was a terrible president. His party paid the price. Now, they’ll have to come up with a real, not a rhetorical, way to move forward.” Libertarian: Quit Taxing Americans Abroad The Trump administration should end “the worldwide taxation of individual Americans’ income,” argues Reason’s Veronique De Rugy , to “keep millions of law-abiding Americans living overseas from being treated like financial pariahs.” As the law stands, “if you live and work exclusively outside of the United States, you must file a US tax return.” “The United States is the only developed nation that taxes based on citizenship rather than residency.” A “better alternative” would be “a territorial tax system.” I.e., “if you are an American living and working in Singapore, the income you earn there is taxed only in Singapore.” Uncle Sam should “join the rest of the developed world and adopt a residence-based tax and reporting system.” That “would encourage global mobility for US citizens, including many who are abroad promoting US companies, and make American workers more competitive internationally.” Ukraine beat: Don Envoy Sees Vlad’s Weakness As President-elect Donald Trump’s “special envoy to Ukraine and Russia,” Lt. Gen. (ret.) Keith Kellogg is tasked “with finding a comprehensive peace settlement,” observe Mark Toth & Jonathan Sweet at The Hill . The Kremlin may think he’ll “cave to Putin’s every demand,” but “Kellogg is not going to roll over or allow himself to be steamrolled.” He knows that “thirty-four months and 747,340 casualties into what was supposed to be a 10-day ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, Russia is now dependent upon Iran and North Korea for munitions and soldiers,” even as “Putin’s military and diplomatic positions around the world rapidly deteriorate” from Syria to Georgia to Kazakhstan. “Now is a time for Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ foreign policy to be brought to bear on Putin.” Liberal: Voter ‘Perceptions’ Hurt Dems Despite Kamala Harris’ efforts to “fashion herself as a moderate,” surveys show “voters perceived Harris and the Democrats as too liberal, and this probably hurt them politically,” reports The Liberal Patriot’s Michael Baharaeen . A Third Way study asked voters to rate themselves and the candidates on a scale from most liberal to most conservative — and on average they placed themselves closer to Donald Trump than to Harris. A survey for More in Common, meanwhile, found that people view “the average Democratic voter ” to be more “left-wing” than most actually are. Plus, of course, Harris’ “past statements and unconvincing pivots” plainly “weighed the party down.” Dems must “grapple” with this reality “to repair their image.” — Compiled by The Post Editorial Board

‘He had one job’: SA reacts after a fan failed to snap Black Coffee’s hand

WASHINGTON — A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They're similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven't officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson's shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. What does the phrase mean? “Delay, deny, defend” has become something of a rallying cry for insurance critics. The terms refer to insurers delaying payment on healthcare claims, denying claims and defending their actions. “Delay, deny, defend” is also the title of a 2010 book by Jay Feinman that delves into how insurers handle claims. UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in more than $281 billion in revenue last year as one of the nation’s largest health insurers. UnitedHealthcare and its rivals have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors, patients and lawmakers in recent years for denying claims or complicating access to care. Critics say insurers are increasingly interfering with even routine care, causing delays that can, in some cases, hurt a patient's chances for recovery or even survival. What is the criticism of insurers? Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. How do Americans feel about insurers? Polls reflect frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and health insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . A 2023 KFF survey of insured adults found that most give their health insurance an overall rating of “excellent” or “good” — but a majority also said they experienced a problem using their insurance in the previous year. That included denied claims, provider network problems and pre-authorization problems. Nearly half of insured adults with insurance problems said they were unable to resolve them satisfactorily.None

Keir Starmer has attempted to relaunch his struggling government with a new set of six “milestones” aimed at persuading voters he is making progress. After five months in Downing Street beset by scandals over freebies and the loss of his chief of staff and a cabinet minister, the prime minister delivered a keynote speech at Pinewood Studios in a bid to steady his ship. But in a sign of the difficult task ahead of him, his address to an event packed with Labour supporters was met with a muted audience response and little applause. It reflected the findings of a new national poll from Find Out Now UK that puts Labour in third place on 23 per cent, behind the Tories on 26 per cent and Nigel Farage’ s Reform UK on 24 per cent. And the event was overshadowed by a warning from the Bank of England that his chancellor’s much-criticised Budget would lead to job losses. Sir Keir tried to inject some energy into his flagging government by announcing that his “milestones” were raising living standards, building 1.5 million homes, putting 13,000 new police on the beat, giving children the best start in life, ending hospital backlogs, and securing green energy. But in a 54-minute speech and question-and-answer