and both recently could be indicative of a wider scheme targeting professional athletes, prompting the NFL to issue a security alert to teams and the players' union, . The memo that went out to NFL teams and the players union warned that homes of professional athletes have become "increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," according to the AP. This applies to athletes across multiple sports. player was also the victim of a recent burglary. Portis did not reveal what specifically was stolen from his home, but said "several prized possessions" were taken. The 10-year NBA veteran believes he was targeted because the home invasion occurred as with the began, . Portis filed a police report. I consider Milwaukee my home. Last night, while I was at work, my home was burglarized, and many of my prized possessions were stolen. If you have any tips or info, please send them to info@bobbyportis.com. Rewards for info leading to recovery or arrests! — Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) River Hills, Wisconsin police chief Michael Gaynor told that the Portis burglary showed "similarities" to the Mahomes and Kelce incidents, but did not indicate that they were linked. However, his department has been in contact with law enforcement in at least three other states where other professional athletes have been burglarized. guard Mike Conley Jr. had his home broken into and jewelry stolen on Sept. 15 while he was a guest at a Minnesota Vikings game, according to the . Former and NFL star Reggie Bush was also the target of , though he was home during the incident. Investigators across several states have suspicions that a South American crime ring may be behind these high-profile burglaries, . Any possible connection, however, has yet to be confirmed. "You don't want to discount a local person," a law enforcement source told ABC News, referring to the Mahomes and Kelce burglaries. "It's very easy to find out where these guys are going to be on Sunday." The FBI issued a briefing to the NFL and other professional sports leagues last Friday, . "Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood. "Burglars have entered through side doors, via balconies or through second-floor windows. They've targeted homes in secluded areas and focused on master bedrooms and closet areas." Local police were called to Mahomes' home in the Kansas City area just after midnight on Oct. 6, . The break-in was reported by a member of the Chiefs star's security team. One day later, Kelce's home was broken into while the were playing the and $20,000 in cash was stolen.UK battery pack manufacturer achieves safety accreditation to power growth – Alexander Battery Technologies*Experience Effortless, Nutritious Meals Ready Upon Arrival at Booth #60652* NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eatfigo is set to transform home dining with the debut of its innovative appliance—a refrigerator that cooks—at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. Attendees are invited to Booth #60652 to witness firsthand how Eatfigo seamlessly integrates meal preparation into daily routines, ensuring that mouth-watering, nutritious meals are ready the moment you walk through the door. Eatfigo's cutting-edge technology combines precise sous-vide cooking with advanced refrigeration, allowing users to schedule meals that cook themselves and are perfectly timed for their arrival. This innovation is particularly beneficial for individuals committed to healthy eating habits, such as those following Keto, Paleo, or low-carb diets, by simplifying the process of preparing wholesome, nutrient-rich dishes. "Our mission at Eatfigo is to redefine convenience in healthy home cooking," said Robert Nappi , Founder and CEO of Eatfigo. "We understand the challenges of maintaining a nutritious diet amidst a busy lifestyle. With our appliance, users can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the time-consuming preparation." Visitors to Booth #60652 will have the opportunity to explore Eatfigo's features, engage in discussions about healthy eating, and learn how this appliance can enhance well-being by preserving nutritional value and promoting better food consumption habits. Attendees will also enjoy a special launch price exclusive to CES visitors. For more information or to explore purchasing options, visit [ www.eatfigo.com ] ( http://www.eatfigo.com ). About Eatfigo Eatfigo is dedicated to revolutionizing home cooking by integrating advanced technology with healthy eating. Our flagship product, the refrigerator that cooks, empowers individuals to effortlessly enjoy nutritious, home-prepared meals, aligning with their health goals and busy schedules. *Note: CES 2025 takes place from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, NV. * Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=001Pp00000fB9JjIAK. SOURCE EatFigo
Chennai: The two-member fact-finding committee of the National Commission for Women (NCW) arrived in Chennai on Sunday to probe the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old student at Anna University. On Saturday (December 28), NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar constituted the committee to investigate and recommend action. The two-member committee consists of Mamta Kumari, a Member of the NCW, and Praveen Dixit, IPS (retd.), former Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra and Special Rapporteur for Maharashtra and Goa in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Praveen Dixit arrived in Chennai via an Indigo flight from Pune while Mamta Kumari arrived via an Indigo flight from Kolkata. The committee will investigate the case, examine the circumstances leading to the incident, and assess the actions taken by the authorities, as per the statement. The committee will also interact with concerned officials, the victim, her family, friends, and various NGOs to ascertain the facts and propose measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The Commission has taken a suo moto cognisance of an alleged sexual assault of a student at Anna University. It has already issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the incident. On Saturday, the Madras High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to investigate the Anna University alleged sexual assault case. A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus on Monday night, Chennai Police said. One person has been arrested in connection with the case. In her December 23 complaint to police, the student alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus on Monday around 8 p.m. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at the Kotturpuram All Women Police Station and an investigation is underway. Pulling up the Chennai Police for revealing the contents of the FIR on its website, including the rape survivor’s identity, a Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Lakshminarayanan ordered the Tamil Nadu government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim.
