X4 Pharmaceuticals Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
NYC ad agency titans Omnicom and Interpublic to form $30 billion marketing powerhouse Omnicom is buying Interpublic Group in a stock-for-stock deal that will create an advertising powerhouse with combined annual revenue of almost $26 billion. The companies have had a hand in iconic marketing campaigns like “Got Milk” for the California Milk Processor Board, “Priceless” for Mastercard, “Because I’m Worth It” for L’Oreal and “Think Different” for Apple. The combined company will be worth more than $30 billion. Shares of Interpublic jumped more than 15% before the opening bell Monday, while Omnicom’s stock fell more than 2%. How should the opioid settlements be spent? Those hit hardest often don’t have a say People with substance use disorder are not getting a direct say on how most opioid settlement money is used. Some advocates say keeping them out of the process is a major reason money is going to law enforcement efforts instead of other programs more likely to prevent overdose deaths. Companies have agreed to pay more about $50 billion over time to resolve lawsuits filed by governments. Most of the money is required to be used to fight the crisis. Figuring out exactly to do with it is up to state and local governments that have used a variety of structures to make those decisions. The Onion's bid to buy Infowars goes before judge as Alex Jones tries stopping sale The Onion's bid to buy conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars is scheduled to return to a Texas courtroom. A federal judge in Houston is set to hold a hearing Monday on whether a bankruptcy auction was run properly as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. The Onion satirical news outlet was named the winning bidder last month over a company affiliated with Jones. The auction was held to help pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments that Jones was ordered to pay families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families won lawsuits against Jones for calling the shooting a hoax. It's his job to keep American's planes running on time FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — It's the job of American Airlines' chief operating officer to make sure the carrier's flights take off on time and fly safely during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. David Seymour oversees flight and airport operations for American, which expects to make about 6,500 flights a day between now and New Year’s Day. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army infantry officer, Seymour has held a variety of operations-related jobs and was promoted to his current post in 2020. He spoke with The Associated Press recently about managing huge passenger numbers during the holidays and preventing people from getting on a plane before their boarding group is called. Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia helped pull U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Monday, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia was the market's heaviest weight after China said it's probing the chip giant for potential antitrust violations. Stocks in Hong Kong jumped after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy. Prices for oil and gold rose following the ouster of Syrian leader Bashar Assad. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour ends by shattering own record, grossing an estimated $2.2B, Pollstar says NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour brought in approximately $2.2 billion in its nearly two-year run, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time for a second year in a row. That's according to Pollstar estimates from data collected across 149 shows and provided to The Associated Press on Monday. Last year, Swift’s landmark Eras Tour became the first to cross the billion-dollar mark. In North America, Swift’s tour earned an estimated $1.04 billion. Globally, that number jumps to an estimated $2.2 billion. Pollstar data is pulled from box office reports, venue capacity estimates, historical Pollstar venue ticket sales data, and other undefined research, collected from November 2022 to December 2024. Cyprus and the US double down on a joint effort to combat financial crimes with more training NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus and the U.S. say they’re doubling down on a joint effort to crack down on illicit finance with additional training of Cypriot law enforcement authorities to identify, investigate and prosecute financial crimes. According to a joint statement issued Monday, an “ambitious” plan for next year will involve 21 weeks of training for different Cypriot law enforcement agencies on financial investigative and forensic accounting techniques, as well as the use of technology in investigations. The plan adds to a U.S. initiative launched 20 months ago following a pledge by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to clean up the island nation’s sullied reputation as a money laundering and sanctions evasion hub. Mexican soldiers will get a pay raise after elimination of oversight agencies, president says MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's president says much of the money gained by eliminating independent oversight and regulatory agencies will go to the army to fund a rise in soldiers’ pay. The announcement by President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday is the latest in a a series of strange funding sources to pay for the country's increasingly influential military. Mexico's Congress last week approved charging every cruise ship passenger a $42 immigration fee with much of that money also going to the armed forces. The military has been given powers to build and run everything from railways, airports and airlines in Mexico. And some of those projects appear to be losing money. Nvidia's stock dips after China opens probe of the AI chip company for violating anti-monopoly laws Shares of Nvidia have slipped after China said it is investigating the high-flying U.S. microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. In a brief press release with few details, Chinese regulators appear to be looking into Nvidia’s $6.9 billion 2019 acquisition of network and data transmission company Mellanox. Nvidia shares dipped 2.7% in early trading Monday, falling below $139 each. Considered a bellwether for artificial intelligence demand, Nvidia has led the AI sector to become one of the stock market’s biggest companies, as tech giants spend heavily on the company’s chips and data centers needed to train and operate their AI systems. TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban until Supreme Court review TikTok on Monday asked a federal appeals court to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews the case. The legal filing was made after a panel of judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban as soon as next month, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by mid-January.
