fb777 apk Percentages: FG .448, FT .875. 3-Point Goals: 1-16, .063 (Dezonie 1-2, Berry 0-1, Brown 0-2, Stanford 0-2, Gray 0-3, Mashburn 0-3, Settle 0-3). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Berry 2, Durodola, Settle). Turnovers: 15 (Berry 5, Mashburn 4, Dezonie 2, Durodola, Gray, Settle, Stanford). Steals: 4 (Dezonie 2, Brown, Durodola). Technical Fouls: Gray, 9:51 second. Percentages: FG .395, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 7-25, .280 (McKeithan 3-6, Lilley 2-4, Marrero 1-4, Shepherd 1-5, White 0-2, Vahlberg Fasasi 0-4). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 8 (Lilley 2, Jones, Marrero, McKeithan, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi, White). Turnovers: 6 (White 2, Jones, Marrero, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi). Steals: 12 (Marrero 3, Jones 2, McKeithan 2, White 2, Etienne, Lilley, Vahlberg Fasasi). Technical Fouls: None. .Retailers coax Black Friday shoppers into stores with big discounts and giveaways NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers in the U.S. have used giveaways and bigger-than expected discounts to reward shoppers who ventured out on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving still reigns for now as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. Analysts reported seeing the biggest crowds at stores that offered real savings. They say many shoppers are being cautious with their discretionary spending despite the easing of inflation. Stores are even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Online sales figures from Thanksgiving Day gave retailers a reason to remain hopeful for a lucrative end to the year. Southwest Airlines says it is ending cabin service earlier to reduce chance of injury Southwest Airlines is ending its cabin service earlier starting next month. Beginning on Dec. 4, a company spokesperson says flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet. The company says it's making the changes to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries. For passengers, that means they will need to return their seats to an upright position or do other pre-landing procedures earlier than before. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the catalogs arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were scaled down to save on postage and paper. Some gift purveyors are sending out postcards. In a sign of the times, the American Catalog Mailers Association rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, industry experts say catalogs help retailers cut through the noise and still hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs. Canada's Trudeau returns home after Trump meeting without assurances that tariffs are off the table WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is returning home after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump says the dinner talks Friday night at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida were “productive.” But he signaling no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cuts WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans swept to power on Election Day and now control the House, the Senate and the White House, with plans for an ambitious 100-day agenda come January. Their to-do list includes extending tax breaks, cutting social programs, building the border wall to stop immigration and rolling back President Joe Biden's green energy policies. Atop that list is a plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts that were a signature domestic achievement of Republican Donald Trump’s first term as president. It's an issue that may define his return to the White House. The ruble's in a slump. For the Kremlin, that's a two-edged sword Russia’s ruble is sagging against other currencies, complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to keep consumer inflation under control with one hand even as it overheats the economy with spending on the war against Ukraine with the other. Over time a weaker ruble could mean higher prices for imports from China, Russia's main trade partner these days. President Vladimir Putin says things are under control. One wild card is sanctions against a key Russian bank that have disrupted foreign trade payments. If Russia finds a workaround for that, the ruble could regain some of its recent losses. Iceland votes for a new parliament after political disagreements force an early election REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Icelanders are electing a new parliament after disagreements over immigration, energy policy and the economy forced Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson to pull the plug on his coalition government and call early elections. This will be Iceland’s sixth general election since the 2008 financial crisis devastated the economy of the North Atlantic island nation and ushered in a new era of political instability. Opinion polls suggest the country may be in for another upheaval, with support for the three governing parties plunging. Benediktsson, who was named prime minister in April following the resignation of his predecessor, struggled to hold together the unlikely coalition of his conservative Independence Party with the centrist Progressive Party and the Left-Green Movement. Massachusetts lawmakers push for an effort to ban all tobacco sales over time BOSTON (AP) — A handful of Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to persuade their colleagues to support a proposal that would make the state the first to adopt a ban meant to eliminate the use of tobacco products over time. Other locations have weighed similar “generational tobacco bans.” The bans phase out the use of tobacco products based not just on a person's age but on birth year. Lawmakers plan to file the proposal next year. If approved, the bill would set a date and ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after that date forever, eventually banning all sales. Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam has approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the financial capital of Ho Chi Minh in the south. It is expected to cost $67 billion and will stretch 1,541 kilometers (957 miles). The new train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph), reducing the journey from the current 30 hours to just five hours. The decision was taken by Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035. But the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects. Inflation rose to 2.3% in Europe. That won't stop the central bank from cutting interest rates FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro currency rose in November — but that likely won’t stop the European Central Bank from cutting interest rates as the prospect of new U.S. tariffs from the incoming Trump administration adds to the gloom over weak growth. The European Union’s harmonized index of consumer prices rose 2.3 percent, up from 2.0% in October, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. However, worries about growth mean the Dec. 12 ECB meeting is not about whether to cut rates, but by how much. Market buzz says there could be a larger than usual half-point cut in the benchmark rate, currently 3.25%.President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump spoke on the phone over the Thanksgiving holiday last week, according to two people familiar with the call. The previously unreported phone call marks the only known time Biden and Trump have spoken since the president-elect visited the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office on Nov. 13. The two people familiar with the conversation said Trump called Biden to wish him a happy Thanksgiving. They said the conversation between the two leaders was brief and not substantive. The president and first lady Jill Biden spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with close family, including their son, Hunter, and daughter, Ashley. When asked by reporters last Friday whether he expected to speak with Trump again before the inauguration, Biden said: “I expect so.” Biden's invitation for Trump to visit the White House and Trump's subsequent phone call are a departure from the last transition between administrations after the 2020 election. Trump did not host Biden at the White House after his election defeat, defying the customary invitation. The Trump administration also stalled the transition after Biden's election victory four years ago, denying election results and scuttling efforts from Biden's transition team to establish a smooth transfer of power. Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration in 2021, becoming the first outgoing incumbent in 150 years not to attend his successor's inauguration. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing the week before the 2024 election that Biden would attend January's inauguration regardless of the outcome, and White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates reiterated last week that Biden plans to attend the inauguration. This story first appeared on NBCNews.com . More from NBC News:

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Seaspan Selects KVH to Equip Fleet with OneWeb Low Earth Orbit SolutionShare Tweet Share Share Email Choosing the right medical billing company is more critical than ever. A reliable billing service ensures smoother financial operations, maximizes revenue, and improves overall practice efficiency. With numerous options available, we’ll explore two top contenders — DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com — to help you make an informed decision for your healthcare business. Why Medical Billing Companies Matter in 2025 As healthcare regulations and insurance policies continue to change, medical practices face increasing challenges in managing billing processes efficiently. A top-tier medical billing company can streamline the claims process, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure timely reimbursements. By outsourcing medical billing, healthcare providers can focus on delivering quality patient care, while professionals handle the complexities of coding, claims processing, and compliance. DocVaz.com: Pioneering Medical Billing Solutions DocVaz.com has established itself as a leader in medical billing services . The company is known for its user-friendly approach, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized service. Their cloud-based platform ensures real-time access to billing data, allowing practices to stay on top of their financial health at all times. One of DocVaz.com’s key strengths is its extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance. With healthcare policies constantly evolving, the company ensures that all claims are submitted accurately and in accordance with the latest regulations. This not only reduces the chances of claim denials but also speeds up the reimbursement process, contributing to a healthier cash flow for healthcare providers. DocVaz.com also emphasizes automation, reducing manual errors and ensuring that billing processes are streamlined. From submitting claims to tracking payments, their platform simplifies every step, allowing healthcare providers to optimize their workflows and increase productivity. GET FREE CONSULTATION UMBSBillingServices.com: A Trusted Name in Medical Billing UMBSBillingServices.com has earned a reputation as a reliable partner for healthcare providers looking to optimize their billing processes. What sets UMBSBillingServices.com apart is its focus on delivering tailored solutions that fit the unique needs of different practices. The company’s team of certified billing experts possesses extensive experience across various specialties, ensuring they have the knowledge to navigate complex billing scenarios with ease. Whether you’re dealing with small private practices or large healthcare