Moved and HappyCo Announce ‘Plugins’ Integration; Enhances Resident Onboarding with Streamlined Move-In Inspections and Compliance ManagementSports Technology Market to grow by USD 37.85 Billion (2024-2028), driven by the rise in sports tech events, Report highlights market evolution powered by AI - TechnavioJustin Trudeau taking the time to reflect after Chrystia Freeland's departure OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking some time to reflect after Chrystia Freeland's bombshell resignation, the natural resources minister said on Tuesday. David Baxter, The Canadian Press Dec 17, 2024 12:55 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The Canadian flag flies atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Listen to this article 00:03:21 OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking some time to reflect after Chrystia Freeland's bombshell resignation, the natural resources minister said on Tuesday. "The prime minister, as I understand it, a number of caucus colleagues have said that the prime minister has said that he will reflect on both the decision that minister Freeland made, but also what he's heard from members of his own caucus," Jonathan Wilkinson said. "I think we all need to give him a little time to reflect, and I respect that fact that he's going to take some time to reflect." Freeland quit as finance minister on Monday morning just hours before she was set to present the government's fall economic statement. That kicked off a day of turmoil on Parliament Hill that began with a morning cabinet meeting and wrapped with an evening meeting of the Liberal caucus, where some members called for Trudeau to step aside as party leader. That includes New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, one of 23 caucus members who signed a letter back in October calling for Trudeau to quit. "We certainly have more MPs than last time. So, if I had to guess how many more right now, I'd say we're probably at 40 to 50 right now," Long said. "But there's a lot more than that. I mean, this is so different than times before." The attempt to oust Trudeau earlier in the fall took up a great deal of oxygen on Parliament Hill, but ultimately failed to garner support from inside the cabinet. This time, Long said, at least five cabinet ministers believe it's time for a change at the top. "I certainly am one to say to my colleagues, to ministers in particular: 'Let's come out of the shadows,'" Long said. "Let's openly, once and for all, state how we feel and let's move forward with what we know has to happen." Before question period, cabinet ministers Anita Anand and Kamal Khera told reporters they support the prime minister. After the failed coup in October, Liberal MPs emerged from a tense caucus meeting saying they believed Trudeau was taking time to reflect. But the very next day, he publicly stated his intention to stay on as leader at a press conference. That is why P.E.I. MP Sean Casey, who called for Trudeau to resign in October, does not think the prime minister will take a walk in the snow now. "There's not a single indicator in anything that he says or does that would tell me otherwise. He seems to be absolutely committed and he has throughout the piece, he's been remarkably consistent," Casey said. "What he says, what he does, how he does it, how he says it, the energy he puts into it, I don't believe for one second it's an act. I think it's real." Whenever Trudeau has been asked if he intends to lead the Liberals in the next election, the response has been an unambiguous "Yes." The Liberals have faced three non-confidence votes in the House of Commons this fall and have struggled to advance legislation because of a filibuster on a Conservative privilege motion related to misspending at a now-defunct green technology fund. On Tuesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre once again called on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to topple the government, criticizing him for voting against the latest non-confidence motion last week. Poilievre said Canada needs a new prime minister because U.S. president-elect Donald Trump can smell weakness from a mile away and the Trudeau government is weak. