Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences, pardons 39 peopleIn a shocking discovery, customs authorities recently uncovered six giant terror ants concealed inside lollipop packaging at a port inspection. The incident has sparked concerns over the potential invasion of exotic and invasive species that could pose a threat to local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Dallas, TX, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Game Day just got a whole lot better! Starting December 26, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is rolling out its fan-favorite Game Day Packs , the perfect lineup to tackle any sports celebration. Each pack comes loaded with 24 pit-smoked wings tossed in your choice of sauce, two large sides, Texas Toast, ranch dressing, pickles, and onions —everything you need to score big on flavor. "Our pit-smoked wings deliver the authentic barbecue taste that Dickey's is known for," said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "Whether you go for classic barbecue, tangy buffalo, or bold sriracha, we have a sauce that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your game day gathering." And here's the MVP offer: From December 26 through March 31, 2025 , Dickey's Rewards members will earn double points for every Game Day Pack purchase. Not a member yet? Signing up for the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program is quick and easy, giving you the chance to save on future meals while enjoying game day favorites now. "Rewards programs are a win for both our guests and our brand," said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group. "This double-points promotion encourages loyalty while providing exceptional value. It's the perfect way to reward our fans while they cheer on their favorite teams." The Game Day Pack is a slam dunk for any occasion, whether you're hosting a playoff watch party, celebrating the Super Bowl, or gearing up for March Madness. Packed with flavor and designed to share, these meals are an easy way to make every game day a winner. "Our loyalty program helps us connect with our guests in a meaningful way," added Laura Rea Dickey. "According to industry research, loyalty programs are a top consideration for diners choosing an everyday dining option. By offering double rewards on our Game Day Packs, we're giving guests another reason to choose Dickey's for their sports celebrations." Getting your hands on a Game Day Pack is easy. Order online at dickey's.com or through the Dickey's app. Members of the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program will automatically earn double points on qualifying purchases, making this promotion the ultimate play for flavor and savings. "Double the points and double the flavor—that's what we're all about with this promotion," said Roland Dickey, Jr. "Game Day Packs bring people together for good food and good times, making every game day special." Don't fumble this opportunity to bring bold barbecue to your game day lineup. Order your Game Day Pack today and enjoy double the rewards all season long. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Pit Smoked Wings © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Police officers found a man who appeared to be channeling his inner Santa Claus on Tuesday in Fall River, Massachusetts. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Robert Langlais, allegedly tried to evade police by jumping down into a chimney at a home in the area, News Channel 9 reported Thursday. An image shows the suspect trapped in the tiny space: Authorities were executing a search warrant when two men fled the home by climbing onto the rooftop. One of the suspects, police said, eluded them by jumping off the roof and onto a parked vehicle. In a social media post Wednesday, City of Fall River Police Department described what happened, writing that Langlais “invoked the essence of the seasonal icon and attempted to hide inside of a chimney.” The agency continued: Langlais quickly became stuck in the chimney and required the assistance of the very detectives he was previously fleeing from. With the help of the Fall River Fire Department and Fall River Emergency Medical Services, Langlais was rescued and taken into custody. Due to his Santa-antics, Langlais was transported to a local hospital out of precaution and was medically cleared. He was formally arrested for Possession of Class A drugs, Possession of Class B drugs and a slew of charges from outstanding warrants. Also present and arrested, with less theatrics, was Tanisha Ibay (age 32) for the charges of Possession of Class A drugs and Possession of Class B drugs. On the evening of December 10, 2024, Detectives of the Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST) executed a search... Posted by City of Fall River Police Department on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Police body camera footage shows an officer talking to a neighbor who tells him, “I was walking my dog a little while ago. I heard some screaming. I looked up and that back house, a guy went down, yeah, he went down the chimney.” “He’s in the chimney?” the officer asked, to which the man replied, “He’s in the chimney.” When the officers found the suspect in the chimney, one of them told him, “You’re an idiot. Show us your hands.” However, it appears the wannabe Santa Claus is wedged tightly inside the chimney. The clip then shows the top of Langlais’ head. Moments later, the video recorded the moment firefighters broke through the brick and pulled him out to safety: As described in our earlier post, last night, December 10, 2024, Detectives of the Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST) executed a search warrant at 127 Canal Street. In that incident Robert Langlais (age 33) attempted to evade arrest by hiding inside of a chimney. Detectives unable to free him called our friends at the Fall River Fire Department and Fall River Emergency Medical Services to the scene to rescue Langlais who had become wedged in the chimney. Click on the link below for police body worn camera footage of this incident. Posted by City of Fall River Police Department on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Social media users shared their thoughts on the incident, one person writing , “Dude was tryna deliver presents” while another user said he was on the “Naughty list.” A similar instance happened in 2019 when a naked man accused of trying to burglarize a home in Los Angeles was arrested after being found stuck in a chimney, Breitbart News reported.