systems, UMBSBillingServices.com provides a scalable solution that adapts to your practice’s size and specific needs. UMBSBillingServices.com excels in handling medical coding and claims processing. Their expertise in reducing denied claims and ensuring maximum reimbursement has made them a preferred choice for many healthcare providers. The company also offers comprehensive reporting tools, giving practices valuable insights into their financial performance, helping them make data-driven decisions to improve revenue. GET FREE CONSULTATION Choosing the Right Medical Billing Company for 2025 When selecting a medical billing company in 2025, several key factors should be considered: Compliance & Accuracy : Ensure the company stays up to date with the latest healthcare regulations and consistently maintains accuracy in billing and coding. Technology & Automation : Look for platforms that offer automation features, real-time data access, and analytics to streamline operations and reduce errors. Customer Support : Reliable support is crucial. A responsive customer service team ensures that any issues or questions are addressed promptly. Specialization : Depending on your practice type and size, choose a company that specializes in your specific needs, whether you’re a small clinic or a large healthcare system. Both DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com offer distinct advantages, catering to different practice requirements. If you prioritize automation, real-time data, and compliance, DocVaz.com might be the right fit. On the other hand, if personalized service, customized solutions, and scalability are your priorities, UMBSBillingServices.com could be the better choice. In conclusion, selecting the best medical billing company in 2025 requires careful evaluation of your practice’s unique needs and goals. DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com both bring valuable strengths to the table, helping healthcare providers improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance revenue management. FAQs 1. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a medical billing company? When selecting a medical billing company in 2025, consider factors such as: Compliance & Accuracy : Ensure they stay updated on regulatory requirements. Technology & Automation : Look for platforms that offer automated solutions and real-time data access. Customer Support : Reliable support ensures issues are addressed promptly. Specialization : Choose a company that caters to your practice type and size. 2. What makes DocVaz.com a top medical billing company? DocVaz.com stands out for its user-friendly, cloud-based platform that ensures real-time access to billing data. Their focus on automation reduces manual errors and speeds up claims processing. They excel in regulatory compliance, helping healthcare providers avoid claim denials and improve cash flow. 3. What sets UMBSBillingServices.com apart from other billing companies? UMBSBillingServices.com offers tailored solutions, making them a great choice for practices of all sizes. They specialize in reducing denied claims and ensuring maximum reimbursements. Their team of certified experts provides personalized service, helping practices optimize billing processes. 4. How does automation benefit medical billing companies like DocVaz.com? Automation streamlines the billing process by reducing manual errors, improving accuracy, and speeding up claim submissions. With automation, providers can manage claims more efficiently, leading to faster reimbursements and better financial health. 5. Does UMBSBillingServices.com offer customized solutions for different types of practices? Yes, UMBSBillingServices.com provides tailored solutions that adapt to the unique needs of various practice sizes and specialties. Whether you’re a small clinic or a large healthcare system, their services are scalable and personalized. 6. How do I know which medical billing company is right for my practice? Consider your practice’s size, specialty, and specific needs. If you prioritize automation, real-time data access, and regulatory compliance, DocVaz.com might be ideal. If you’re looking for personalized service, customized solutions, and scalability, UMBSBillingServices.com could be a better fit. 7. What kind of support can I expect from DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com? Both companies provide responsive customer support. DocVaz.com ensures quick assistance with any technical or billing-related issues. UMBSBillingServices.com offers expert guidance tailored to your practice’s specific needs, ensuring smooth billing operations. 8. How do these companies handle denied claims? Both DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com specialize in reducing denied claims. DocVaz focuses on automation and accuracy, while UMBSBillingServices.com offers expert knowledge in medical coding, helping minimize claim denials and improving reimbursement rates. 9. Can these companies help improve my practice’s cash flow? Yes, both DocVaz.com and UMBSBillingServices.com are designed to enhance cash flow by speeding up the claims process, reducing errors, and ensuring compliance with billing regulations. This helps healthcare providers receive reimbursements more efficiently. 10. Are there any additional features offered by these companies? DocVaz.com : Offers real-time data access, analytics, and automated claims processing. UMBSBillingServices.com : Provides in-depth reporting tools, financial insights, and customized solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of healthcare providers. Related Items: Medical Billing Company , technology Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Why the Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter Is Essential for Worldwide Travelers Rocket Lab Establishes Synspective Satellite 3 Best Open World Games on The Google Play Store CommentsBrock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media