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also said a new Parliament is needed "as soon as possible," and he wants to see an election called in January. Blanchet said Trudeau has lost the political, moral and ethical authority to govern. He said the election should happen as soon as possible in the new year because Canadians do not want a campaign over the holiday season. On Monday, Singh called for Trudeau to step down but did not make a firm comment on whether the NDP would declare non-confidence in the Liberal government. Instead, Singh said "all options are on the table." The NDP, which ended a formal supply-and-confidence agreement to support the Liberals in September, has voted with the government on all three non-confidence motions. Singh has repeatedly said a Poilievre-led Conservative government would cut things New Democrats have fought for like dental care, pharmacare and other social programs. The Tories are also calling on the House of Commons trade committee to study the tariff threat between the week of Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, the date of Trump's inauguration. The House of Commons is expected to rise for the holiday break on Tuesday and return on Jan. 27. In her resignation letter, Freeland said she's been at odds with Trudeau in the last few weeks over the government's fiscal priorities. She said the government should do away with costly "political gimmicks" and instead set money aside to deal with a potential tariff war with the U.S. Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as the new finance minister Monday, minutes after the government's fall economic statement was released. The economic update shows the deficit has grown to nearly $62 billion, far beyond the $40-billion target Freeland set earlier this year. It includes $1.3 billion in new spending on measures to beef up the border in response to Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariff threats on Canadian goods. LeBlanc, who is also in charge of intergovernmental affairs and democratic institutions, says his main priority as finance minister will be to address affordability issues. He will also continue to oversee the public safety file, implementing new border measures, until Trudeau holds a broader cabinet shuffle. That's expected to happen soon in order to replace ministers who have announced they won't seek re-election. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024. — With files from Nick Murray and Michel Saba David Baxter, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National News Canadians won't be taxed on disability benefit under proposed rule change Dec 17, 2024 1:26 PM Canadians return to Canada Post with relief — and shakier faith in the service Dec 17, 2024 1:26 PM Tories call for House hearings on U.S. tariff threat amid Liberal tumult Dec 17, 2024 1:17 PM Featured Flyer
Stocks to Buy Today: Balkrishna Industries, Usha Martin, Escorts and moreThe Golf Central crew reflects on the wild storylines that came out of the 2024 men's major golf events and looks forward to 2025. Justin Thomas had a brutal day around the greens to end the Hero World Challenge, but Golf Central thinks he's trending in the right direction after a solid tournament as a whole. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee analyze Scottie Scheffler's game at the Hero World Challenge and how he flexed his incredible overall skillset to cap a successful 2024 with a win. Tom Kim took a big leap on moving day at the Hero World Challenge, knocking in a dozen birdies and putting himself in contention for a win in the Bahamas. Todd Lewis and Brandel Chamblee look at the birdie-filled scorecard of Tom Kim's third round at the Hero World Challenge and how he was able to put himself in position to win on the final day. Scottie Scheffler is firmly in the mix at the Hero World Challenge, just one shot off the lead, but Golf Central says he'll have to capitalize more on scoring opportunities in the final round. Golf Central breaks down what went right for Justin Thomas in Round 3 of the PGA Tour's Hero World Challenge, in which putting -- typically a weakness for him -- carried him atop the leaderboard. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Scottie Scheffler's impressive showing during Round 2 of the Hero World Challenge, breaking down what has worked for the world No. 1 in The Bahamas. Brandel Chamblee and Todd Lewis discuss Tiger Woods' historic year in 2000, explaining how a run like that has yet to be replicated 24 years later. Grass League co-founder Jake Hoselton breaks down how the league works, including the notable pro players involved, how the league was created and what to look forward to with the Troon Access Grass League Championship. The Golf Central crew breaks down Max Homa's struggles during Round 2 of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, where the 34-year-old couldn't find his way at Gary Player Country Club.