DeepSeek’s new AI model appears to be one of the best ‘open’ challengers yet
Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant declares for NFL draftAP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:52 p.m. ESTEarlier this week, FIIs made a substantial comeback, injecting Rs 11,100 crore into Indian equities over three sessions. Mumbai: After heavy selling, it now appears that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are likely to turn out consistent buyers when the market corrects further and valuations become attractive, market watchers said on Saturday. A perplexing feature of the recent FII activity is their highly erratic nature. For instance, in the three days from November 23-25, FIIs were buyers. But in the next two days, they again turned sellers, having sold equity for Rs 16,139 crore in the Indian market. "FII selling in November is lower than that of October. In October, the total FII selling through stock exchanges was Rs 113,858 crore. In November, this had come down to Rs 39,315 crore," an expert said. This can be partly attributed to the reduced valuations caused by the correction in the market. Earlier this week, FIIs made a substantial comeback, injecting Rs 11,100 crore into Indian equities over three sessions. This could signal renewed confidence in India's growth story amid global headwinds, providing hope for market stability in the near term, said Vikram Kasat, Head-Advisory, PL Capital-Prabhudas Lilladher. The trend of FII buying through the primary market continues. In November, FIIs bought stocks for Rs 17,704 crores through the primary market. According to experts, if we take the period up to November 29, the total FII selling for the year stands at Rs 118,620 crore. On Friday, the Indian stock market closed in green, as both the equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty witnessed a strong rally. Sensex closed at 79,802.79 after a gain of 759.05 points or 0.96 per cent. Nifty closed at 24,131.10 after a gain of 216.95 points or 0.91 per cent. The domestic stock market increased due to better investor sentiment and stock-specific activities. According to experts, "a large-cap-driven, broad-based rally ensued in the domestic market. Discretionary sectors performed well, benefiting from the festive season". Technically, the market remains in a consolidation phase, with little change in chart structure. "Traders are advised to avoid aggressive bets and be selective. It’s also crucial to monitor global factors closely, as they could influence market direction ahead of the weekly expiry," said Rajesh Bhosale, equity technical analyst, Angel One. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Rumours have been sparked again that I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star GK Barry might have secretly tied the knot with her girlfriend, Ipswich Town footballer Ella Rutherford. Grace captured hearts with her witty quips and candid chats in the Australian jungle and was delighted to reunite with Ella when she left the show in fifth place. The pair confirmed their blossoming romance earlier in the year and GK made several sweet comments about Ella while in the jungle. Now, adding sparks to the marriage rumours, Ella hinted at more than just a girlfriend title for Grace. On Thursday, she took to social media to post a selection of photos from her Australian adventure, captioning it: "Flew to the jungle to get my wife. Met the most amazing people along the way and made memories that will last a life time. You made us all so proud beautiful, I love you with all my heart, I have everything I'll ever need." The sweet sentiments from fans poured in as they expressed how perfect the couple is. One smitten follower posted: "@ellarutherford_ got her wife Whata gem", reports the Mirror . Another swooned: "You guys are both beautiful and pretty and a cute couple! " While another said: "You two are the cutest! So glad you went out to meet her it was such a lovely reunion." GK wasn't shy about talking about Ella while braving the jungle. She revealed: "It was by accident I found Ella, through a mutual friend and then I really liked her the first day I met her but I'd never told my parents. I'd mentioned, 'Oh I'm just going to see my friend Ella' or 'I'm staying round Ella's' so they'd heard her name." She also shared a memorable moment when she nonchalantly introduced her partner to her family as they asked about Ella during a visit, saying, "I told them 'Oh. she's my girlfriend'. They just love her, they never had an issue with it. To be fair I feel like the closet may have been glass!". Emerging from the jungle, GK made a heartfelt declaration, vowing to always stay by her girlfriend's side: "Never again, are we leaving each other. We must be joined at the hip at all times. She basically said to me, this is your moment.....this is all about you. I feel like it says a lot about her."