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A 37-year-old Tillsonburg resident has been arrested following an argument in St. Thomas that got heated. Just after 4:30 a.m. on Friday, police were called after a person was forced into a vehicle and assaulted. Investigation revealed that an argument between a group of people – who were known to each other – escalated, resulting in the victim bring driven away in the vehicle against their will. Police located the vehicle, and EMS was called to treat the victim for their injuries. As a result, the Tillsonburg resident faces charges of assault, robbery with theft, forcible confinement and disobey court order. London Top Stories Victim forced into a vehicle, assaulted, robbed, and held against their will: police VIDEO | London house fire spreads to neighbouring property Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque? Police investigating following fire that prompted school evacuation at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute One person dead after two-vehicle crash involving delivery truck Charges laid after transport truck crash causes Highway 401 lane closure Volkswagen battery plant will drive economy, increase consumer confidence says economic think tank Western researchers document the sixth ever asteroid spotted prior to impact CTVNews.ca Top Stories Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease. Canada Post quarterly loss tops $300M as strike hits second week -- and rivals step in Canada Post saw hundreds of millions of dollars drain out of its coffers last quarter, due largely to its dwindling share of the parcels market, while an ongoing strike continues to batter its bottom line. 'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba A jury has found two men guilty on human smuggling charges in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U.S. border. Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy' Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order. Trump supporters review-bomb B.C. floral shop by accident A small business owner from B.C.’s Fraser Valley is speaking out after being review-bombed by confused supporters of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump this week. Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over potential power loss Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash. Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque? The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work. Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place The woman who ran across the field wearing nothing but her shoes at last weekend’s Grey Cup has been given a fine and banned from BC Place. U.S. court tosses hostile workplace, pay discrimination claims against BlackBerry A U.S. court has closed the door on "hostile work environment" and wage discrimination claims made by a former BlackBerry Ltd. executive who accused the company's CEO of sexually harassing her and then retaliating against her when she reported the behaviour. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live This Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil Has Thousands Of 5-Star Reviews — And It's On Sale For Amazon Canada's Early Black Friday Sale Kitchener Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT FunGuyz says it's closing all 30 of its magic mushroom stores in Ontario The Boathouse reopens in Kitchener's Victoria Park Barrie Highway 400 closed in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover Drug trafficking investigation results in largest fentanyl seizure in Simcoe County: OPP Barrie magic mushroom dispensary closed after company announces its shuttering Ont. locations Windsor Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge 4 Windsor, Chatham-Kent councillors oppose use of notwithstanding clause on encampments Concerns over people attempting to cross Detroit River illegally Northern Ontario Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. 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Marie After a year of struggle, centre that helps Sault youth to move to a building with heat $3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake Sault College accounting students get a head start on their careers Ottawa Seniors facing 60% hike for OC Transpo monthly transit pass in 2025 under new proposal Ottawa Food Bank declares an emergency amid record-breaking usage Orleans man calls for changes after service guide dog attacked by another dog Toronto Trudeau announces funding to feed 160,000 Ontario students 3 charged in connection with collision between TTC bus and stolen BMW that injured 9 Toronto man onboard Blue Origin flight to space says he 'can't wait to go again' Montreal Pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protesters flood downtown Montreal Federal GST holiday on restaurant meals offers temporary relief Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease Atlantic P.E.I. teen sentenced to 2 years in custody in death of Tyson MacDonald Taylor Swift Fan brings souvenir home to Nova Scotia from the Eras tour New Brunswick government re-evaluates construction of $66-million jail in Grand Lake Winnipeg Semi leaves Winnipeg overpass, hits train, causes derailment Manitoba reports first case of mpox, province says risk to public is low 'Immoral depravity': Two men convicted in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba Calgary 'Sounded like a bomb': Mahogany residents stunned by townhouse explosion, fire Sixth person charged in Tara Miller's death ‘Pinch me I’m dreaming:’ Calgary drummer pulled from crowd to play with the Arkells Edmonton Edmonton carbon budget shows city falling behind on emission targets Edmonton activates extreme weather response as temperatures drop Direct flights to Houston available in Edmonton starting next year Regina Here's a look inside the Globe Theatre before it reopens B.C. man dies in collision on Sask. highway