HONG KONG (AFP) – South Korean stocks tumbled yesterday as the country was racked with political uncertainty after President Yoon Suk Yeol escaped impeachment following his brief imposition of martial law last week. The retreat came on a tough day for Asian markets despite another record on Wall Street, while traders were also awaiting a high-level economic meeting in China and keeping tabs on Syria after president Bashar al-Assad’s removal. Investors in Seoul were on edge after a near-total boycott of Saturday’s impeachment vote by Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) doomed it to failure. However, the main opposition party said on Sunday it would try again, while police arrested the defence minister in charge of the martial law operation and the interior minister resigned. They and Yoon are being investigated for alleged insurrection. The president was also hit yesterday with a travel ban. People walk in front of an electronic stock board at a securities firm in Tokyo, Japan. PHOTO: AP France President Emmanuel Macron. PHOTO: AFP The crisis has fuelled concerns about Asia’s number four economy, which was already struggling and faces further pain as Donald Trump heads back to the White House threatening to resume his hardball trade policy. Michael Wan at MUFG said the hit to the country’s markets “may include slower tourism inflows, weaker domestic demand, and a dent to corporate sentiment, especially if street protests become more vociferous and the Budget passage remains in stalemate”. “South Korea was already one of the more vulnerable forex markets in Asia to Trump 2.0’s policies, and the political uncertainty also comes at a juncture just when leadership is needed to navigate these significant global policy shifts.” The won was trading at around 1,437 per dollar yesterday, compared with 1,413 on Friday. Shanghai and Hong Kong stocks dipped as top Chinese officials prepare to hold a two-day economic work conference this week to outline their targets and stimulus plans for next year. The gathering comes as Beijing prepares for Trump’s second presidency. Data released yesterday showed Chinese consumer prices rose less than expected last month, reinforcing the need for more support following a raft of measures at the end of September. “Hopes are for a clear commitment to support the economic recovery and close the shortfall in domestic demand. Growth and deficit targets are likely to be discussed,” said analysts at National Australia Bank. Elsewhere in Asia, Tokyo, Taipei and Jakarta rose while Manila, Bangkok, Wellington and Singapore fell. Mumbai and Sydney were flat. Traders had been given a healthy lead from Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both ended at record highs after figures showed the US economy added more jobs than forecast last month. Focus is now on the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week when it is tipped to cut interest rates again. Developments in Syria are also being tracked after Assad’s fall at the weekend as rebels swept into Damascus, triggering celebrations across the country and beyond. The government fell 11 days after the rebels began a surprise advance, more than 13 years after Assad’s crackdown on anti-government protests ignited Syria’s civil war. The euro remained on the back foot but slightly stronger than last week when it took a hit after France’s new government fell after a no-confidence vote, while the European Central Bank is expected to lower borrowing costs this week. President Emmanuel Macron, who had faced calls to step down, lifted sentiment when he said would serve out his term and that a budget could be passed in the coming weeks. Macron held talks with French political leaders on the left and right on Friday as he sought to quickly name a new prime minister after Michel Barnier’s ouster over his 2025 budget plan.ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LENSAR, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNSR) (“LENSAR” or the “Company”) today announced that a majority of the independent members of LENSAR’s board of directors granted four newly-hired non-executive employees stock options to purchase an aggregate of 2,475 shares of the Company’s common stock. The options were granted as of December 8, 2024, as inducements material to each employee entering into employment with the Company. The options were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The options have an exercise price of $7.70 per share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The options vest as to 25% of the total amount of the award on the one-year anniversary of the vesting commencement date of December 2, 2024 and in thirty-six substantially equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to the new employee’s continued service with the company. Each stock option has a 10-year term. The options are subject to the terms and conditions of LENSAR’s 2024 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan and a stock option agreement covering the grant. About LENSAR LENSAR is a commercial-stage medical device company focused on designing, developing, and marketing advanced systems for the treatment of cataracts and the management of astigmatism as an integral aspect of the procedure. LENSAR has developed its ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser SystemTM as a compact, highly ergonomic system utilizing an extremely fast dual-modality laser and integrating AI into proprietary imaging and software. ALLY is designed to transform premium cataract surgery by utilizing LENSAR’s advanced robotic technologies with the ability to perform the entire procedure in a sterile operating room or in-office surgical suite, delivering operational efficiencies and reducing overhead. ALLY includes LENSAR’s proprietary Streamline ® software technology, which is designed to guide surgeons to achieve better outcomes.The Green Bay Packers are in the playoffs , but can't win the NFC North nor reach the fifth seed in the NFC. The Chicago Bears are mathematically eliminated from contention. So, outside of seeding for the Packers in the NFC playoffs , sixth or seventh, there's not much left to fight for in the Week 18 game. Therefore, the NFL had no great options, and the Packers-Bears rivalry matchup will be played on Sunday, January 5, at noon (CT). The league had the option to move the game around, since the first Packers-Bears game of the season had been on Fox in Week 11. For divisional games, the league can't take both games out of the original broadcasting company (Fox for NFC, CBS for AFC). That's what prevented the NFL from making