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In recent months, there has been a noticeable trend of mortgage rates rising, indicating that the era of historically low interest rates may be coming to an end. For potential homebuyers, this development raises the question of whether it is prudent to purchase property now or wait for a possible reversal in interest rate trends.In the end, Krunić's journey from AC Milan to FC Empoli and back to San Siro is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and love for the game. As he steps onto the hallowed turf once again, he carries with him the memories of his time at AC Milan and the hopes of a bright future ahead with FC Empoli. ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. Announces December 2024 Dividend Rate Per Common Share

Imprisoned Proud Boys leader balks at answering a prosecutor's questions about Capitol attack

Wall Street is watching for developments in Washington, D.C. Friday after Thursday's failed attempt to avert a government shutdown. Some stocks remain wobbly as the day wears on and a midnight deadline approaches. What Happened : The House turned down a contingency plan proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) only hours before the vote Thursday. The proposal failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. Backed by President-elect Donald Trump , the funding bill ran into trouble mainly from Democrats due to its inclusion of a two-year debt limit suspension. The bill would have maintained government funding at existing levels through mid-March, suspended the debt limit for two years and allocated approximately $100 billion in disaster relief and about $10 billion for farmer economic assistance. Market Movement, Sectors Affected Defense Sector: Companies in the defense industry, such as Lockheed Martin LMT , Northrop Grumman NOC and L3Harris Technologies LHX often depend heavily on government contracts. During a shutdown, delays in contract awards and payments can occur, potentially impacting cash flow and stock performance. Health Care Sector: Firms that receive substantial revenue from government health care programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, might experience payment delays during the shutdown. This could affect companies such as UnitedHealth Group UNH and Humana HUM . Aerospace Sector: Aerospace companies that rely on federal contracts or regulatory approvals could face delays, potentially affecting their operations and stock prices. These stocks include Lockheed Martin and Boeing BA Consumer, Retail Sectors: A shutdown can lead to furloughs for federal employees, resulting in delayed paychecks. This reduction in disposable income may decrease consumer spending over the holidays, adversely affecting retail companies and consumer goods manufacturers. Financial Sector: Government shutdowns can delay economic reports and data releases, creating uncertainty in financial markets. Naturally, this uncertainty could lead to increased market volatility, impacting financial institutions and investment firms. Holiday Travelers, Take Note With the busy holiday season upon us and the Transportation Security Administration expecting to screen up to 40 million air travelers in the coming weeks, air traffic controllers and essential airport workers could be doing their jobs without the prospect of a paycheck. Before the Capitol moved closer to a shutdown, the AAA predicted over 119 million people would hit the roads over the holidays, noted the NY Times. If no funding solution is reached by midnight, the already crowded highways could be even more so as planes and trains fill up or, worse, face cancellations. No matter what happens in D.C., Amtrak is expected to keep the trains running on schedule. Now Read: Market Volatility Halts On Soft Inflation Data, Yet Traders Remain Wary Of Fighting The Fed: 10 ETFs Moving Friday Photo via Shutterstock. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Never mind Trump, stocks may get a lift in 2025 from resilient US economy and corporate earnings

It is also worth considering the impact of rising mortgage rates on your overall financial health. Higher borrowing costs could affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage or result in higher monthly payments, potentially straining your budget. However, locking in a mortgage now could provide certainty and stability in a time of economic uncertainty.