Snowfall warning expands to Regina with up to 25 cm expected Saskatoon Why isn't Saskatoon's new downtown shelter open yet? Sask. principal has sexual assault conviction overturned in light of 'butt-grabbing game' 'What about our spirituality?': Sask. man wants new Lighthouse operator to respect Indigenous culture Vancouver Trump supporters review-bomb B.C. floral shop by accident Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place Michael Buble to host 2025 Juno Awards, Sum 41 to be inducted into Music Hall of Fame Vancouver Island Campbell River high school closure extended due to fire Grey Cup streaker fined $10K, banned from BC Place Ship strikes kill thousands of whales. A study of hot spots could map out solutions Stay ConnectedOutgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster," in a speech hailing his own legacy. Biden said Trump's threats to slap huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and challenged Trump to build on what he said were the successes of his own administration. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at high costs of living under Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. At a separate event Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Trump's tariffs could "derail the progress that we've made on inflation, and have adverse consequences on growth." She warned at the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit that sweeping tariffs could raise prices significantly for US consumers and pile pressure on companies which rely on imports. The White House touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with fewer than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. Trump's inauguration is not until January 20, but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Biden has kept a relatively low profile, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record before an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world?" he said.

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. RAPT shares are trading higher after the company disclosed a partnership with Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical. The collaboration is for an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize RPT904, a novel anti-IgE monoclonal antibody worldwide, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan . RPT904 is designed to provide a potential alternative to omalizumab (Xolair), addressing allergic conditions such as asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). As per the deal, Jemincare will receive a $35 million upfront payment, up to $672.5 million in regulatory and commercial milestone payments, and royalties on sales outside the Jemincare Territory. RAPT plans to focus on developing RPT904 for food allergies, while Jemincare is conducting Phase 2 trials in China for asthma and CSU. Jemincare has completed a Phase 1 study of JYB1904 in 56 healthy volunteers in China, evaluating safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD). Jemincare is now running two Phase 2 trials in China. The asthma trial focuses on PK and PD comparisons with omalizumab, with topline data expected in late 2025. The CSU trial targets safety and efficacy, with results anticipated in early 2026. Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of RAPT said, “We’re delighted to partner with Jemincare and excited by RPT904 and its potential to be a novel best-in-class treatment option for patients with food allergy. Omalizumab’s rapid uptake in food allergy since its approval earlier this year confirms the high unmet need and large opportunity in this growing market.” “RPT904 targets the same clinically validated epitope as omalizumab and combined with extended half-life, gives this molecule a best-in-class profile. We plan to initiate a Phase 2b clinical trial of RPT904 in food allergy in the second half of 2025.” In a separate release, RAPT Therapeutics disclosed a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors for a private placement valued at around $150 million . The agreement includes 100 million common shares priced at $0.85 each and pre-funded warrants for up to 76.45 million shares priced at $0.8499 each. The pre-funded warrants, exercisable at $0.0001 per share, are immediately exercisable and remain valid until fully exercised. The transaction is expected to close by December 27, 2024 , pending customary conditions. Price Action : RAPT shares are up 110.2% at $1.735 at the last check Monday. Read Next: Palantir Vs. Lockheed: A Tech-Fueled Showdown In The $850 Billion Defense Market © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Walking Into Stress In 2025? Take Steps Now To Prepare #Walking #Into #Stress #2025? #Take #Steps #Prepare #USA #Russia #Biden #Ukraine #War #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #

By Evolve Editors Hailey Welch , also known as “Hawk Tuah girl,” first found fame through her popular catchphrase “Hawk Tuah.” However, she drew widespread criticism following the collapse of her cryptocurrency meme coin , $HAWK. She has now released a statement on the fiasco, promising full cooperation. Hailey Welch, who became known as “Hawk Tuah girl” after a viral clip circulated online in June 2024, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the rapid crumbling of $HAWK. She launched the coin on December 4 on the Solana blockchain. It reportedly experienced an immediate surge. The coin reached a market capitalization of $491 million before undergoing a severe 95% drop shortly after. “I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community,” Welch posted on X on Friday, December 20. “I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter.” Welch proceeded to ask those who have sustained financial losses because of $HAWK to contact the law firm Burwick PLLC. Per Binance , the firm has claimed that it does not represent Welch. It also underscored its objective to gain compensation for the impacted parties and arrive at the best possible outcome. On December 4, Hailey Welch, a.k.a. “Hawk Tuah girl,” claimed on X that her “team hasn’t sold one token and not 1 KOL was given 1 free token.” However, a community note refuting her statement has since been added to the post. Some observers have alleged that the drop happened due to the actions of the snipers. These are parties who acquire a significant portion of tokens when they go public. $HAWK’s creators now face a lawsuit in New York from investors. They are reportedly seeking for more than $150,000 in damages. Besides her prominent presence on social media, Hailey Welch, also known as “Hawk Tuah girl,” hosts the Talk Tuah podcast. The podcast is backed by Jake Paul’s media company, Betr. Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon . Evolve Media is a publisher of leading enthusiast destinations. Share articleMARKET REPORT: Boots owner Walgreens soars on takeover talk

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In a move to streamline public events and enhance accountability, the Chandigarh Police have placed the responsibility for safety and traffic management squarely on the shoulders of event organisers. Whether it’s a political rally, musical concert or religious procession, organisers must now ensure the smooth execution of their gatherings, taking charge of everything from crowd control to traffic diversions. Under the newly formed “SoP guidelines for permissions for public event”, organisers are required to take proactive steps to manage crowd safety and traffic disruptions. This includes deploying trained volunteers to assist with traffic regulation and crowd control, particularly for large-scale events. Compliance with safety regulations is mandatory, with requirements such as installation of CCTV cameras, proper signage and availability of safety equipment at event venues. Organisers will bear full responsibility for any accidents or incidents occurring during their events. To ensure transparency, organisers must conduct videography or photography of the event and submit copies to the Chandigarh Police upon request for investigative purposes. They are also required to prepare clear and tested evacuation and emergency response plans. For larger gatherings, these plans must be shared with local authorities to ensure readiness for any unforeseen situations. Additionally, event layouts, entry and exit points, and estimated crowd sizes must be submitted at the time of application to facilitate effective monitoring. In a notable shift, organisers are now responsible for arranging traffic diversions, ensuring road safety measures, and installing necessary signage to guide attendees. Processions are required to adhere to specific rules, such as keeping to the left and occupying no more than one-third of the road width. Pedestrian and cycling paths must remain unobstructed, and vehicles must be parked in authorised areas to avoid congestion. As per the guideline, organisers must inform the public about event permissions and rules through press releases and social media platforms, ensuring compliance and awareness among attendees. IGP to grant permissions Previously, the process for obtaining event permissions involved forwarding applications to multiple departments, including the SSP (Law & Order), SSP (Traffic & Security), chief fire officer and municipal corporation, with the deputy commissioner’s office granting the final approval. Now, the inspector general of police (IGP) will serve as the nodal officer for the permission-granting process. The IGP will oversee approvals and ensure adherence to all stipulated guidelines. After a thorough assessment, the IGP will formally decide on the permission. All permissions granted, conditions imposed and post-event reports will be recorded for future audits and evaluations.A grand jury indictment, filed Sept. 19 and unsealed Tuesday, charges Guan Tianfeng, 30, with conspiring to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to the indictment, Tianfeng worked for a China-based private company, Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co. Ltd., that sold hacking services to Chinese government agencies from July 2018 to May 2020. Tianfeng and other unnamed co-conspirators allegedly infected approximately 81,000 firewall devices sold by Sophos Ltd., an IT company based in the United Kingdom that sells cybersecurity products. More than 23,000 of the infected firewalls were located in the United States. Many were in the Northern District of Indiana. The primary purpose of a firewall is to secure a network from cyberattacks. "Guan Tianfeng and his co-conspirators placed thousands of computer networks, including a network in the Northern District of Indiana, at risk by conducting this attack," U.S. Attorney Clifford Johnson said. Tianfeng and others allegedly "obtained internet domains, servers and firewalls to test malicious computer code for exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in an identified, widely used firewall, testing such code, and ultimately using that code to conduct mass, indiscriminate intrusions targeting such firewalls worldwide," the indictment states. A zero-day exploit is a previously unknown vulnerability in a computer software or hardware product that can be used in a cyberattack. Over three days in April of 2020, Tianfeng allegedly used the zero-day exploit to deploy malware on 81,000 firewalls owned by thousands of businesses across the world. Feds believe Tianfeng intentionally accessed computers in the United States without authorization. In doing so, he allegedly obtained information from a U.S. government entity. His actions caused software damage to at least one computer used by the U.S. government, the indictment alleges. The code Tianfeng installed stole victims' usernames and passwords. If the victim tried to reboot their device, the code would attack every Windows-based computer on the victim's network with ransomware — a type of malicious software that prevents a user from accessing data stored on their device. The U.S. State Department on Tuesday announced it is offering a reward of up to $10 million to anyone who has information about Tianfeng or his tech company. Feds believe Tianfeng is currently living in Sichuan Province, China. He also has ties to or may visit Bangkok, Thailand, they say. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued sanctions against Tianfeng and Sichuan Silence, it said.Charles M. Blow: Serving, and saving, the innocent children of incarcerated parentsGeneral Motors is pulling the plug on its efforts to develop a fleet of driverless taxis and will focus on driver-assistance features that require a driver to be ready to take control of the car, the company said Tuesday . GM is dropping robotaxi efforts “given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market,” the company said in a statement. The Detroit-based automaker’s robotaxi efforts had been run by a company called Cruise, of which GM owns 90%. Many of the Cruise employees who have worked on self-driving technology will now be shifted over to GM to work on driver assist features, such as Super Cruise, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicles. GM said the move will cut costs by $1 billion annually after the combination is complete. GM said it will instead focus on driver assistance features rather than fully automous vehicles; developing a fleet of robotaxis would have required more than $10 billion, the company added. GM faces competition in the robotaxi market from Google’s Waymo unit, in partnership with Uber, as well as from ride-hailing and taxi services that use human drivers. And earlier this fall, Tesla announced plans for new driverless vehicles without steering wheels, brakes or accelerators, as well as for a robotaxi service that would allow Tesla owners to rent out their cars to the service when they don’t need it for their own use. But GM has decided that’s no longer a sector in which it makes sense to compete. GM CEO Mary Barra told investors Tuesday that the company decided the robotaxi service was not part of GM’s core business, and that shifting its self-driving technology efforts to driver assist features available on privately-owned cars will help with the products it offers to car buyers. Cruise also came under fire over the past few years after an October 2023 incident in which of its self-driving taxis in San Francisco hit a pedestrian and dragged the woman along the road for 20 feet. California authorities ordered the company to halt its operations in the state as a result, and GM subsequently suspended the service nationwide. Last month, Cruise agreed to pay a $500,000 fine as part of a deferred prosecution agreement that resolved potential federal criminal charges for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about that accident. The October 2023 accident happened after the woman had already been hit by another car that had a human driver at the wheel. GM and other advocates of self-driving vehicles have insisted that self-driving cars can become safer than those driven by humans. GM has even set a goal of a world in which the electrification and autonomous technology would produce cars with “zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.” The decision to stop funding robotaxis is clearly a step back from that target, but it did not represent a total abandonment of the goal of fully autonomous vehicles, Barra said Tuesday. “Cruise has been an early innovator in autonomy,” said Barra in her statement. She said combining Cruise’s efforts for self-driving vehicles with GM’s efforts to provide assistance to drivers “will help advance our vision for the future of transportation.” “We’re fully committed to autonomous driving and excited to bring GM customers its benefits – things like enhanced safety, improved traffic flow, increased accessibility, and reduced driver stress,” said Dave Richardson, senior vice president of software and services engineering at GM. This story has been updated with additional context and information.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines' flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren't going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn't like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines' postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game," he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides," he said. "Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

NoneIt looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. “The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more,” Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. “There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie,” said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction.” In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation , did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the “no-fault findings,” as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report , Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist “saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities.” But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's “decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable.” A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug “then entered the market through illegal channels,” he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles,” Li said. “The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice.” This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. “Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated,” he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. “It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. “Which clearly it has not.” AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-gamesIn his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.