the Packers-Minnesota Vikings game in Week 17 a primetime game, because the first one had been moved to CBS. The Minnesota Vikings-Detroit Lions game will be on Sunday night, so there wasn't a need to play them at the same time. But it's not a big game after all, so it made more sense for the NFL to play it in the early Sunday window. Who will play The Packers haven't announced yet if they will play their starters, but there's a scenario where head coach Matt LaFleur gives some players a rest. Since the Packers won't have a bye in the postseason, it would make sense to take advantage of his last week of the regular season for that. It seems like the starters will play, though, based on what head coach Matt LaFleur said after the loss to the Minnesota Vikings . "We gotta learn from this and try to move on and get some momentum here," LaFleur mentioned. "We get the Bears coming in, and try to finish this thing out the right way." For the Bears, the game is valuable for the coaching staff. Interim head coach Thomas Brown and the rest of the group are fighting for Jobs — in Chicago or somewhere else. For the roster, it's an opportunity to end the Packers 11-win streak in the rivalry, and to end Caleb Williams ' rookie season on a higher note. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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Hdfc Life Share Price Today Live Updates : On the last trading day, HDFC Life opened at 621.4 and closed at 626.4, reaching a high of 629.5 and a low of 620.75. The company has a market capitalization of 134,817.8 crore. Over the past year, HDFC Life's stock has seen a high of 760.95 and a low of 511.1. The BSE recorded a trading volume of 58,037 shares for the day. Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: Consensus analysts rating is Buy Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: The analyst recommendation trend is shown below with the current rating as Buy. These target price estimates are for the next 1 year. Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: Hdfc Life volume yesterday was 784 k as compared to the 20 day avg of 4292 k Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: The trading volume yesterday was 81.73% lower than the 20 day average. Yesterday’s NSE volume was 726 k & BSE volume was 58 k. Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: Hdfc Life closed at ₹626.4 on last trading day & the technical trend suggests Bearish near term outlook Hdfc Life Share Price Live Updates: The stock traded in the range of 629.5 & 620.75 yesterday to end at 621.6. The stock is currently experiencing a strong downtrendA teenage photographer who inspired Catherine, Princess of Wales, after pursuing a photography bucket list while facing a rare form of cancer, has died. Liz Hatton, 17, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna announced on social media. On X, formerly Twitter, Ms Robayna said that Liz had "remained determined to the last" and was still making plans for her future on Tuesday. "We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year," she wrote. Liz began a photography bucket list appeal in January after being diagnosed with an aggressive desmoplastic small round cell tumour and was given between six months and three years to live. She was pictured being hugged by Catherine at Windsor Castle in October after being invited to take pictures of the Prince of Wales at an investiture. Catherine, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William, in a personal message, described Liz as a "talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both". Ms Robayna said on X that Liz "was not only a phenomenal photographer, she was the best human and the most wonderful daughter and big sister we could ever have asked for". "No-one could have fought harder for life than she did," she said. "There is a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill." Ms Robayna offered her thanks to those who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months and those who liked and supported her work, adding: "You ensured Liz's last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end." She asked people to share one of Liz's photos in tribute and also to support the family's mission to fund research into desmoplastic small round cell Tumour, which has no charity specialising in the disease in the UK. Just a few weeks before she died, Liz had worked with one of her photography heroes , Rankin, at a photoshoot with professional models. After the shoot model Fifi Anicah said the pictures the teenager took were among some of her "favourite pictures of all time". As part of her bucket list, Liz also went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen and the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds , catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here .The team that President-elect has selected to lead federal health agencies in his second administration includes a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All could play pivotal roles in fulfilling a political agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans' health — from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. In line to lead the Department of Health and Human Services secretary is environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine organizer Trump's choices don't have experience running large bureaucratic agencies, but they . Centers for Medicare and Medicaid pick Dr. hosted a talk show for 13 years and is a well-known wellness and lifestyle influencer. The pick for the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. and for surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, are frequent Fox News contributors. Many on the list were critical of COVID-19 measures like masking and booster vaccinations for young people. Some of them have ties to Florida like many of Trump's other Cabinet nominees: , the pick for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, represented the state in Congress for 14 years and is affiliated with a medical group on the state's Atlantic coast. Nesheiwat's brother-in-law is , R-Fla., tapped by Trump as national security adviser. Here's a look at the nominees' potential role in carrying out what Kennedy says is the task to “reorganize” agencies, which have an overall $1.7 trillion budget, employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials, and effect Americans' daily lives: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Atlanta-based CDC, with a $9.2 billion core budget, is charged with protecting Americans from disease outbreaks and other public