session, he appeared quickly to come unstuck on some of his past promises. He was accused of watering down a previous pledge by stating that only 95 per cent of energy will be “clean” by 2030, rather than 100 per cent as before. Energy secretary Ed Miliband was deployed to provide reassurance that the plan had not changed. And he downgraded the promise of economic growth – previously the centre of Labour’s election campaign – to a detail after “raising living standards”. There was barely a mention of a previous pledge to hire 6,500 new teachers. There was also no mention of domestic abuse despite representatives of campaign groups on the issue being in the audience. But a defiant prime minister, who joked about how he could be the next James Bond after appearing at the studios where the 007 films were made, insisted that his government is delivering for the country. Sir Keir said: “This government was elected to deliver real change for working people – and that is exactly what we are doing. “We have already stabilised the economy, secured an extra £26bn for the NHS and launched a Border Security Command to tackle illegal migration. “Faced with a dire inheritance, we know that we cannot deliver our plan for change alone. Mission-led government means doing things differently, and a decade of national renewal will require the skills and determination of us all.” New cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald has been charged with rewiring the civil service to deliver the plan, he said. The prime minister has repeated promises to cut immigration but stopped short of setting any targets. Sir Keir pledged his government would “reduce immigration – legal and illegal” but was unclear how this would be achieved. Under repeated questioning from reporters as to why he had not included immigration in the list of six “milestones, he said cutting immigration “will only be done with a serious plan” and – referring to “illegal” immigration – repeated his argument that the only way to do this would be to go after people-smuggling gangs. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said the prime minister offered “nothing concrete on immigration – because Labour have no plan to control numbers” while Reform UK criticised him for not including “any measurable targets” in his milestones. Voters want “a serious plan to ensure we’ve got control of our borders, not arbitrary caps, not gimmicks”, the prime minister said. His six milestones were meant to go alongside three foundations of economic stability, national security and secure borders. Previously, he had announced five missions and six first steps which were entwined into his “plan for change” document. The event gave the impression of a major rally and election manifesto launch even though the audience did not appear to be energised by the content of the prime minister’s speech. But his biggest headache came from the Bank of England, with its survey of chief financial officers showing the majority expect lower profit margins, higher prices and lower employment. More than a third warned of lower wages. Following the Budget, the Bank of England’s survey of small, medium and large businesses shows that 59 per cent of firms expect lower profit margins, 54 per cent expect to raise prices, 54 per cent expect lower employment and 38 per cent expect to pay lower wages than they otherwise would have done. Andrew Griffith, shadow business and trade secretary, said: “The Bank is right to warn that businesses are taking a hit from Labour’s Budget. Ultimately, it’s working people who will pay the price as employers scale back on pay, cut jobs and raise prices for everyday items. “If Labour are serious about growth, they should listen to the very real concerns from business.” While there was some welcome for the speech, there were warnings that Sir Keir’s government will need to find new investment to achieve his milestones. Patricia Marquis, executive director of the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) England, said: “To achieve his plan, the prime minister needs to join the dots between hitting NHS targets and solving the crisis in nursing. We deliver the vast majority of care, but our workforce is severely depleted and recruitment is collapsing. This impacts every service, including non-urgent, the very issue he wants to address. A plan for change needs a plan to turn our profession around.” This came as Sir Keir again refused to repeat the recent pledge by his chancellor of “no new taxes” – giving rise to concerns about another tax raid in the spring. He did receive some support from the right-wing Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), previously associated with Liz Truss’s disastrous economic policy. Dr Kristian Niemietz, head of political economy at the IEA, said: “Britain’s inability to build anything is not just a problem for one or two sectors of the economy in isolation: it is the mother of all problems, affecting nearly every part of the economy to varying degrees. The government’s recognition of this is welcome, and the prime minister is right to point out that our planning system has not just left us short of homes but of key infrastructure too, including transport and energy.”EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended the Indianapolis Colts’ slim playoff hopes Sunday as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 45-33 victory. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan’Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league’s worst offense set a season high for points. Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of 3 and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and 7 yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, iced the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a 5-yard run. RELATED COVERAGE Eagles QB Tanner McKee gets 1st career TD football back with a little help from fans in the stands Like a football off McBride’s helmet, the Cardinals aren’t getting many lucky bounces these days Jim Harbaugh and Chargers focused on accomplishing more after wrapping up playoff berth The 45 points were the most for New York since putting up 49 in a 52-49 loss to the Saints in 2015. It’s the Giants most in a win since a 45-14 rout against Washington in 2014 and most at home since a 52-27 win against the Saints in 2012. Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. Flacco was 26 of 38 for 330 yards with two interceptions, the second by rookie Dru Phillips shortly after Lock’s TD run. Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards in a win over Tennessee last weekend, finished with 125 yards on 32 carries. Pierce had six catches for 122 yards. Rookies Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. Injuries Colts: Richardson was inactive with foot and back injuries sustained against Tennessee. Giants: DL Armon Watts (knee) was ruled out in the first half. Up next Colts: Finish the regular season by hosting Jacksonville. Giants: At Philadelphia to face Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The trans drag queen known as “Peppermint” — a former star of RuPaul’s Drag Race — appeared on a recent CNN panel to argue in favor of transgender procedures for minors, declaring that lawmakers should not have a say in the controversial subject. On Wednesday, Peppermint appeared on CNN’s “Newsnight with Abby Phillips” alongside fellow trans activist Shane Diamond, both of whom were representing GLAAD, to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court case surrounding Tennessee’s law banning sex change drugs and procedures for minors who believe they are transgender. Peppermint and Shane Diamond deployed a slew of euphemisms to argue their case — describing irreversible and experimental trans procedures as “healthcare” and even renaming puberty blockers as puberty “delayers.” They also contended that the science is settled on the matter — even though countries in western Europe have recently revised their own stances. “I think that lawmakers should not be the arbiters of people’s healthcare. That should be between the patient and the doctor,” Peppermint said, later adding: “I don’t think being transgender or seeking medical care is political. I think it has been politicized largely by the right to create this type of conversation, to create these wedges.” Later, Shane Diamond used the term puberty “delayers” — a re-branding of “puberty blockers,” the controversial and experimental medication whose potential long-term risks are include mental illness, brittle bones , and in some cases, sterility. “This is a delay. This is full reversible,” Diamond claimed, despite some studies showing that they are not reversible. Peppermint is the latest celebrity to insert themselves in the debate around the Supreme Court case. Others include Hollywood stars Annette Bening and Elliot Page , formerly Ellen Page. The Supreme Court is expected to release its decision on the Tennessee case some time in 2025. Follow David Ng on Twitter @HeyItsDavidNg . Have a tip? Contact me at dng@breitbart.com

The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest: Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson. They’ve been sent to the city’s medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing. As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline. Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman. Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman — though they have yet to confirm the shooter’s identity. NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department “even if it seems trivial.” “We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together,” he said. Users’ reactions — and in many cases jokes — populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isn’t covered under my healthcare plan,” one comment read on Instagram. “Thoughts and prior authorizations!” wrote another user. Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle. Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel who’s visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening. He said an officer wouldn’t let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. “I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened,” said Taranto, 24. He didn’t connect the dots with the shooting until later. In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax. Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a “suspected swatting investigation” was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items. “The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time,” the police statement said. Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats. Back in Thompson’s home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ. City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night “regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.” Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday. Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: “ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.” A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBI’s involvement in the investigation. The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting – “deny,” “defend” and “depose” – were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official. The official wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. — Jake Offenhartz As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter. They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle. An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but can’t comment due to the active investigation. According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, they’re looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan. Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer. Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They’re similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. ▶ Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims. Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee’s report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind. After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter’s professionalism. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Kenny said. The hostels were on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing search. According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information. — Jake Offenhartz New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer — something he’d never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer. “In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before,” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.” The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier. — Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. ▶ Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attack Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

AIRPORTELs Launches the Ultimate Golf Bag Delivery in Thailand 12-05-2024 11:32 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Comms Factory Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733435293.jpg AIRPORTELs Bangkok, Thailand - Dec 5, 2024 - AIRPORTELs, the trusted luggage delivery service in Thailand, today announced the launch of its Seamless Golf Bag Delivery service. The service addresses a longstanding challenge affecting Thailand's tourism and golf industries. While these sectors are thriving, getting golf bags from home to the course has always been a hassle-until now. This new service is designed for those who prefer spending their time on the fairway, not lugging bags through airports, taxis, or hotel lobbies. AIRPORTELs teamed up with golfers nationwide to devise this innovative solution. Effortless Golf Bag Delivery Across Thailand Whether a golfer is heading to a golf course in Chiang Mai, Phuket, or staying local in Bangkok, AIRPORTELs offers a seamless solution for transporting his or her golf bag. With AIRPORTELs, the player's clubs will be waiting for them at the course-no more heavy lifting or worrying about luggage restrictions. Home to Course: Golf Bag Delivery Made Easy Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/02effe276429e1d5eb2669c4fdf8f8ea.jpg AIRPORTELs has redefined luggage delivery with services tailored for golfers. Whether a golfer is hopping between cities or traveling within a single location, their Golf Bag Delivery Service takes the stress out of transportation. Here's how it works: * In-Town Delivery: For just 399 THB, AIRPORTELs delivers the golf bag within Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket-from the hotel directly to the chosen golf course. * Bangkok left and right Chiang Mai (Same-Day Delivery): Home/Hotel to CNX Airport: 699 THB Home/Hotel to Golf Course (Chiang Mai): 899 THB * Bangkok left and right Phuket (Same-Day Delivery): Home/Hotel to HKT Airport: 699 THB Home/Hotel to Golf Course (Phuket): 899 THB * Chiang Mai left and right Phuket (Same-Day Delivery): Airport-to-Airport: 599 THB Hotel/Golf Course Cross-Delivery: 799-999 THB With affordable pricing and quick delivery, AIRPORTELs ensures that one's golf bag gets to the course on time without the added stress. Why AIRPORTELs Stands Out Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/3f21a404a3dd4bc584a1347dc3d8a4df.jpg * Reliable Service: AIRPORTELs understands how important a player's golf clubs are to his or her game. With secure handling and timely delivery, players can be sure that their gear arrives in perfect condition. * Convenience: Forget about lugging heavy bags around. AIRPORTELs takes care of the transportation so players can focus on their games. * Same-Day Delivery: Need to make a last-minute tee time? No problem! AIRPORTELs provides same-day delivery between cities, so players never have to worry about missing out on a great round. * Affordable Rates: AIRPORTELs offers competitive prices that won't break the bank. With options starting from 399 THB, golf bag delivery has never been easier or more affordable. Enjoy Thailand's Best Golf Courses Without any Hassle Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/a5951303bb1aa73d6679f2cf9d72780a.jpg Thailand is home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the world-from the tropical fairways of Phuket to the picturesque courses in Chiang Mai. With AIRPORTELs, golfers can travel between these premier locations without worrying about their gear. Whether a golfer is a frequent golfer or just enjoying a weekend getaway, AIRPORTELs makes traveling with clubs as easy as swinging the driver. Ready to Swing into Convenience? No more struggling with golf bags through crowded terminals or taxis. Let AIRPORTELs handle the logistics so players can concentrate on their games. Just pack one's clubs, book the service, and let AIRPORTELs take care of the rest. It's time to elevate the golfing experience with AIRPORTELs. For more information, please visit AIRPORTELs' Facebook page at 'AIRPORTELs Luggage Delivery [ https://www.facebook.com/AIRPORTELs]' and the company's website at 'https:// www.airportels.asia/' To book a delivery, contact AIRPORTELs' customer service team via LINE at ID '@Airportels'. Media Contact Company Name: AIRPORTELs Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=airportels-launches-the-ultimate-golf-bag-delivery-in-thailand ] Country: Thailand Website: https://www.airportels.asia This release was published on openPR.None