NoneSault Ste. Marie police have a plan to curb shoplifting
AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:31 p.m. ESTThe Miami Hurricanes, who once appeared to be a near-lock for the College Football Playoff, are not playing for a national title. Instead, they will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. That bowl berth against Iowa State is a let-down for fans with dreams of a sixth national title in their minds, as well as players hoping to compete for a championship. However, Miami’s trip to Orlando and the lead-up to it are still crucial periods for the Hurricanes for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for the program to achieve something it has not done in more than two decades: win 11 games. Although the 11th win won’t get them closer to a championship, it is a good sign of the program’s progress over Mario Cristobal’s tenure. It would also end UM’s five-game losing streak in bowls. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every single game. We won 10. We were close on the other two, but close isn’t good enough. We want progress. We’re hungry and driven to get better, and so that’s what our focus is on: to improving as a football program, to getting better, to moving into the postseason with an opportunity against a great football team like this and putting our best on the field.” There are signs the Hurricanes will show up at close to full strength for the bowl game. Running back Damien Martinez announced he was going to play, and star quarterback Cam Ward said in a video call posted on social media that he intends to play, as well. “We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said in the video, mistaking the length of UM’s long bowl losing streak. “We’re going hard.” Playing in the bowl game also provides the opportunity for the Hurricanes to get in several practices between now and the game. That means Miami can develop its young players and prepare them for next season during both the practices and the bowl game itself. “It’s extremely valuable,” Cristobal said. “You really don’t have many opportunities throughout the course of the year — time is limited more and more each season with your student-athletes. I want to state this and be very clear: it’s very important, it’s ultra-important for the University of Miami to continue to develop and grow and progress by stressing the importance of offseason opportunities ... You learn a lot about your team and learn a lot about your people and your program when you head to the postseason.” Of course, there are potential negatives. Players can get hurt; Mark Fletcher Jr. suffered a foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl last year that cost him all of spring practice. A poor performance can also potentially set the tone for next season, like how Florida State, fresh off a playoff snub last year, suffered a devastating loss against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and went on to a dismal 2-10 season this year. “This is the ending of ’24 and the beginning of ’25,” Cristobal said. “This is the last opportunity to be on the field and carry some momentum into the offseason. So it is, in essence, it is the most important game because it’s the next game. “There’s a lot of excitement in the form of opportunity for our guys. Our guys love to play football. The chance to play one more time with this special group — this is a special group of guys now. They’ve worked hard to really change the trajectory of the University of Miami, and they want to continue to elevate the status and the culture at the University of Miami. So certainly a ton to play for.” ____ Get local news delivered to your inbox!
A judge has once again rejected Musk's multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what?Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughing
Shares of Broadcom ( AVGO 5.87% ) rallied 5.3% on Monday, as of 1:18 p.m. ET. Broadcom received a bullish note and price target upgrade from a Wall Street sell-side analyst today, building upon the blowout 2027 guidance management gave on the company's recent earnings call. UBS ups its target to $270 On Monday, UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri raised his target on Broadcom from $220 to $270 per share, while maintaining his bullish stance on the name. Broadcom's stock had recently hit Arcuri's price target, which usually prompts an analyst to either downgrade the stock based on valuation or readjust their price target higher. Arcuri chose the latter, saying, "After reviewing Broadcom's serviceable-addressable-market disclosures and reassessing likely outcomes for its custom compute and AI-networking businesses, we are raising our AI revenue estimates." Arcuri's team specifically raised their 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates on Broadcom by 20%, but perhaps more importantly, raised their 2027 EPS estimates by a whopping 40%. Arcuri likely had Broadcom's artificial intelligence (AI)-related revenue decelerating in those out years after tremendous growth in 2024 and likely in 2025. This is because as a business grows larger, it's harder to post very high growth rates due to the law of large numbers . However, Broadcom guided to a stunning $60 billion to $90 billion in AI-related revenues in 2027, up from just $12.2 billion in its recently completed fiscal 2024. That seemed to indicate the AI transition will mean higher growth rates for longer than many might have imagined. "Could be conservative"? Arcuri noted that his estimates "could be conservative" if Broadcom lands more customers for its custom ASIC (applications-specific integrated chip) segment, which builds parts of AI ASICs designed by large tech companies. In recent days, one tech publication pointed to Apple potentially working with Broadcom on a custom server chip named Baltra for Apple Intelligence workloads. If that comes to pass, the 2027 $60 billion to $90 billion addressable market could expand significantly.Rugby Australia has set itself the bold challenge of beating the British and Irish Lions, finishing in the top four