health threats. Kennedy has long attacked vaccines and criticized the CDC, repeatedly alleging corruption at the agency. He said on a 2023 podcast that there is "no vaccine that is safe and effective,” and urged people to resist . The estimates that vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past 50 years, and that 100 million of them were infants. Decades ago, Kennedy found common ground with , 71, who served in the Army and worked as an internal medicine doctor before he represented a central Florida congressional district from 1995 to 2009. Starting in the early 2000s, Weldon had a prominent part in a debate about whether there was a relationship between a vaccine preservative called thimerosal and autism. He was a founding member of the Congressional Autism Caucus and tried to ban thimerosal from all vaccines. Kennedy, then a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, believed there was a tie between thimerosal and autism and also charged that the government hid documents showing the danger. Since 2001, all vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market and routinely recommended for children 6 years or younger have contained no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine. Meanwhile, study after study after study found no evidence that thimerosal caused autism. Weldon's congressional voting record suggests he may go along with Republican efforts to downsize the CDC, including to eliminate the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which works on topics like drownings, drug overdoses and shooting deaths. Weldon also voted to ban federal funding for needle-exchange programs as an approach to reduce overdoses, and the National Rifle Association gave him an “A” rating for his pro-gun rights voting record. Food and Drug Administration Kennedy is extremely critical of the FDA, which has 18,000 employees and is responsible for the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs, vaccines and other medical products, as well as overseeing cosmetics, electronic cigarettes and most foods. Makary, Trump’s pick to run the FDA, is closely aligned with Kennedy on . The professor at Johns Hopkins University who is a trained surgeon and cancer specialist has decried the overprescribing of drugs, the use of pesticides on foods and the undue influence of pharmaceutical and insurance companies over doctors and government regulators. Kennedy has suggested he'll clear out “entire” FDA departments and also recently threatened to fire FDA employees for “aggressive suppression” of a host of unsubstantiated products and therapies, including stem cells, , and like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. Makary's contrarian views during the COVID-19 pandemic included questioning the need for masking and giving young kids COVID-19 vaccine boosters. But anything Makary and Kennedy might want to do when it comes to unwinding FDA regulations or revoking long-standing vaccine and drug approvals would be challenging. The agency has lengthy requirements for removing medicines from the market, which are based on federal laws passed by Congress. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services The agency provides health care coverage for more than 160 million people through Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, and also sets Medicare payment rates for hospitals, doctors and other providers. With a $1.1 trillion budget and more than 6,000 employees, Oz has a massive agency to run if confirmed — and an agency that Kennedy hasn't talked about much when it comes to his plans. While Trump tried to scrap the Affordable Care Act in his first term, Kennedy has not taken aim at it yet. But he has been critical of Medicaid and Medicare for covering expensive weight-loss drugs — though . Trump said that he would protect Medicare, which provides insurance for older Americans. has endorsed expanding Medicare Advantage — a privately run version of Medicare that is popular — in during his failed 2022 bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania and in a with a former Kaiser Permanente CEO. Oz also said in a Washington Examiner with three co-writers that aging healthier and living longer could help fix the U.S. budget deficit because people would work longer and add more to the gross domestic product. Neither Trump nor Kennedy have said much about Medicaid, the insurance program for low-income Americans. Trump's first administration reshaped the program by allowing states to introduce work requirements for recipients. Surgeon general Kennedy doesn't appear to have said much publicly about what he'd like to see from surgeon general position, which is the nation's top doctor and oversees 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members. The surgeon general has little administrative power, but can be an influential government spokesperson on what counts as a public health danger and what to do about it — suggesting things like warning labels for products and issuing advisories. The current surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, in June. Trump's pick, Nesheiwat, is employed as a New York City medical director with CityMD, a group of urgent care facilities in the New York and New Jersey area, and has been at City MD for 12 years. She also has appeared on Fox News and other TV shows, authored a book on the “transformative power of prayer” in her medical career and endorses a brand of vitamin supplements. She encouraged COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, calling them “a gift from God” in a February 2021 Fox News op-ed, as well as anti-viral pills like Paxlovid. In a 2019 Q&A with the , Nesheiwat said she is a “firm believer in preventive medicine” and “can give a dissertation on hand-washing alone.” National Institutes of Health As of Saturday, Trump had not yet named his choice to lead the National Institutes of Health, which funds medical research through grants to researchers across the nation and conducts its own research. It has a $48 billion budget. Kennedy has said he'd drug development and infectious disease research to shift the focus to chronic diseases. He'd like to keep NIH funding from researchers with conflicts of interest, and criticized the agency in 2017 for what he said was not doing enough research into the role of vaccines in autism — . Associated Press writers Amanda Seitz and Matt Perrone and AP editor Erica Hunzinger contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. This story has been corrected to reflect that the health agencies have an overall budget of about $1.7 trillion, not $1.7 billion.