In conclusion, the success of the conference highlighted Xiaomi's position as a leader in the tech industry and its relentless pursuit of excellence in innovation. With Lu Weibing at the helm, Xiaomi is poised to continue driving forward the "Human-Vehicle-Home Full Ecosystem" initiative and shaping the future of technology in a meaningful and impactful way.The P.E.I. Green Party's energy critic says Maritime Electric's plan to expand its power generation on the Island through the use of fossil-fuel technology is shortsighted. Peter Bevan-Baker said he was "very disappointed and not entirely shocked" to learn that the energy utility is applying to spend $427 million on a combustion turbine, a battery for energy storage systems, and internal combustion engines. "Maritime Electric is not necessarily known for being a progressive company when it comes to looking to... the energy future," Bevan-Baker told Island Morning host Mitch Cormier on Friday. "We see other jurisdictions around the world embracing new clean energy when it comes to generation and storage. And yet we are considering investing half a billion dollars in some diesel generators." As P.E.I. becomes leader in switching to electricity, utility looks to keep up P.E.I.'s electricity supply not keeping up with population growth, says utility Maritime Electric pulls around 75 per cent of its power from other provinces, primarily New Brunswick. Last year, P.E.I.'s grid recorded a new peak load of 359 megawatts. The utility said buying the equipment it's seeking approval for should be cheaper in the long run than continuing to buy power off-Island. What's the point in plugging my electric car into the socket if the energy that's coming to feed my battery is by burning diesel? We may as well just put a diesel engine in the car. — Green Party energy critic Peter Bevan-Baker The provincial Crown corporation has submitted an application to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission to make the purchase. Bevan-Baker said he's in favour of P.E.I. producing more of its own energy rather than relying on its neighbours, but he said there's a cleaner way to do it in both the short and long term. Green Party energy critic Peter Bevan-Baker says he'll be requesting a meeting with Gilles Arsenault, the province's new environment minister, to discuss Maritime Electric's proposal. (CBC) "I have no issue with us trying to create more energy independence here on Prince Edward Island. But to do that in one fell swoop by spending half a billion dollars on technology which was being outlawed and abandoned 20, 30 years ago is not the way to go," he said. "What's the point in plugging my electric car into the socket if the energy that's coming to feed my battery is [generated] by burning diesel? We may as well just put a diesel engine in the car." 'We could make gradual, sensible investments' The cost of the new equipment will be passed on to customers eventually, but the utility said it's too early to tell what that could mean for an average monthly bill. Maritime Electric hoping IRAC approves $427M purchase to increase local power generation 2 days ago Duration 2:18 Maritime Electric pulls much of its power from other provinces and that’s causing issues. Maritime Electric CEO Jason Roberts says a new combustion turbine and other equipment will allow the utility to be more self-reliant, but it’s not known what the purchase will do to monthly electricity bills. In an interview this week with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said the province will be an intervenor in the IRAC hearings on Maritime Electric's application, "to make sure ratepayers are represented at the hearings and in the discussion and to make sure that we're doing everything we possibly can do to keep rates as low as we can possibly keep them, as well as making sure we meet our targets for climate reduction." While the province hopes to eventually reach net zero when it comes to carbon output, the grid is being challenged by the number of people swapping from oil to electric heat pumps. P.E.I. premier says threat of U.S. tariffs is 'top of mind right now' 23 hours ago Duration 8:06 Premier Dennis King sits down with CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin in the final year-end interview with leaders of P.E.I.'s political parties. Maritime Electric CEO Jason Roberts told CBC News this week that the effects could be dire if the upgrades don't happen, especially if there is another cold snap as there was in February 2023 and wind farms in the province are too cold to operate. That's where Bevan-Baker said the provincial government needs to step in and help Islanders and communities store more of the renewable energy they generate from solar and wind in battery reserves. Maritime Electric unveils wide-ranging plan to protect P.E.I.'s power grid as the climate changes IRAC approves P.E.I. smart meter switch, but remains concerned about the pricetag Bevan-Baker said he'll be requesting a meeting with Gilles Arsenault, the province's new environment minister, to discuss Maritime Electric's proposal. "Ultimately government has the ability — and I would say the responsibility — to make sure that we have a modern utility that's providing clean, green, affordable, reliable energy for Islanders, and Maritime Electric is really falling down on that, so government has to take the lead here," he said. "We could make gradual, sensible investments now so that we have a reliable, clean, green, affordable energy future for Prince Edward Island, long into the future, rather than doing something which takes us backwards and indebts future generations for decades to come." Timelines vary on when the new equipment would arrive once its purchase is approved, but the utility hopes to have everything up and running by 2030.

"Endless Warmth" takes players on a magical journey through a captivating world where they must navigate challenges, solve puzzles, and interact with charming characters. The game's innovative mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging storyline have captivated gamers of all ages, making it a standout title in the mobile gaming industry.As an avid car enthusiast and technology nerd, I've been closely following the developments in the electric vehicle market, particularly the rise of Chinese automakers like Xiaopeng Motors. The company's latest offering, the Xiaopeng G9, has been generating quite a buzz in the industry with its sleek design, advanced features, and competitive pricing. However, despite the hype surrounding the G9, I find myself hesitant to take the plunge and invest in this vehicle. In this article, I will delve into the reasons behind my hesitation and provide a detailed analysis of the Xiaopeng G9.

As the situation continues to unfold, students at Jinan University remain hopeful that a resolution will be reached that ensures fair treatment for all vendors and upholds the principles of integrity and transparency on campus. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior and responsible competition in the university community, and underscores the need for effective oversight and accountability measures to prevent such conflicts from arising in the future.

In conclusion, China Life's achievement of reaching approximately 644.3 billion RMB in original insurance premium income in the first 11 months of the year, with a year-on-year growth of 4.8%, is a testament to the company's resilience, strength, and strategic vision. As the insurance industry continues to evolve and grow, China Life remains a key player in driving positive change and innovation in the market.

It was a casual conversation between Messi and Mbappe, two of the most talented and successful footballers of our time. As they prepared for a friendly match, Messi turned to Mbappe and said, "You've already won the World Cup, this time let me win." These simple words spoke volumes about Messi's understanding of not just the game of football, but also of his own emotions and those of his teammate.

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