of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups and with a 70 per cent success rate by 2029, winning the Bledisloe Cup every second year. The lofty ambitions were among a suite of targets revealed in a new Rugby Australia five-year strategy paper called “Green to gold”, which was released on Tuesday morning. The strategy, which has come after a series of high-performance summits among Australian rugby stakeholders, sets out the goals and standards Rugby Australia wants to achieve during the next five years, and the structure of how the game plans to do it. RA’s strategy is covered under three key pillars identified - Performance Excellence, Participation Growth and Promotion Effectiveness. After years of little silverware, and a rankings slide that sees the Wallabies living between the fifth and 10th teams in the world, the Performance Excellence section sets out the goal for the Wallabies and Wallaroos within the next five years to “play on the last weekend of the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cup”, increase the win percentages to 70 per cent, win medals at the LA Olympics in sevens and win two Super Rugby Pacific titles. Cup aim ... Matt Faessler scores against the All Blacks. Credit: Getty Images RA will also set the standard of success as winning the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship every second year, the strategy says. RA also want to increase participation by 30 per cent in men’s rugby, and by 70 per cent in women’s rugby, and build a supporter base where 50 per cent of all Australians are active Wallabies and Wallaroos fans. “All three pillars are interdependent and critical to a thriving rugby ecosystem,” RA chief executive Phil Waugh said in a statement. “And all have been developed in collaboration with member unions, Super Rugby clubs and RUPA.
Amsterdam, 23 December 2024 (Regulated Information) --- AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) is pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent to repurchase a 40% ownership interest in Graphit Kropfmühl GmbH (" GK ") currently owned by Alterna Capital Partners (" Alterna "). The purchase price can be paid in cash at the end of a three-year period, or in the form of AMG shares at any point within the three years at AMG's discretion. To the extent that AMG elects to pay any portion of the purchase price in the form of AMG shares, these shares would be subject to a holding period of 6-18 months depending on when AMG elects to transfer or issue the shares to Alterna. Alterna has committed to vote any such shares in line with the recommendations of AMG's Management and Supervisory Boards. At the end of the holding period, Alterna has given AMG the right of first refusal to purchase such shares. This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This press release contains regulated information as defined in the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht). About AMG AMG's mission is to provide critical materials and related process technologies to advance a less carbon-intensive world. To this end, AMG is focused on the production and development of energy storage materials such as lithium, vanadium, and tantalum. In addition, AMG's products include highly engineered systems to reduce CO 2 in aerospace engines, as well as critical materials addressing CO 2 reduction in a variety of other end use markets. AMG’s Lithium segment spans the lithium value chain, reducing the CO 2 footprint of both suppliers and customers. AMG’s Vanadium segment is the world’s market leader in recycling vanadium from oil refining residues, spanning the Company’s vanadium, titanium, and chrome businesses. AMG’s Technologies segment is the established world market leader in advanced metallurgy and provides equipment engineering to the aerospace engine sector globally. It serves as the engineering home for the Company’s fast-growing LIVA batteries, and spans AMG’s mineral processing operations in graphite, antimony, and silicon metal. With approximately 3,600 employees, AMG operates globally with production facilities in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil, India, and Sri Lanka, and has sales and customer service offices in Japan ( www.amg-nv.com ). For further information, please contact: AMG Critical Materials N.V. +1 610 975 4979 Michele Fischer mfischer@amg-nv.com Disclaimer Certain statements in this press release are not historical facts and are “forward looking.” Forward looking statements include statements concerning AMG’s plans, expectations, projections, objectives, targets, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans and intentions relating to acquisitions, AMG’s competitive strengths and weaknesses, plans or goals relating to forecasted production, reserves, financial position and future operations and development, AMG’s business strategy and the trends AMG anticipates in the industries and the political and legal environment in which it operates and other information that is not historical information. When used in this press release, the words “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. AMG expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in AMG's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based. Attachment GK Stake AnnouncementFortis Inc. stock falls Monday, underperforms marketAre you a gambling enthusiast in South Africa caught in the dilemma of choosing between the electric buzz of land-based casinos and the cutting-edge convenience of online platforms? Well, you’re in luck, as the South African gambling landscape offers the best of both worlds, each with its own unique allure and benefits. Whether you’re someone who relishes the glamour and social interaction of physical casinos, or you prefer the accessibility and innovation of online gaming, South Africa’s diverse gambling market has something tailor-made for you. The Age-Old Charm of Land-Based Casinos Vs. The Digital Allure of Online Platforms As of 2024, the land-based gambling market in South Africa continues to be a significant segment of the country’s entertainment industry. The nation is home to some