Police Arrest UHC CEO Shooting Suspect, App Developer Luigi MangioneA phishing scam is targeting southern California residents in recent weeks over toll or violations. Several drivers of the Metro ExpressLanes complaining of receiving text messages asking for sensitive banking information or payment of fines. While the majority of the targets have been drivers of the Metro ExpressLanes, several drivers not using those lanes have also received the texts. In response to the flood of complaints received about the scam, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has put out an advisory and warning about the scam. It also clarified that the Metro ExpressLanes system has not been hacked, as some drivers suspected. Rather, it was a directed attack by hackers from different servers. "As soon as Metro became aware of the fraudulent text messages, we posted a warning about it on our ExpressLanes website home page." the message read. "The ExpressLanes system has not been hacked, and no customer information has been compromised." How To Spot Deceptive Messages From Hackers? In the advisory released by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the department clarified that it does not send text messages to drivers on the Fastrak ExpressLane asking for sensitive information or requesting payment. As a result, any text messages about the same are likely to be dubious and a phishing attack. Here are some of the screenshots of the messages that users received and subsequently shared on social media. What To Do If You Receive A Text? If you receive these messages, DO NOT respond or open any links attached to the text. "If a text message claims to be from Metro ExpressLanes regarding tolls or violations, do not respond to the message, do not use any links in the message, and do not use any contact information provided in the message," the advisory said. "Contact the ExpressLanes Customer Service at (877) 812-0022 for questions. " Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
The Buffalo Bills are in the midst of their bye week, and Bills Mafia is still riding high after Buffalo's biggest win of the year over the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was treated as the potential game of the year, so much so that THE NFL Today left their studio in New York City and travelled up to Buffalo for the pregame show. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show , J.J. Watt talked about the experience of doing the show on the road, and gave massive praise to Buffalo and Bills Mafia. "It was awesome," Watt said. "It was a really fun experience. Obviously, we're normally in the studio every week. CBS sent us out for the big game." Watt compared the show going on the road to College Gameday. "I see why you love Gameday so much," Watt said to McAfee. "That atmosphere... I tried to get the Buffalo crowd going and they delivered. We were chugging beers, we had people showing up at 6:00 AM. It was electric... very similar to Wisconsin folks. I felt right at home." The idea of having The NFL Today go on the road more often was pitched by Jim Nantz during the pregame show, and it very well may become a reality after the overwhelmingly positive responses following last Sunday.
By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday's Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro had reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said with a thin smile. “Sooner or later other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development." But he added, "we have this system now. And this is important.” Testing the missile will continue, “including in combat, depending on the situation and the character of security threats created for Russia,” Putin said, noting there is ”a stockpile of such systems ready for use.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin's claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow's talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick... there will be consequences,” he said. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday's missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He underlined that the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who added this is not the first time such a threat has been received. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office continued to work in compliance with standard security measures, a spokesperson said. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile, whose name in Russian means “hazelnut tree,” was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region, and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. The stricken area was cordoned off and out of public view. With no fatalities reported from the attack, Dnipro residents resorted to dark humor on social media, mostly focused on the missile’s name, Oreshnik. Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russia struck a residential district of Sumy overnight with Iranian-designed Shahed drones, killing two people and injuring 13, the regional administration said.. Ukraine’s Suspilne media, quoting Sumy regional head Volodymyr Artiukh, said the drones were stuffed with shrapnel elements. “These weapons are used to destroy people, not to destroy objects,” said Artiukh, according to Suspilne. —— Associated Press journalists Lorne Cook in Brussels, Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, contributed. —— Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
How AI was used in 2024 elections: Voice and chatbot clones, drafting speeches, emails