AANP Spotlights Five Critical Health Care Trends to Watch in 2025The methods state agencies employ for identity proofing and authentication in online public benefits applications play a crucial role in determining how efficiently applicants can access essential services. And as governments increasingly digitize their services, balancing the needs of security, accessibility, and equity becomes paramount, with identity proofing and authentication forming the backbone of digital identity management in public benefits systems. However, a new from the Beeck Center for Social Impact (BCSI) says that while the landscape of identity proofing and authentication in U.S. federal and state public benefits applications is evolving, there was only incremental progress in 2024. The new report looks at identity proofing and authentication practices across six federally funded, state-administered programs to understand when and how states use account creation, authentication, and identity proofing in initial online public benefits applications. “The way state agencies structure online account creation processes and requirements for applicants and beneficiaries to prove who they are may impact whether and how quickly individuals can apply for and start receiving benefits,” the report says, noting that while some states are adopting innovative practices and offering greater flexibility, challenges still remain in achieving equitable and effective digital identity management. By prioritizing human-centered, risk-based approaches and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the report says, state agencies can enhance the accessibility and security of public benefits systems, ensuring that all eligible individuals can access the support they need. “By documenting the landscape of current practices, this project aims to help the broad ecosystem of peer states, federal agencies, advocates, academics, and civic tech organizations identify states that are taking unique, unusual, or potentially promising approaches,” the BCSI report said, noting that “the dataset also identifies states that are putting up potential barriers through their implementation of account creation, authentication, and identity proofing.” The report says that in 2024, identity proofing requirements increased only slightly, with 42 applications implementing such measures compared to 37 in 2023. Identity proofing was most common in unemployment insurance applications, reflecting the high fraud risk associated with these benefits. However, applications for programs like MAGI Medicaid also showed a significant presence of identity proofing requirements, with 52% of applications incorporating such steps. By contrast, applications for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance remained the least likely to include identity proofing, with only one state, Michigan, employing optional identity proofing in its combined application process for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, WIC, and childcare. The timing of identity proofing steps can significantly impact user experience and system efficacy. Of the applications requiring identity proofing, 21 placed this step before an applicant could initiate the application process, while 11 integrated it into the application itself. The placement of identity proofing at the start of the process may inadvertently create barriers for individuals unable to complete this step due to technical difficulties or insufficient documentation. Such barriers, the BCSI report says, could result in eligible individuals being excluded from the application process entirely, with their struggles not being reflected in system metrics like abandonment rates. Some states, however, adopted an optional approach to identity proofing, allowing users to skip this step initially or proceed with the application even if identity verification failed. This practice, observed in 19 applications, mitigates potential exclusion while still facilitating eventual verification through alternative means. Diverse methods of identity proofing are employed across states, reflecting varying levels of risk tolerance and resource availability. Unemployment insurance (UI) applications, for instance, have seen an increasing reliance on biometric solutions, with 24 state workforce agencies utilizing technologies like ID document upload paired with live selfies for verification. By comparison, non-UI programs predominantly relied on knowledge-based verification or document submission, either in person or through the mail. The report says biometric methods often offer high levels of accuracy but can also raise concerns about privacy and accessibility. For example, individuals without access to necessary technology or those uncomfortable with biometric data collection may face difficulties completing the process. “Recognizing that