of the most renowned casinos in the world, offering a diverse range of gaming options from traditional casino slot machines to various table games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. These establishments are not just about gambling; they are complete entertainment destinations, often featuring luxury hotels, fine dining, and live entertainment. The National Gambling Board strictly regulates the sector, ensuring fair play and responsible gambling practices. While the market faces competition from the burgeoning online gambling sector, land-based casinos in South Africa continue to attract both local and international visitors, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism and economy. However, it’s important to note that the landscape of the gambling industry is ever-changing, influenced by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. Online casinos bring unparalleled convenience, allowing players to indulge in their favourite games from the comfort of their homes. The absence of travel requirements and the 24/7 availability of online platforms are just a few reasons why digital gambling is gaining traction in the region. The Unmatched Benefits of Online Gambling The unmatched advantages of online gambling go well beyond the convenience of accessibility. Online casinos boast an extensive and diverse range of games, surpassing the limited variety in physical casinos. This vast selection caters to all gamblers, offering everything from traditional slot machines and table games to innovative themed games. Online platforms continuously update their game libraries with fresh and exciting titles, ensuring a dynamic gaming experience that keeps pace with player preferences and the latest trends. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, online casinos have elevated the gambling experience. Live dealer games, conducted in real-time by professional dealers, bring the authentic atmosphere of a land-based casino into the digital realm, offering a blend of convenience and realism. The emergence of virtual reality (VR) in online gambling is a game-changer, creating immersive, 3D environments that mimic the experience of stepping into a physical casino. This technological advancement enhances the thrill of gambling and attracts a tech-savvy audience seeking interactive and engaging experiences. Moreover, the allure of online casinos is significantly bolstered by their exclusive no deposit casino bonuses and promotions. These include welcome bonuses, free spins casinos, loyalty rewards, and more, offering added value and increased chances of winning for new and regular players. With options for various stake levels, real money casino cater to a wide spectrum of financial preferences, from high rollers to casual players. The combination of privacy, a wide array of games, advanced technology, and enticing bonuses makes online gambling a highly appealing and continually evolving field for players globally. Why Some Gamblers Might Still Prefer Land-Based Casinos Some gamblers in South Africa might prefer land-based casinos over online options for several reasons. Firstly, the tangible experience of a physical casino, with its vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment, and the social aspect of interacting with other players and staff, can be more engaging and enjoyable for some. Land-based casinos often offer a sense of luxury and a unique ambiance that online platforms cannot replicate. Secondly, there is a level of trust and security associated with physical transactions and seeing games played in real-time, which some players might find more reassuring than online gambling. Additionally, the immediate payout of winnings in a land-based casino can be more satisfying compared to the processing times of online withdrawals. Finally, for some, visiting a casino is a special outing or a part of a larger entertainment experience, which includes dining, shows, and other amenities, adding to the overall appeal of land-based casinos in South Africa. Luckily for South Africans, They Don’t Need to Choose The choice between land-based and online casinos in South Africa ultimately boils down to personal preference, as both offer unique and compelling experiences. Land-based casinos provide the classic, tangible experience of gambling, complete with the exhilaration of live gameplay, the social aspect of interacting with others, and the luxury of resort-style amenities. They cater to those who appreciate the traditional aspects of gambling and the holistic experience of a night out at a casino. On the other hand, online casinos appeal to those who value convenience, a wider variety of games, and the innovative features of digital technology. The ease of accessing a multitude of games from anywhere at any time, coupled with the advancements in live dealer games and virtual reality, makes online gambling a continuously evolving and exciting field. Additionally, the attractive bonuses and promotions available online add extra value to the player’s experience. South Africans are fortunate to have access to high-quality options in both realms. Leading South African gambling portals such as SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za will help players find the type of gambling establishment they seek. Whether it’s an online casino that focuses on slot games, or a land-based casino offering night shows and a massive gambling floor – they have it all listed. About SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za stands as a leading online casino and gambling guide, meticulously tailored for South African players. Our platform is dedicated to offering thorough and unbiased reviews of top-tier online casinos, specifically focusing on those providing South African Rand (ZAR) banking options. We distinguish ourselves by securing exclusive bonus deals for ZAR Casino players, enhancing their gaming experience. Committed to quality and reliability, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za is the definitive resource for players seeking trustworthy online casino options in South Africa.