beneficiaries and applicants have different levels of comfort with and access to technology, benefits administering agencies can offer beneficiaries and applicants choices about when and how to create accounts or verify their identities, if those identity management steps are relevant for a particular online interaction,” the BCSI report says. The report also says that “if applicants and beneficiaries are unable to use self-service pathways to regain access to their account when they forget or lose their password, this can drive up calls to call centers and prevent people from responding to important notices or requests for information.” A key element of effective identity proofing is offering applicants choices about how they verify their identities. The report says that in 2024, 21 agencies were found to provide multiple pathways for identity proofing, such as choosing between self-service biometric verification, video calls, or in-person verification at kiosks or post offices. This flexibility acknowledges the diversity in applicants’ circumstances and technological access, promoting inclusivity. Authentication practices in public benefits applications also varied widely, reflecting different priorities in security and user experience. In 2024, 75% of applications required users to create an account to apply online, a figure consistent with 2023. Account creation requirements were particularly prevalent in unemployment insurance applications. Among applications requiring account creation, 76% mandated the provision of an email address, underscoring the central role of email in digital identity management. Single sign-on (SSO) systems were used in 36 applications, enabling users to access multiple government services with a single set of credentials. While SSOs streamline the user experience, they also can introduce challenges if stringent security requirements, such as mandatory identity proofing, are universally applied across services with differing risk levels. Fourteen applications permitted login via third-party credentials, such as Facebook, Google, or ID.me, offering additional flexibility but raising concerns about data privacy and interoperability. Authentication methods also included layering multiple factors to enhance security. Of the reviewed applications, 79% employed at least one additional authenticator alongside passwords. These measures included one-time passcodes sent to email addresses or phones, security questions, and authenticator apps. While 56% of applications offered multiple authenticator types, enabling users to choose the most convenient option, there were notable gaps in adopting modern and secure practices. For instance, only one state, Michigan, utilized passkeys as an authentication option, which the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identifies as a phishing-resistant authenticator. Security questions, though still used by 27 applications as the sole authenticator, exemplify an outdated practice that offers minimal security benefits, the BCSI report says, noting that such questions are susceptible to breaches and can create unnecessary friction for users. NIST’s guidelines do not recognize security questions as a reliable authenticator, highlighting the need for agencies to modernize their practices. Another significant challenge in authentication lies in ensuring that measures work effectively for diverse user populations. For example, requiring a one-time passcode sent via text may exclude individuals without reliable access to a mobile phone. Similarly, processes that demand specific technological capabilities, such as downloading an authenticator app, may not be feasible for all applicants. Human-centered design principles, which prioritize the needs and constraints of users, are critical in addressing these challenges. An emerging area of interest is the integration of phishing-resistant authenticators and risk-based authentication approaches. These methods adjust security requirements based on the sensitivity of the transaction or the user’s behavior, offering a tailored balance between security and usability. As public benefits programs explore such innovations, they must remain mindful of equity implications, ensuring that security enhancements do not inadvertently disadvantage vulnerable populations. The report states that identity proofing and authentication processes must be viewed as integral components of the broader service design for public benefits applications, and that effective implementation requires close collaboration among state agencies, federal partners, and technology vendors. BCSI said partnerships with organizations like are instrumental in developing guidelines that address the unique needs of public benefits programs. These collaborations aim to create frameworks that promote access while safeguarding sensitive data. | | | | | | |