India and Japan on Friday deliberated on a reciprocal provision of supply and services agreement for greater interoperability between the militaries of the two strategic partners amid common concerns of over China's military muscle-flexing in strategic waters. The proposed pact was discussed at a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani that took place on the sidelines of a regional security conclave in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The defence ministry said both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in co-production and co-development of military hardware. "To further improve interoperability between the Indian and Japanese forces, reciprocal provision of supply and services agreement between the two countries and participation of militaries in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were discussed by both the ministers," it said in a statement. The reciprocal supply and services pact, if sealed, would provide for the militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation. Rajnath Singh and Gen Nakatani also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air domain, the ministry said. It said the two sides reiterated the importance of India-Japan defence industry and technology cooperation. "Recalling the milestone event of signing of Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) of UNICORN mast in Japan last week, both sides agreed for enhanced cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector," it said. The MoI was inked for the co-development of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast, a key equipment for warships to increase their stealth characteristics. Rajnath Singh also held a separate bilateral meeting with Philippines Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro. "Both sides agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange of subject matter experts, defence industry, counter-terrorism, space and maritime domain," the ministry said. Prior to his departure to Delhi, Singh visited the Wat Sisakat temple (a Buddhist temple) in Vientiane, and sought blessings from Mahaveth Chittakaro, Abbot of Sisaket temple. Rajnath Singh arrived in Vientiane on Wednesday, primarily to attend a meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The ADMM-Plus is a platform comprising 10-nation ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its eight dialogue partners -- India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. Laos hosted the meeting in its capacity as the current chair of ADMM-Plus. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldThese are all of the missions heading to the moon in 2025
NASA Awards Operations, Services, Maintenance, and Infrastructure ContractAffirm to Webcast CFO Fireside Chat on December 13, 2024
Dec. 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Poison experts see it every winter holiday season: Parents rush kids to the emergency room or call hotlines, panicking that their child has ingested something dangerous. Between holiday breaks, visiting relatives' homes, attending festivities, and opening gifts galore, kids face extra risks for accidental exposure to poison. In addition to heart felt season’s greetings, the Nebraska Poison Center sends out reminders that changes in routine may increase risks for kids. Poison experts urge parents and party hosts to remember safety best practices. • Pretty holiday plants aren't edible. Keep small children and animals away from mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants and poinsettias. • Be mindful of small batteries. Toys, games, watches, remotes, and musical greeting cards may contain button or disc batteries. If swallowed, they can become stuck and cause serious injury or death if not removed. • Watch out for water beads and magnets in toys . Expanding water beads and rare earth magnets are inappropriate for those who may ingest them. Strong magnets can stick together in the intestines and trigger a medical emergency. If water beads are swallowed, they may swell and cause a blockage in the intestines. • Be on the lookout for nicotine-containing products, including vape liquid and chewing tobacco, as well as CBD and THC products . These are often in brightly colored packaging that can easily be mistaken for candy or other food items for children. If swallowed by youngsters, nicotine may cause shakiness, vomiting or seizures. Keep these items away from common areas, locked and out of reach. • Lock up cleaning cabinets. Cleansers, laundry pods, and other cleaning products should also be stored out of sight. Do not mix chemicals together when cleaning and follow all label directions for using these products. • Remind relatives without small children about the importance of child-proofing prescription drugs . Encourage friends and family to store medications up, out of sight and locked up tight, not out on a nightstand or counter. Keep all purses and travel bags secured. • Be vigilant about the bar and alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are more readily accessible during gatherings. Clean immediately after gatherings and remove all items that may contain alcohol. Sadly, the holiday season can bring joy and grief simultaneously. As seasonal calls to the Poison Center concerning children increase, so do calls about intentional harm. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of self-harm or are in a crisis, remember that you are not alone. Call 988 to reach the 24/7 National Suicide and Crisis Line for help. Prevention is the best way to avoid and minimize poisonings. The Poison Center’s specially trained registered nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365. If you have questions or suspect poisoning exposure, call 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be routed to a local poison control center. Poison Center services are free and confidential. More information The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has more about poison exposure. SOURCE: Holiday Help From the Nebraska Poison Center, fact sheet.Facebook still silent after suddenly banning then reinstating this popular gun manufacturer